Building skills for the jobs of the future

In Kosovo, this shift is already taking shape across the vocational education and employment sector, with support from the German Development Cooperation through GIZ.

With this support, Dual Vocational Education and Training (Dual VET) is equipping young people with practical, labour market-oriented competencies, while green and digital skills are being embedded directly into vocational curricula. In close cooperation with public institutions and the private sector, vocational education is being modernised so that future professionals are ready for a greener and more competitive economy. New and updated Dual VET curricula are being developed for Mechatronics for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Food Processing, and Retail, integrating green skills and responding to the evolving needs of Kosovo's labour market and its green transition.

GIZ is also supporting training in solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, giving young people hands-on skills in renewable energy technologies. These opportunities are building a skilled workforce that can support Kosovo's energy transition, while opening new employment prospects in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the green economy.

The reach of this work continues to grow. Dual VET has now expanded to 32 vocational schools across 17 municipalities, engaging around 2,300 students in cooperation with approximately 800 partner companies. By connecting education with the labour market, strengthening partnerships between vocational schools and businesses, and promoting future-oriented green and digital skills, more young people are moving successfully from learning to employment.

Quality vocational education, stronger partnerships with employers, and the integration of green skills continue to drive sustainable economic development and prepare a new generation for the jobs of the future.

Investing in skills today means building a greener, more resilient tomorrow.