Unemployment. Lack of direction. Missed opportunities. These are the barriers many young people face when stepping into adulthood. But the Youth Guarantee, an EU-supported initiative, ensures that every young person under 30 receives an offer for employment, education, or training within four months of registering with employment offices.

In Albania, where 24.6% of youth aged 15–29 are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), the Youth Guarantee is more than a policy—it’s a game changer. Since its launch in November 2023, 543 young people across Albania have found new opportunities through this programme. Read their stories.

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Stelina Brakaj from Vlora is a young woman with a disability. Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, she struggled to break into the job market. Her challenges were twofold: a lack of practical experience and limited understanding of the job market’s demands. Stelina learned about the Youth Guarantee through a local meeting and applied for support. With the ongoing support and guidance from the program counselors at the Vlora employment office, she was placed at the Vlora Cultural Center, where she is embarking on a year-long journey gaining hands-on experience through alternating employment and training opportunities.

The Result? New skills and confidence. A secure foothold in her chosen field.

"My engagement at the Cultural Center in Vlora not only provided me with knowledge and skills but also boosted my confidence and gave me the chance to build a secure professional future," she says.

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In Tirana, 25-year-old Gaviota Rrahi faced a challenging year of job rejections after finishing her higher education. Temporary, unsuitable opportunities left her demoralized—until she connected with the Youth Guarantee team at her local employment office. With their support, she enrolled in a professional training course tailored to her skills and interests. Soon after, she secured stable employment in the service sector, matching her career aspirations. What she found was a job aligned with her skillset as well as renewed confidence and purpose.

"For the first time, I feel so confident and supported during the job search process and at my workplace," she underlines.

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For Juliana Bujarja, a recent law graduate from Shkodër, finding a job in her field seemed nearly impossible. Without a master’s degree or prior experience, her applications went unanswered.

Luckily, she learned about the Youth Guarantee and turned to them for help. With help from counselors at the Shkodër Employment Office, Juliana landed a position in her desired field, where she is now gaining the essential experience needed for career growth.

"Thanks to the support I received from the Youth Guarantee, I have finally taken the right step towards my career, “she says.

How does the Youth Guarantee work?

The Youth Guarantee isn’t just a policy; it’s a practical system to help young people find their path. To benefit from the programme, young people under 30 years old, from Tirana, Vlore or Shkoder should:

1.    Apply via e-Albania: Young people can register through the “Application for the Youth Guarantee” e-service.
2.    Counselor Outreach: Within a week, a Youth Guarantee counselor from the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) will contact the applicant.
3.    Tailored Support: Applicants receive personalized guidance and counselling, including:

• Training opportunities.
• Professional internships.
• Job placements.

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The success stories of Stelina, Gaviota, and Juliana highlight the programme’s impact.

But beyond individual success stories, the Youth Guarantee tackles systemic issues. It reduces youth unemployment and aligns skills with the market demands. It also contributes to building a skilled workforce for Albania’s future.

The Youth Guarantee is implemented by the National Agency for Employment and Skills, with support from the EU4Youth project, and under the coordination of the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, the project provides technical assistance and facilitates coordination with Albanian institutions.

The Numbers Tell the Story

In just one year: 543 young Albanians have benefited, gaining access to tailored support to jumpstart their careers.

Are you under 30 and struggling to find work or continue your education? Don’t wait. Apply for the Youth Guarantee today through e-Albania.

The Youth Guarantee works. It has turned obstacles into opportunities and dreams into plans.

The question is: Will you take the first step?