Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans (DRUPWB): A Groundbreaking Project Launch

December 2023 – The European Union co-funded project “Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans” (DRUPWB) officially kicks off, marking a new era in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across the region. This two-year initiative is set to address critical skill gaps and mismatches in the labor market, particularly affecting young people.

Project Overview

The DRUPWB project aims to reshape the vocational education landscape, focusing on capacity building and innovative curriculum development based on STEM pedagogy. Its objectives align with the need to enhance labor market relevance of skills and to integrate VET into local, regional, and national development strategies.

DRUPWB is guided by the latest recommendations of the European Training Foundation and the Torino process, ensuring a strategic approach aligned with the current economic and social dynamics.

Distinguished Partnerships

This initiative brings together a diverse consortium of six esteemed organizations, each contributing unique expertise:

• VILNIUS TECH – Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VilTech, LT): A leader in technology and engineering education, VilTech will leverage its extensive experience in international projects and university-business cooperation.
• Pannonia Consulting (Pannonia, HR): Specializing in business development and non-formal education, Pannonia will contribute its expertise in project management and curriculum development.
• Outside Media & Knowledge (Outside, DE): Known for its inclusive marketing and training approaches, Outside will play a pivotal role in project dissemination and engaging marginalized groups.
• Spin / Okret (BA): Focused on experiential learning and digital transformation in youth work and VET sectors, Spin will bring valuable insights from its local and European-level projects.
• Engineer Marko Radević Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Geodesy (SGGS, ME): As Montenegro’s premier vocational school in construction and geodesy, SGGS will contribute its specialized knowledge in these growing fields.
• CRCA (AL): With over 25 years of experience in youth empowerment, CRCA will bring its expertise in working with NEET citizens and innovative approaches to education and training.

The affiliated partners support the project actions and help deepen the impact:

• Public company Innooctava Innooctava LT
• OBRT MOO MOO BA
• ZENICA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ZEDA ZEDA BA
• thevisionworks – tvw GmbH DE
• ICTSmedia ICTSmedia AL
• NVO GLAS NVO GLAS ME