On the occasion of the official inauguration of the VET by EHL program at the School of Hotel Management and Tourism in Tirana (SEMHT), we are honored to have welcomed the Prime Minister of Albania, His Excellency Edi Rama. This milestone event underscores Albania’s commitment to advancing vocational education and meeting the growing demands of its booming tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourism plays a vital role in Albania’s economic development, with the country welcoming over 10 million visitors in 2023—a remarkable 34.6% increase from the previous year. However, the industry faces a significant shortage of skilled professionals trained to international standards.
The VET by EHL program addresses this gap by equipping Albanian youth with the competencies needed to succeed in the global hospitality market. Drawing inspiration from Switzerland’s world-renowned vocational education model, this initiative supports Albania’s ongoing efforts to transform its vocational education system and align it with international benchmarks.
A Collaborative Journey
This achievement began in 2021 when the Albanian Ambassador to Switzerland visited EHL, initiating a collaborative vision. Following a thorough Needs Analysis in 2022, the Albanian Government approved the implementation of the VET by EHL program in 2023. Preparations culminated in October 2024 with the program’s launch in English, marking a significant milestone in hospitality vocational education.
The successful launch is the result of dedicated collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Swiss Embassy, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, NAES, NAVETQ, and the leadership team at SEMHT.
Implementation Milestones
- Curriculum Integration: Seamlessly incorporated into Albania’s State Matura pathway.
- Student Recruitment: Enrollment of 65 students (21 women, 44 men) in the inaugural cohort.
- Faculty Development: Seven facilitators completed comprehensive training programs (Train the Trainer).
- Upgraded Facilities: Enhanced equipment to ensure a superior learning experience for SEMHT students.
Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain. Efforts are ongoing to make the hospitality trade more appealing to Albanian youth, secure fair industry exposure through on-the-job training frameworks, and continuously improve training facilities and resources.
“As Albania embarks on its journey to establish a genuine dual VET system, the introduction of VET by EHL couldn’t have come at a better time. The potential for Albania is vast. By strengthening the hospitality and tourism sectors, we invest in economic growth and social cohesion”, said Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber.
EHL is committed to supporting SEMHT in becoming a regional leader in hospitality education. This includes fostering industry engagement, as highlighted by the recent event connecting students with key stakeholders for internships and practical learning opportunities.
According to Dr Juan Perellon, EHL Chief Academic Officer: “Swiss vocational education and training model is globally recognized for its excellence, combining rigorous academic foundations with hands-on practical experience. By implementing VET by EHL in Albania, we are proud to support the growth of hospitality and tourism, empowering students with industry-relevant skills and fostering international collaboration. This initiative is a testament to our commitment (the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, the Swiss Embassy in Albania and EHL) to shaping a future-ready workforce and raising the standards of vocational education worldwide.”
The inauguration of the VET by EHL program marks a transformative step in vocational education in Albania. It reflects a shared vision of excellence and a dedication to empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and partnership. Together, we celebrate this milestone as the beginning of a brighter future for Albania’s hospitality industry and its youth.
Watch the video of the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama visit
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