Increasing Youth Employability in Albania by Enhancing Skills through Vocational Education

Abstract

Since the 1990s, Albania has experienced structural changes in education and the labour market as a result of increased globalization, the trend toward deindustrialization, and the increasing outflow of foreign direct investment, particularly from European countries such as Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Youth unemployment has increased drastically due to the transition of the economy from agricultural and public sector sectors into open market economy. This article through in-depth literature review aim to analyse the various variables and causes of youth unemployment, to analyse also the vocational education and training framework in Albania. Three research questions were raised: What are the factors that have contributed to the youth unemployment in Albania? What technical skills required the labour market in Albania? Can vocation education system in Albania enhance skills required by the labour market? This article suggests some discussions on how to increase youth employment by knowing what skills the labour market request especially in private sector and how we can improve them through vocational education and training.