At E4E@мк, we’re dedicated to addressing North Macedonia’s labor market challenges, particularly the mismatch between the numerous job openings and high rates of youth unemployment. Private companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), struggle to plan effectively due to the absence of a clear economic strategy. This disconnect also affects Vocational Education and Training (VET), making it difficult for graduates to meet the demands of the job market. Consequently, many graduates remain unemployed, straining state resources to integrate them into the workforce. Our focus is on bridging this gap by strengthening the link between vocational education and the job market needs, ensuring that graduates acquire the skills necessary for successful and decent employment.
Our Goal
We strive to ensure that young individuals gain decent employment by equipping them with market-demanded skills in a socially inclusive and sustainable manner. During phase 2 of our project (2022-2026), we aim to support 3700 people on their path towards new or better employment. The project interventions are designed to ensure inclusion of at least 75% young people, 50% women, as well as 10% groups that are left behind.
Our Vision
By the end of phase 2, we envision a Macedonian Vocational Skill Development (VSD) system that is market-demanded, conducive to innovation, based on inclusive and labor market relevant regulatory framework, and is a joint responsibility of the private and public sector. We see VET graduates equipped with the skills necessary for success in the workforce, and we aim to prioritize support for the further development of dual VET models.
Our Approach
The project’s intervention logic revolves around two key outcomes aimed at enhancing both the supply and demand of Vocational Skills Development (VSD) in North Macedonia:
Outcome 1: Improved Vocational Education and Training System effectively and efficiently capacitates youth for the labor market
Our vision is to see at least 20% of VET students participating in dual VET programs, offered jointly by an increasing number of companies and Regional VET Centers and VET schools. These programs aim to provide graduates with both quality theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by the private sector, thus preparing them for successful entry into the workforce. The project will prioritize its support to the further development of dual VET model including 2, 3 and 4-year programs.
Outcome 2: Companies and business support organizations co-create and ensure the market-relevance of upskilling and VSD programs
VSD can be market relevant only when it is based on the needs of the economy i.e. the companies. We recognize the importance of engaging the private sector in shaping vocational education and training to ensure its relevance to market needs. Through collaboration with companies and Business Support Organizations (BSOs), we aim to co-create and ensure the market relevance of VSD. By increasing the involvement of BSOs in various levels of VSD, we seek to align vocational training with the evolving needs of the economy.
Join us in our mission to empower youth, promote social inclusivity, and drive sustainable economic development through market-oriented education and training. Together, we can create a brighter future for Macedonian youth and economy.
