A vocational training initiative in Albania is helping women overcome employment barriers by providing practical skills, career guidance, and direct links to employers. Through the Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP) programme, participants are gaining access to formal employment, financial independence, and long-term career opportunities.
The LEAP programme supports women and other job seekers by combining certified vocational education with digital skills, workplace communication, career counseling, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. The initiative is implemented by UNDP, ILO, and UN Women in collaboration with Albania’s Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the National Agency for Employment and Skills.
Among the beneficiaries are four women from northern Albania who entered the programme from very different backgrounds. After completing culinary training and workplace apprenticeships, each secured formal employment in the hospitality sector. Their experiences highlight how targeted skills development can create new opportunities for people returning to the workforce or seeking stable employment for the first time.
The programme has already produced wider results across the country. To date, 617 people have received vocational training, while 120 women and young people have secured employment in tourism, hospitality, and care services. In addition, 493 households have benefited from integrated social support, and 173 care and social service professionals have received specialized capacity-building training.
By combining technical education with practical work experience and employer engagement, the LEAP programme aims to improve workforce participation while strengthening Albania’s labor market. The initiative also contributes to broader sustainable development goals by promoting inclusive economic growth, women’s empowerment, and greater access to decent work.
The success of the programme demonstrates how vocational education, when paired with employment opportunities and ongoing support, can help individuals build sustainable careers while addressing skills shortages across key sectors of the economy.
