The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa has participated in the 9th Annual Seminar of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) and the European Training Foundation (ETF), in collaboration with the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation.
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The event took place on October 17-18 in Tirana, Albania, and was attended by FPEmpresa representative, Mª José Fernández, along with more than 80 participants to discuss the evaluation and training of apprentices. “These sessions have been essential for gathering representatives from the education and labor sectors, as well as addressing the new challenges and opportunities facing vocational training”, Fernández stated.
‘Apprentice Mentorship’ and ‘Adult Learning’ were the primary themes of the sessions. Policy updates, such as the participation of Olta Manjani, Albanian Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, and examples of work-based learning in EAfA member countries offered a broad overview of current practices and challenges in these areas. Among the interventions, Beatrice Biolcati from the European Commission welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina and other new members to the EAfA.
Additionally, thematic panels focused on the two main topics: the first covered mentoring modalities, tools, roles, and responsibilities of mentors, while the second addressed the potential of adult learning. Different Spaces to Address Learning As a new feature, this year’s seminar brought together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, social agents, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions. All participants, from EAfA member and partner countries, had the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices on vocational training and apprenticeships.
To incorporate different perspectives, the annual meeting included discussion panels with new and long-standing EAfA members. Fernández noted, “It’s interesting to receive the latest policy updates on apprenticeship training in other EU countries.” “Participants analyzed new teaching opportunities and shared opinions, allowing us to deepen and update our knowledge on these important topics for vocational training.”
Visits to Educational Centers in Tirana Alongside the program presentations, the 9th Annual Seminar offered study visits to vocational training centers in Tirana, including the Economic Technical School of Tirana, the Gjergj Canco School, and the Hospitality and Tourism School of Tirana. The visits to local technical schools provided firsthand insights into student practices, offering a closer look at Albania’s vocational training system. Fernández noted the value of “gaining a close-up view of the work developed by schools, businesses, mentors, and students, as it allows for a greater understanding of their educational programs”.
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Author of the article: Guillermo Gonzálbez Villar
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