The present Torino Process assessment analyses the challenges to the development and use of human capital in Albania, and discusses in more detail the main issues and policy responses for the VET system. It draws on information provided in the national report for Albania, prepared in the framework of the Torino Process (see link below), and other sources. The assessment addresses policymakers and their partners in the country who are concerned with the design and implementation of education and training policies. At the same time, this assessment is capable of informing the design of new programmes or projects by the EU or other donors.
This ETF assessment comes at an important time, as Albania prepares for the next multi-annual cycle of reform implementation with a view to developing human capital, including preparation for EU support through the next generation of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in 2021–2027. This report is expected to help with the prioritisation of reforms and the design of actions by providing input for policymakers in the domain of education and training. The assessment findings complement the monitoring of the country's Economic Reform Programme (ERP) from a sectoral point of view.
The assessment starts in Chapter 1, which provides a brief overview of the economic, labour market and demographic developments in the country, and its priorities and policies regarding EU integration, as well as key data on the education and training system, related reform priorities and donor interventions. Chapter 2 presents an overview of key challenges related to the development and use of human capital in the country, while Chapter 3 looks in more detail at three key issues. Section 3.1 discusses the challenges and possible policy responses related to the participation of young people and adults in education and training, and assesses the extent to which the number of students matches the quantitative demand for workers. Section 3.2 reviews qualitative aspects, notably the teaching and learning resources of vocational schools and training centres. Section 3.3 interrogates the country's education and training outcomes and whether they are in line with the needs and preferences of employers. Chapter 4 provides the overall conclusions of the analysis. The annex presents a summary of the recommendations in graphic form.