The official training program to certify employment officers has begun at the University of Prishtina's Faculty of Education. This comprehensive program is designed to build professional skills in labor market mediation.
At the opening ceremony, representatives from local and international institutions highlighted the program's strategic importance.
In her welcome address, Prof. Majlinda Gjelaj, Vice-Rector for Institutional Development, Quality, and Student Affairs, emphasized the University's ongoing commitment to connecting education with the job market.
"This training marks an important step toward professionalizing employment services and strengthening the link between education and the labor market. The University of Prishtina remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve the quality and social impact of public institutions," stated Vice-Rector Gjelaj.
Mr. Muhamet Klinaku, Director of Kosovo's Employment Agency, noted, "Investing in the professional development of employment officers is key to delivering more efficient services that meet the needs of our citizens and economy."
Ms. Vjosa Mullatahiri, Manager of the Labor Market Policy Component at the German development agency GIZ, stressed the value of collaboration between institutions:
"This program shows how strong partnerships between local and international institutions can build sustainable, modern employment systems," said Ms. Mullatahiri.
International representatives from INfaBW, Bernd-Joachim Ertelt and Michael Scharpf, explained that the training has a European dimension, introducing advanced standards in job counseling and placement. This contributes directly to developing Kosovo's workforce and making the labor market more effective.
The certification training for employment officers will run from April 20 to July 3, 2026. It involves a total of 300 hours of work (12 ECTS credits), combining theory, hands-on practice, self-study, and professional work experience in job placement.
The program is structured in several connected phases. It begins with an online initial assessment to identify participants' starting levels. This is followed by the first in-person phase (April 27–30, 2026), which introduces the program's objectives, structure, and requirements. An online phase during May and June features lectures and exercises focused on key labor market topics.
The program continues with a second in-person phase (May 12–15, 2026), concentrated on ethics, marketing, integration, and case management. It concludes with professional practice and exam preparation, culminating in a final colloquium in early July.
The training content takes a modern, multidisciplinary approach. It covers career counseling theories, job search strategies, labor market analysis, professional diagnostics, human resources, working with employers, networking, and the legal and ethical aspects of job placement. It also addresses labor market integration, social inclusion, and the impact of digitalization (Work 4.0).
This certification training is a major initiative to strengthen institutional and professional capacity in Kosovo. Through its structured design, up-to-date content, and international cooperation, the program aims to enhance the quality of employment services and support the sustainable growth of the labor market.