Local VET Coordination & WBL Expansion - ProSkills project
Strengthening local vocational education governance and expanding structured Work-Based Learning (WBL) systems across Kosovo
DONOR: Solidar Suisse
COUNTRY: KOSOVO
PERIOD: 2017 - 2025
CORE AREA: Workforce Development & VET Implementation
Implementation in
Practice
Project Overview
The “Local VET Coordination & WBL Expansion”, known as ProSkills project supported the strengthening of local governance structures in Vocational Education and Training (VET) while expanding structured Work-Based Learning (WBL) models in cooperation with municipalities, schools and businesses.
The project focused on improving institutional coordination between schools, Municipal Education Directorates (MED), local authorities and private sector partners to ensure systematic implementation of practical training and labour market alignment.
ITED contributed through structured implementation support, stakeholder coordination, monitoring frameworks and institutional capacity development at municipal and school level.
Institutional Context
Prior to intervention, VET implementation at municipal level faced structural coordination gaps between education authorities, schools and businesses. Work-Based Learning (WBL) implementation was fragmented, with limited standardisation, monitoring systems and structured company engagement mechanisms.
Key challenges included:
- Limited structured cooperation between municipalities and VET schools
- Weak employer engagement frameworks at local level
- Inconsistent implementation of practical training modelsLimited monitoring and reporting systems
- Gaps in standardised training plans and documentation
Intervention Components
Strengthening of Local VET Coordination Mechanisms
Expansion and standardisation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) models
Development of cooperation platforms between schools and businesses
Capacity building for school management and municipal education staff
• Support in development and validation of company-based training plansMonitoring tools for tracking student placement and practical training
Integration of inclusive access pathways for youth and women participation
Implementation Approach
ITED applied a structured, multi-level implementation approach combining institutional coordination, technical assistance and stakeholder engagement mechanisms.
The approach included:
Direct technical support to VET schools and municipal education authorities
Facilitation of school-business partnerships
Development of operational tools and reporting templates
Continuous coordination with MED, MESTI and private sector actors
Capacity development workshops for school leaders and teachers
Institutional Impact
The project contributed to:
Improved institutional coordination at municipal level
Increased number of students participating in structured WBL
Strengthened employer engagement in vocational training delivery
Standardised documentation and monitoring of practical training
Enhanced local ownership of VET system implementation
Partnerships
The “ProSkills – Local VET Coordination & WBL Expansion” project was implemented through a multi-level institutional and private sector partnership model, strengthening local VET governance structures and ensuring sustainable expansion of structured Work-Based Learning (WBL) systems.
ITED
lead implementing partner
Project financed and supported by Solidar Suisse
Multi-Level Institutional Cooperation
Cooperation Partners
The reform was developed and implemented in close cooperation with:
- Solidar Suisse
- Municipal Education Directorates (MED)
- 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)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools
- Business associations and Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC)
- Private sector companies
- Teachers and students
This multi-level partnership model ensured sustainable institutional strengthening and local ownership of vocational education reforms
Key Reform Milestones
- Expanded WBL implementation across participating municipalities
- Increased structured cooperation between VET schools and businesses
- Strengthened capacity of municipal and school leadership structures
- Increased participation of women and youth in 30+ WBL programmes
- Enhanced youth access to structured practical training opportunities
Measurable Results
6
200+
5
6
Local governance platforms institutionalized
100+
Capacity building in WBL implementation and coordination
5
Institutional career guidance and student support mechanisms developed
100
Business support schemes implemented to enable student placements
3000+
Engaged in structured Work-Based Learning pathways