The study visit to Albania, organized by the EdUP project, provided a valuable opportunity for the leaders of nine partner vocational education institutions, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and project experts to explore best practices in governance, financing, and business engagement in the development of vocational education.
The delegation visited several educational institutions, including the Technical-Economic School and the Gjergj Canco School in Tirana, as well as Kolin Gjoka in the city of Lezhë. These schools maintain close cooperation with local businesses through dual education programs — a key focus of the visit.
The Ukrainian delegation also held meetings with representatives of state institutions responsible for shaping vocational education policy, financing, administering the school network, developing standards, and conducting external quality assurance.
“Albania has gone through a long and challenging journey to build trust between education and business — from a complete lack of understanding of each other’s roles to collaborating on the creation of modern learning spaces, curriculum development, and the training of a new generation of skilled workers.”
Particular interest was shown by the Ukrainian delegation in the governance model implemented by S4J. One of its key components is the Development Unit, an internal unit within each educational institution that brings together coordinating teachers. Together with school management, this team is responsible for strategic development — from building partnerships with businesses and designing curricula to monitoring graduate employment, marketing, career guidance, and ensuring the quality of education.
“For Ukraine, it is important to rethink the role of such units within the structure of vocational institutions. This could become a new point of growth for our schools.”
Ukrainian school leaders also shared ideas they plan to adapt at home. Nazar Zakal, Director of the Interregional Higher Vocational School of Motor Transport and Construction, emphasized the need to actively develop the Career Development Center — as a hub for communication with youth, graduates, and employers.
Andrii Bezuglyi, Director of the Higher Art Vocational School No. 5 in Vinnytsia, highlighted the need to revise the strategy for working with businesses. In his view, effective cooperation requires systematic planning, transparency, and mutual benefit. That is why his plans include significantly strengthening coordination in this area.
The study visit to Albania was part of EdUP’s broader efforts to support the systemic development of vocational education in Ukraine. Such visits enable Ukrainian educators to learn from international experience, implement innovative governance models, and strengthen cooperation with the private sector.
