The University of Prishtina has reached a key institutional milestone by certifying a new generation of trainers under the “Train-the-Trainer Programme for Job Placement Counsellors.” The programme was delivered in cooperation with Germany’s Institute for Applied Counselling Sciences (INfaBW), Kosovo’s Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers, and with support from the German Government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
A formal certification ceremony was held at the Faculty of Education, successfully concluding an intensive and well-organised professional development process. A total of 13 academic staff and field professionals received certification. This event does not just mark the end of a training cycle, it also represents the start of a new professional chapter for the participants.
First held in person from 16–20 December 2025 and continued online in February and March 2026, the programme is part of a formal inter-institutional partnership. Its goal is to strengthen professional skills in employment counselling and job market mediation, aligning with European standards and the real needs of Kosovo’s labour market.
Fifteen professionals and academics took part, representing the University of Prishtina, other universities, public institutions, international organizations and civil society. This created a valuable platform for sharing experience and building professional networks across sectors.
In his opening address, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Academic Staff and Publications, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adem Beha, stressed that the programme is a strategic investment in Kosovo’s human capital and in modernizing the country’s employment services. He highlighted the importance of inter-institutional and international cooperation as a key factor in advancing active labor market policies and improving services for citizens.
Mario Eckardt, Project Head at GIZ, said:
“The ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programme is an excellent example of what well-structured cooperation between local institutions and international partners can achieve.”
He praised the programme and the dedication shown by participants.
“Through this initiative, we have invested not just in transferring knowledge, but in building lasting capacity that will directly improve employment services in Kosovo. It is especially encouraging to see the commitment and professionalism of the participants, who are now equipped with up-to-date skills to tackle complex labour market challenges. GIZ remains committed to supporting such efforts, which help develop human capital and strengthen active employment policies in Kosovo,” Eckardt added.
The programme covered a wide range of topics, from counselling theory and career assessment to labour market analysis, case management, mobility and migration counselling, and support for specific groups entering the job market, reflecting the varied and dynamic nature of the field.
Designed around a modern, inclusive and multidisciplinary approach, it included advanced elements such as career guidance, job market analysis, employment policy, human resource management, legal and ethical aspects of mediation, and the impact of digital change in the context of the Economy and Work 4.0.
Prof. Dr. Michael Scharpf from the University of Applied Labour Studies noted:
“This programme combines academic insight with practical application, reflecting the highest European standards in employment counselling and labour market mediation. Our aim was not only to share theoretical knowledge, but to build skills that can be used directly in practice. Through lectures, structured exercises and hands-on professional tasks, participants completed a full learning journey that prepares them to serve as both practitioners and trainers in the employment system. The results show strong potential for developing a sustainable, standardized employment counselling system in Kosovo, in line with international best practice.”
One of the participants, Mr. Granit Brajshori from the Kosovo Education Center (KEC), commented:
“The programme was a highly valuable professional experience that directly advanced my knowledge and practical skills in employment counselling. I particularly appreciated the balance between theory and practice, and the chance to exchange experiences with professionals from different sectors.”
Ms. Nita Luzha from SOS Children's Villages Kosovo described the programme as an important step in her professional growth, adding that the skills and knowledge gained will help her improve the services she delivers in her daily work.
This activity marks significant progress toward creating a sustainable, standardized programme for employment counsellors in Kosovo. It will help raise the quality of public services and strengthen the connection between education, the labour market and development policy.
The University of Prishtina remains dedicated to expanding cooperation with public bodies, international partners and the employment sector. This programme is seen as one of the key initiatives for the long-term development of human capital and for boosting the competitiveness of Kosovo’s workforce.