1. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Fourth ECA Education Conference on MISSING THE LINK – RETHINKING THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION Tirana, Albania 24-26 October 2007 PARALLEL SESSION 1 C (25 Oct 2007) FROM SCHOOL TO WORKING LIFE-GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING MAKING TRANSITION WORK LUMNIE MEHMETAJ, KOSOVA E-mail: lumemeh@yahoo.com Tel: +377 44 126 035

2. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction KOSOVA  Population - Estimated 1.8-2 million people - More then 50% under 25, - Only 6% of the population is 65 years and older, - Active population is about 61%  Unemployment - 43 % officially unemployed  58% of them are classified as unskilled - 15% of population is extremely poor WBS  Youth Unemployment - About twice higher than adults

3. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Career Guidance services in Kosova  Public employment services-provide career guidance services ILO trained 8 CG counselors-basic interviewing skills Employment counselors' (specialists in information, job placement and intermediation) Training counselors (specializing in training information and brokerage) Training included: skill needs-assessment skills (-individual and groups), knowledge of labour market, knowledge of career development, communication skills, team working, working with people with special needs, skills for solving conflict. The KOSVET project trained over 100 staff from a variety of agencies, schools etc. Produced a range of classroom career education materials Made a number of recommendations for the future development

4. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Youth Unemployment  About 60 % of all unemployed are young people  200.000 young people will reach working age in 5 year  60.000 people-retirement age  High number of school drop outs:  From compulsory education 12-13%  From secondary education 28%  From higher education more than 50%  Graduates over students enrolled is only

5. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Young people employedYoung people unemployed Type of assistance Percentage Never registered with PES 84.0 Registered assistance with PES 16.0 Type of assistance Percentage Never registered with PES 37.3 Registered with PES 62.7 Never received any assistance 87.9 Received assistance in job search 5.0 Received information on vacancies 5.3 Received guidance on education/training 1.5 Received placement in education/training 0.3 Never received any assistance 10.2 Received assistance in job search 21.7 Received information on vacancies 53.9 Received guidance on education/training 7.5 Received placement in education/training 6.7 School to work transition

6. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Future Plans for CG Services in Kosova  Already established National Career Guidance Resource Centre  Local Career Guidance and Information Centers  Development of training for career guidance personnel in Kosovo  Labour Market Information System  Greater use of new technology including websites, telephone access etc.  Development of a career education curriculum for schools and colleges  Policy documents and Legislation

7. Supported by: Technical Assistance for Further Modernisation of Kosovo’s Vocational Education Training System, Phase III An EU-funded project managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction Career Education - CE  The National Curriculum framework foresees CE:  Lower secondary education(6-9 grade), upper secondary and higher education  KOSVET will train teachers and pilot CE in 34 schools in Kosova  Develop curriculum and learning materials  Piloting will start with 9 th grade from second semester  Evaluation-June 2008 and developing final curriculum framework  Expanding CE in more schools coming year  Train Local trainers who can cascade training in future