Fit for Jobs - Dual VET Reform in Kosovo
Strengthening Kosovo’s vocational education through DUAL VET and Work – Based Learning (WBL) models
DONOR: GIZ
COUNTRY: KOSOVO
PERIOD: 2022 - 2026
CORE AREA: Workforce Development & VET System Reform
Implementation in
Practice
Project Overview
The “Fit for Jobs – Dual VET Reform” initiative supported the systemic improvement of vocational education and training (VET) in Kosovo through structured DUAL VET Education and Work-Based Learning (WBL) models.
The project focused on strengthening institutional coordination, improving curriculum alignment with labour market needs, and increasing private sector engagement in vocational training delivery.
ITED through its team has been directly involved in implementation, monitoring and institutional capacity strengthening across participating VET schools and partner businesses.
Institutional Context
Kosovo’s VET system required stronger alignment between schools and businesses, standardized company training plans, and operational structures to support DUAL VET Education delivery.
The reform addressed:
Weak employer engagement
Limited monitoring systems
Gaps in curriculum standardization
Insufficient institutional coordination between MESTI, AVETAE, MED and VET schools
Reform Components
Development and operationalization of Dual VET framework
Implementation of DUAL VET model across 32 VET schools
Implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) across 27 VET schools
Strengthening cooperation between schools and over 1,000 businesses
Standardized company training plans for 12 occupational profiles
Curriculum alignment with labour market demand
Establishment and strengthening of Dual Task Force & Management Working Groups
Capacity building for Professional Practice Teachers (PPT)
Integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in VET schools
Implementation Approach
ITED contributed through:
Direct technical assistance to VET schools
Development of M&E tools and performance tracking systems
Capacity building for school directors and teachers
Establishment of structured cooperation mechanisms with private sector
Continuous stakeholder coordination with MESTI, AVETAE, MED and businesses
Development of internal and external reporting databases
Institutional Impact
The project contributed to:
Improved employability of vocational students
Increased private sector ownership of training processes
Standardized quality assurance mechanisms
Institutional strengthening of Kosovo’s VET governance framework
Alignment with Kosovo Education Strategic Plan (KESP 2022–2026)
Partnerships
The “Fit for Jobs – Dual VET Reform in Kosovo” project was implemented through a broad institutional and private sector partnership model to ensure sustainable system reform and long-term impact.
ITED
acted as implementing partner
Phase I in partnership with GFA Consulting Group
Phase II in partnership with BiBeKu
Multi-Level Institutional Cooperation
Cooperation
Partners
The reform was developed and implemented in close cooperation with:
- Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
- Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE)
- Employment Agency of Republic of Kosovo (EARK)
- Municipal Education Directorates (MED)
- Competence Centres (CoCs)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools
- Business associations and Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC)
- Private sector companies
- Teachers and students
This multi-level cooperation model ensured institutional ownership, private sector engagement and sustainable system implementation of Dual VET in Kosovo.
Key Reform Milestones
- First national Dual VET framework developed in Kosovo
- Standardized Dual VET Examination and Certification system developed and implemented
- Operational Guidelines for DUAL VET implementation in Kosovo approved by MESTI and implemented by 32 VET schools
- Increased participation of women and youth in Dual VET and WBL programmes
- Strengthened inclusion of women and young people in vocational training pathways