CultiVETing – Strengthening the Connection between Vocational Education and the Agri-Food Labour Market in Albania and Kosovo

This is the third press release issued by the consortium of the Erasmus+ project CultiVETing – Cultivating Entrepreneurship in the Agrifood Sector through VET, a Capacity Building initiative co-funded by the European Union and implemented by partners from the European Union and the Western Balkans.

Strengthening Connections Between Education and the Labour Market

As part of the project activities, the consortium has successfully completed a series of Work Fairs and Information Sessions in Albania and Kosovo, bringing together students, vocational education providers, businesses, public institutions and civil society organizations to strengthen cooperation between education and the labour market in the agri-food sector. Implemented under Work Package “Connection of TVET with Businesses in the AgriFood Sector in Western Balkans”, the activities aimed to provide young people with direct exposure to labour market opportunities while creating stronger links between vocational education and agri-food businesses.

A total of nine events were organized across Albania and Kosovo, including three public Work Fairs and six Information Sessions. In Albania, activities took place in Tirana and Shkodra, while in Kosovo they were organized in Prishtina, Rahovec and Vushtrri. More than 200 students, young people, teachers and stakeholders participated in the events, alongside over 20 businesses and agri-food sector representatives who shared their experiences, expectations and opportunities for employment and internships. In Albania, two Work Fairs and three Information Sessions engaged nearly 110 participants and brought together 12 businesses and sector stakeholders. In Kosovo, one Work Fair and three Information Sessions reached around 100 participants and involved 10 businesses and labour market actors.

Building Skills and Career Opportunities

Participants learned about current labour market trends, skills demanded by businesses, career opportunities, entrepreneurship pathways and practical experiences from companies operating in the agri-food sector. Through direct interaction with employers and sector representatives, students gained a better understanding of workplace expectations and future career prospects. A central focus of the Information Sessions was career guidance and professional development. Students were encouraged to explore different career pathways within the agri-food sector, understand labour market expectations, and reflect on the skills and competencies needed to successfully transition from education to employment.

A key message highlighted throughout the activities was that the agri-food sector is rapidly evolving and offers opportunities that go far beyond traditional agriculture.

“The agri-food sector remains strategically important for both Albania and Kosovo, yet many young people do not see its full potential. Too often, agriculture is associated only with traditional farm work, while today’s reality includes innovation, digital technologies, agritourism, food processing, marketing and entrepreneurship. Changing this perception is essential for creating the skilled workforce that our countries need for the future,” said Evelina Azizaj, the National Coordinator of the ANRD.

Businesses participating in the events emphasized the importance of closer cooperation with vocational education institutions to ensure that young people develop the practical and entrepreneurial skills required by the labour market. The networking sessions and direct exchanges between students and employers also created opportunities for future collaboration, internships and professional development.

“The future competitiveness of the agri-food sector depends on how effectively we connect education with the real needs of the labour market. Activities such as the CultiVETing Work Fairs and Information Sessions help build that bridge by creating direct dialogue between students, educators and businesses,” said Teuta Jaha, NORDK project manager.

Supporting the Future of the Agri-food Sector

The successful implementation of these activities demonstrates the value of stronger partnerships between education providers, businesses and labour market actors. By helping young people better understand career opportunities, develop relevant skills and engage directly with employers, the initiative contributes to improving employability, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the long-term competitiveness of the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans.

About the Project

CultiVETing – Cultivating Entrepreneurship in the Agrifood Sector through VET (Project Number: 101129381) is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project co-funded by the European Union and implemented by 13 partner organizations from Albania, Kosovo, Greece, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.

For More Information

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.