Education and Skills Gap

As we celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24th, attention needs to be turned to critical issues affecting educational systems around the world. One of the biggest challenges facing the Balkans today is the education and skills gap. The gap not only significantly reduces personal potential but also interferes with regional economic and social development. This article presents a picture of the skill gaps in the Western Balkans education, causes and effects, also pointing out potential solutions.

The education and skills gap are described as the difference between workers’ competences and those needed by employers. The difference has been rather significant in the Balkans because of several interrelated factors. In this sense, the past is crucial. The region’s turbulent history, which included wars and political unrest, disrupted these nations’ educational systems and led to a lack of investment in human capital. The transition from communism to market economies was challenging since most of the region’s countries were slow to adapt. In reality, the economic transformation needed people to have various sorts of abilities, and the response by educational institutions has been delayed.

In addition, there is a major gap between the skills that are taught in schools and universities and what the labour market actually wants. High rates of youth unemployment are caused by the fact that many graduates are ill-prepared for open positions. The phenomenon of brain drains, in which highly educated people leave their country in quest of greater possibilities outside, exacerbates this issue. In addition to displacing the most talented youth in the area, this exodus stifles local innovation and economic development.

Most of the current educational systems focus more on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application, which causes a mismatch between learning outcomes and labour market requirements. This leads to a lack of practical training that makes graduates unprepared to face real-life challenges. The main deficits point to the very limited curricula, which do not correspond to the demands of the labour market, scarce vocational training, and reduced accessibility from the marginalized groups

Political issues such as high rates of unemployment and economic frustrations in one way or another translate to social protests and instability, exacerbating development issues within the region. Effective solutions are hence pressing when communities try to solve them.

Indeed, to bridge the educational gap and skilling in the Balkans, comprehensive multifaceted interventions are essential in improving learning and living opportunities across generations. Reform of education curricula should meet the labour market requirements. Educational institutions should also connect with employers to understand the required skill sets at different levels. Accordingly, schools and universities should shape their programs, enabling students to better encounter the job market. Additional emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-oriented education is highly necessary because there is an increasing demand for such streams, and innovation can be enhanced in these fields.

Enhancement of vocational training, entrepreneurship, and technology might turn out to be effective policies for bridging the gap in the Balkans. The investment by the government in VET needs to shift toward programs that focus on practical and directly employable skills, and lifelong learning initiatives will account for changes in jobs during working life. In fact, funding, resources, and mentorship can make entrepreneurship a strong source of new jobs and alleviate pressure on traditional jobs.

It is important to realize that technology can be leveraged to improve access to education and training. Increased online learning platforms will provide individuals with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, which is important in the growing digital economy. Training programs with a focus on digital literacy will better prepare workers for future job markets. Projects such as Erasmus+ are a great way to do so. For example, Build Green Group NGO, has implemented several projects partnering with organizations from the Western Balkans and the EU countries, enhancing knowledge through non-formal learning and practical experience, aiming to contribute to the reduction of skills gaps.

To conclude education and the skill gap in the Balkans has huge challenges, at the same time enormous opportunity for growth and development. Only by reforming the system of education, developing professional training, supporting entrepreneurship, and using technologies is it possible to fill this gap in the region and increase its skills and competitiveness.

On this International Day of Education, we would like to emphasize that it is time we redouble our efforts in ensuring quality education and equipping the people of the Balkans with the skills needed to thrive in a constantly changing world. The future of the region depends on our collective efforts in addressing these critical issues and empowering the next generation.

Build Green Group

BGG Albania
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