The USAID Youth Employability Skills (YES) Network Project opened a career center in the Zdravko Cvetkovski secondary school in Skopje today. This is one of ten school career centers that USAID will renovate and equip in Skopje this year. USAID provided new furniture, IT equipment, and books and other resource materials.  

“The Career Center is a place where young job-seekers can find the resources they need to explore their interests, their aptitudes, and the career options available to them in today’s labor market,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.

USAID, in partnership with seven municipalities, has established a total of 36 career centers to help young people gain the necessary skills to enter successfully into employment.  With the resources and services provided by the centers, students are able to learn about various career opportunities, what skills are needed and how to acquire them, and how these relate to the skills, knowledge, and personal attributes they already possess. The centers also provide helpful guidance and practical skills in navigating the employment search process.

NOTE TO EDITORS:    

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID’s FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia

The USAID Youth Employability Skills Network is implemented by the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing learning and promoting health. The Project collaborates with the Employment Service Agency, secondary vocational education and training schools, and youth-focused non-governmental organizations to help final-year students and unemployed youth. The Project provides career guidance, work readiness skills training, and work-based learning experiences such as internships, practical work, and entrepreneurial activities.  All are designed to help young people enter into the world of rewarding and productive work.