New policy allows students to transfer to vocational schools during first year of high school
Albania has introduced a new policy allowing students to transfer from general high schools to vocational schools throughout their first year. The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Economy, aims to provide students with more flexibility in choosing vocational education. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced this initiative on social media, sharing details of the new opportunity.
Why is this important: The policy is part of Albania’s ongoing reforms to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in the job market. With an increasing number of students opting for vocational training, the policy aims to ensure that young people have the opportunity to pursue in-demand trades, enhancing their job prospects and meeting market needs.
What did PM say: Rama highlighted the importance of the policy in a social media post: “Students who want to learn a trade now have a new opportunity to choose vocational education at any time during their first year of high school, thanks to the agreement signed today.” He emphasized that this reform aligns with the growing need for qualified professionals in various industries and will help young people secure stable employment.
Details: Minister of Education and Sport, Ogerta Manastirliu explained that the transfer policy allows students to shift to vocational schools throughout the year, ensuring they can follow their true career interests. “This is another tool in our vocational education reform package, helping students align their skills with market needs,” she stated. Minister of Economy Blendi Gonxhja added that vocational school enrollments have reached a record high for the 2024-2025 academic year, with 4,400 students registered.
Context: The policy is part of a broader effort to modernize Albania’s education system, especially in response to the growing job market demands. The Government has been promoting vocational training as a fast-track route to employment, and the new transfer policy is expected to boost participation. Schools will also benefit from the introduction of career orientation coordinators, helping students as early as grade six explore their educational options.
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