Swisscontact – an organisation working to support economic and social development in 33 countries – established a new platform for those involved in vocational education and employment in the Western Balkan countries. ‘Balkans@Work’ brings together international agencies, donors, non-governmental organisations, private companies and policy-makers in the area of youth employment.

The launching event took place in Tirana and Durrës, Albania, and included presentation of collaboration methods and visits at the premises of a private company and the Durrës employment office. A specific approach – Coaching for Employment (C4E) – was the main method discussed during the event.

Philipp Keller, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Albania stated that ‘unemployment is a wasted investment’. He added that “youth employment is a key to sustainable, peaceful and prosperous development and youth in the Western Balkan countries face similar challenges when it comes to education and employment

Henry Leerentveld, Swisscontact Regional Director for Eastern Europe stated that “Coaching for Employment is particularly helpful for marginalised groups such as minorities, refugees, victims of trafficking and women”.

Through this approach beneficiaries receive orientation, vocational training, business practices, self-employment grants, and employment mediation.  Around 1,000 young women and men in Albania have been assisted through this programme.