Bridging Education and Employment: Kosovo Advances Dual Vocational Education for Youth

As Kosovo marks Education Day on 24 January, the occasion highlights the growing role of Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) in strengthening education and improving young people’s transition into the labour market.

Dual VET is increasingly recognised as a modern and effective alternative to traditional education pathways.  By combining classroom learning in vocational schools with structured and hands-on training in partner companies, students gain both occupational skills and practical work experience that align with current labour market needs. 

This practice-oriented approach is particularly relevant in a fast-changing economy, where adaptability, technical competences and close cooperation between education systems and employers are essential. Learning in real work environments helps bridge the gap between education and employment and ensures that training reflects the realities of modern professions. 

For students, the impact is tangible and profound. As Nuhi Krasniqi, an aspiring chef, shares: 

“I’ve loved cooking since I was a child. Now, as a VET student, I get to learn and practice it twice a week in the school’s kitchen. I’ve learned so much, discovered new skills, and realized how much I truly love this profession. This experience has given me confidence and opens doors to a future I’m excited about.”

In Kosovo, DUAL VET is supported by the German Government and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with national institutions. The system is expanding, with 32 vocational schools in 17 municipalities currently offering dual programmes in fields such as auto mechanics, electrical installation, woodwork, hairdresser, energy and hospitality. Delivery relies on strong collaboration with the private sector and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, with nearly 800 companies hosting students for the practical component of their training.

Aligned with national and global sustainability priorities, current development efforts focus on green skills. In this context, GIZ, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), is supporting the modernisation of dual VET curricula to respond to the green transition. This includes a new auto-mechatronics curriculum with emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the greening of existing occupational profiles in food technology and retail to ensure environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and contemporary production standards are integrated in vocational training.

At present, around 2,300 students are enrolled in Dual VET programmes, supported by a strengthened and well-prepared teaching workforce. So far, 180 teachers have been trained in Dual VET methodologies, including 32 certified Trainers of Trainers, ensure system-wide quality and sustainability.

Significant progress has been also made in strengthening quality assurance. Key achievements include the finalisation of a national operational guideline for examination and certification of students, the certification of 14 in-company instructors as official examiners, and the development of assessment tools and pedagogical materials tailored for dual education. 

Further capacity-building efforts have strengthened cooperation between schools and companies. More than 65 Professional Practice Teachers and 33 Trainers of Trainers have completed specialised training to better prepare students for the workplace and ensure effective delivery of dual programmes. 

These achievements laid the groundwork for a quality-assured system and enabled the successful graduation of the first Dual VET cohort in May 2025, involving approximately 100 students. High-level institutional participation, including the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister in the Dual VET graduation events, increased public visibility and strengthened confidence in this education model.

On this Education Day, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to advancing vocational education in Kosovo. With solid structures in place, broad institutional coverage, growing employer engagement, and an expanding focus on green skills and sustainable professions, Dual VET is emerging as a forward-looking, practice-oriented pathway that supports quality education and sustainable employment for the country’s future workforce.

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