Law on education and professional formation in the Republic of Albania

Official Bulletin no. 43, dated 9 March 2017

Parliament of Albania, on 16.2.2017, approved law no.15/2017 “On education and professional formation in the Republic of Albania”, who shares the aim of improving the existent legal framework, its adjustment with the new program of the government, by fully orientating the education and professional formation towards real markets needs and restitution of the State as a financer and a main supporter of professional qualification.

The Law defines the main principles of offering, governing, funding and management of education and professional formation (AFP), regulates aspects of this system in accordance with the general educational system and job market by defining the mission and main objectives of this system, as well as determining the role and responsibilities of public authorities and other responsible subjects on planning, implementation and monitoring of aspects of AFP.

According to article 6, the AFP system is constituted and administrated by public institutions which operate in central and local level, by including as well offers of AFP. Main responsible institutions of AFP system in Albania are the responsible ministry of AFP, National Employment and Skills Agency and National Agency on AFP and Qualifications. The National Employment and Skills Agency is responsible of every aspect of management regarding public providers of AFP, while the National Agency on AFP and Qualifications, on the creation of a national system on professional qualifications and continued professional development of the teachers.

Furthermore providing institutions of AFP in Albania are professional high schools, multifunctional AFP centers, specialized AFP institutions on special groups, companies, other licensed institutions and/or accredited or individuals. The Board of Directors of public providers of AFP is a collegial authority that makes decisions on general strategic lead, general planning and use of human, financial, material and physical resources and supports the administration activity of public providers of AFP, in accordance with the current legislation.

Finally, another important aspect is the quality insurance, as a continued process which aims to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the AFP system. The process includes: licensing, accreditation and inspection of AFP providers, self-assessment, monitoring and reporting from AFP providers, as well as an evaluation on certain intervals of the whole AFP system through the respective institution regarding AFP.