Gesi, a young man from Lushnja, graduated from university in political science. However, for three years he has been working in the tourism sector on Golem beach in Durrës, sometimes as a waiter, sometimes as a bartender and most recently as a head chef in a seaside restaurant.
“The service sector is in dire need of employees and wages are improving,” he explained.
At a time when many young people graduating from Albanian universities face employment insecurity, or end up working in profiles unrelated to their studies, another educational path is gaining more and more attention in Durrës: vocational education.
Considered for many years as a secondary solution, vocational education is increasingly becoming a smart alternative for hundreds of young people seeking a secure and well-paid profession.
The increase in interest in vocational education is not accidental, but comes as a result of the concrete orientation towards the labor market, connections with business and practical preparation offered to students. Businesses in the coastal city are also paying more attention to vocational education, which offers young people more practical and prepared for concrete work.
“Many young people graduate from universities, but fail to find employment in their profession, because university programs often do not match the real needs of the labor market,” Neritan Golja, head of the Durrës Chamber of Commerce and Industry, tells BIRN.
“We would like more businesses to collaborate with vocational schools and universities to provide what the market demands,” he added.
From class to work
With a strong theoretical foundation, intensive practice, connections to business, and real employment opportunities, vocational education in Durrës is making a strong comeback as a visionary choice.
In an increasingly competitive job market and faced with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, this education is becoming one of the greatest values that an educational system can offer young people: a profession in hand and concrete skills for tomorrow.
According to data from vocational schools in Durrës, over 75% of students who complete vocational education are employed immediately after graduation, many of them even during their final years of school.
Meanwhile, about 20% continue their studies in higher professional or university programs, turning this path into a strong foundation for long-term development.
Enrollment in vocational schools in Durrës has increased significantly this year. Nearly 600 students have enrolled for the first time in the “Beqir Çela” and “Hysen Çela” schools.
"The most sought-after major is 'Transportation Service', which accounts for about 40% of tenth grade enrollments and 40% of the total number of students at the school," says Fatmir Merkuri, principal of the "Beqir Çela" school, which is known as a "boys' school."
"There has been increased interest in recent years in the Information and Communication Technology major, where three girls have registered this year," he added.
The “Beqir Çela” School has been transformed into a true professional campus with modern laboratories, a new practical building and a new dormitory building for students from the districts. Innovations include the opening of two post-secondary branches, namely “Diagnostics and Management in Auto Service” and “Renewable Energy” – the first program of its kind at the national level.
These programs not only offer more advanced qualifications, but position the school as a pioneering institution in the introduction of sustainable and green technologies in Albanian vocational education.
Adeos, 19 years old, from Durrës, has completed the branch of vehicle mechanics, electroauto, at the "Beqir Çela" school and this October began his 2-year studies at the "Aleksandër Moisiu" University.
“I worked as an intern during school and got paid,” he said, recalling that he got a job in his third year and worked in the afternoons. “The market needs professionals and I feel that every day,” he added.
Meanwhile, at the "Hysen Çela" vocational school in Durrës, branches such as hospitality-tourism, food technology, economics, clothing and information technology are among the most preferred. This also coincides with the economic developments of the area, where tourism is one of the main engines.
"This school year, 280 students were registered in the 10th grade, or 20% more than last year, while the school has a total of 850 students," said Blerina Dervishi, principal of "Hysen Çela" high school.
"In recent years, the most sought-after branch remains that of hospitality and tourism, with ever-growing interest," she added.
The two directors of Durrës vocational high schools say that they cooperate closely, in addition to business, with the Labor Office, where students apply to find a job, but also to benefit from the short-term courses offered by the Vocational Training Center.
For Sara, a student at the "Hysen Çela" school, the choice of vocational education was a well-considered one. She chose the hospitality-tourism branch, as she was convinced that she would find work anywhere - in restaurants, hotels or kitchens.
“I have a passion for service and I like that I can work abroad,” she said. “But even here, in Durrës and in the south, tourism is developing a lot and the salaries are good,” Sara added.
Students' interests do not always correspond to the demands of the labor market. Young people also carefully evaluate the lifestyle that their profession allows them. Branches like fishing have fewer students, even though the market has a great need.
“Life at sea is not highly valued by young people,” says Arben Kume, with over 42 years of experience in fishing.
"They prefer jobs on the ground that keep them closer to family," he added.
Partnership with business
A key element of success is close cooperation with local businesses and employment institutions. The two schools cooperate with the Labor Office, the Chamber of Commerce and over 700 businesses, guaranteeing internships and real employment opportunities. Dual education branches have also been opened, where the classroom moves to the business.
"We have agreements with 400 businesses for internships and employment," explained Blerina Dervishi.
Her colleague, Fatmir Merkuri from the "Beqir Çela" school, also reports that this educational institution has agreements with 380 businesses.
“The school also works closely with business to adapt the curriculum to market needs,” he said.
The Durrës Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this approach.
“The lack of qualified labor is one of the biggest challenges for businesses today,” said Neritan Gjola. “Cooperation with vocational education is the best way to build a sustainable labor market,” he concluded./BIRN/
