The proposal EntrAL supports the employability of young graduates through entrepreneurship education. By organizing entrepreneurial courses at different educational levels (pre-university and university levels) and to a large audience (pre-university teachers and university teachers and students), the project aims at a wider impact. The proposal does not only support the entrepreneurial mind-set of highly educated students but also of pre-university teachers, who will encourage the next generation to think outside of the box and be more risk driven. For this reason the project encourages entrepreneurial teaching methods, and nurture entrepreneurial behavior from the students. Teachers are supported by the university structure and mechanisms (LLL, activities for staff); students get from their teachers better support and advice in term of entrepreneurship and skills related to entrepreneurial attitude, supporting their employability after graduation. The project will implement entrepreneurship to the existing U3M-AL and TEAVET centers teacher qualification process lifelong and Third Mission according to the needs of the teachers. It will utilise the established specialized centers of teacher training in accordance with the needs of MESY to increase entrepreneurial mind-set at national level through accredited teacher training in entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial mind-set at institutional level will be increased through teacher training and entrepreneurship modules using scientific methodologies, pedagogical issues, ethics and ICT use in learning. New expertise and standard of teacher training in entrepreneurship will be established in Albanian universities and schools through organizing seminars in Albanian universities and training visits to European universities.
EntrAL enhanced entrepreneurship education by creating new, accredited courses for university students and pre-university and university teachers. Teachers received support through university structures and lifelong learning, while students gained better support in entrepreneurship-related skills, enhancing employability. The project also sought accreditation for training courses. The feasibility was enhanced throughthe business connections that the local HEIs strengthened through the project.
In Albania, youth unemployment is high, especially among women. The education system's mismatch with market needs leads to underemployment and dissatisfaction. Entrepreneurial education and collaboration between institutions and businesses should be promoted. There is a need to update education infrastructure, support teachers, and foster innovation. The sustainable development goals emphasise lifelong learning and inclusive, quality education.
<< Background >> In Albania, youth unemployment is high, especially among women. The education system's mismatch with market needs leads to underemployment and dissatisfaction. Entrepreneurial education and collaboration between institutions and businesses should be promoted. There is a need to update education infrastructure, support teachers, and foster innovation. The sustainable development goals emphasise lifelong learning and inclusive, quality education. << Objectives >> EntrAL enhanced entrepreneurship education by creating new, accredited courses for university students and pre-university and university teachers. Teachers received support through university structures and lifelong learning, while students gained better support in entrepreneurship-related skills, enhancing employability. The project also sought accreditation for training courses. The feasibility was enhanced throughthe business connections that the local HEIs strengthened through the project. << Implementation >> EntrAl began with a Needs Analysis to assess the entrepreneurial mindset in Albanian universities, covering study courses, extracurricular activities, policies, and stakeholder roles. Trainers were trained in modern entrepreneurship education. Subsequently, 4 tailored courses were designed and piloted at 3 universities, later tested across all HEIs with continuous improvement. The outcomes are detailed in a handbook, offering insights into the entrepreneurial education initiatives undertaken. << Results >> The project expanded to develop four new entrepreneurship courses tailored for pre-university teachers and university students and faculty. The courses were grounded in modern entrepreneurship education principles and aligned with both national and European standards. A comprehensive pilot phase involved 1,345 participants. The courses received accreditation either from the Ministry of Education or the participating HEIs. As a result, these courses are now integrated into the education system.