Case study exploring components of the European skill formation system in Albanian educational reforms

Abstract

The European skill formation system (ESFS) is one of the major changes in the Albanian education and training system. Literature review revealed very few studies examining the diffusion of ESFS, and no studies examine the theoretical underpinnings that inform policymaking in shaping education and training reforms. This qualitative case study explored the components of ESFS in the Albanian education and training reforms, and it aims to inform field experts and policymakers to apply its findings in their efforts to delineate the objectives of ESFS with the Albanian educational and training reforms in its skill formation system. Nine field experts and policymaking participants were interviewed to inform ten emerging concepts. The ten emerging concepts served as the grounded foundation to infer eight encompassing assertions. The eight encompassing assertions informed this study's research questions in three major pillars: one, the components of ESFS, namely quality excellence, mobility, globalization, employability, qualification framework, and recognition of prior learning, have contributed at various capacities in developing European standards in Albania; two, the implementation of ESFS has mainly occurred at structural level and its emerging effects in the labor market are yet to be determined; three, despite the remarkable progress, Albania faces difficulties in aligning its education and training system with the labor market. This study offers a conceptual platform of the ESFS in Albania and the tools utilized in the exploration process. The study hopes to extend and deepen the understanding of ESFS effectiveness in Albania. Ultimately, the study attempts to enhance the understanding of ESFS for policymakers and help them design programs that are in alignment with the European standards in Albania. Lastly, while not intended, the policymakers in other countries with similar characteristics to Albania may find the unfolding of ESFS in Albania a valuable lesson to inform their particular national policymaking processes.