Europeanization approach in vocational education and training policy of Albania

Mgr. Elona Kodhel

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The process of joining EU and efforts for obtaining the candidate status has shown a national objective of democratization and transformation of the Albanian society, in accordance with European values and principles. Hence, this research work aims to focus on one specific realm of the Albanian educational system, such as the providing of vocational education and training (VET). Europeanization lens are used as a theoretical and conceptual framework to go through the analysis of the particular situation. It is attempted to point out if there is a presence or not of Europeanization approach in this realm, and in what features it is revealed. This constitutes the main research question of the study. It will be elaborated over the gaps, historical legacies and necessities of reforming VET, in order to reach EU general priorities such as knowledge economy, academic excellence, equal opportunities, lifelong learning etc. All these priorities will better equip young people for the job market. The concluding goal is to reflect to the challenge that vocational and educational training still presents in Albania towards its Europeanization approach.

Keywords

Vocational education and training, Europeanization, policy making, process-tracing method, Albania

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 11. 5. 2015

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 4. 6. 2015
• Supervisor: prof. PhDr. Vít Hloušek, Ph.D.
• Reader: Ph.D. Vratislav Havlík

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)