Skopje - The Employment Service Agency (ESA) today re-opened its Job Club in Bitola, following renovations and improvements supported by USAID.  The USAID Youth Employability Skills (YES) Network Project provided new furniture, IT equipment, books and other resource materials.

“The USAID YES Network also provided training on Work Readiness Skills to the Job Club staff who will provide career coaching and soft skills training to the registered unemployed,” said USAID Mission Director Robert Wuertz.

The main goal of the Job Club is to help the unemployed ESA registrants gain the necessary skills to successfully find employment in the rapidly changing labor market in Macedonia.  Its resources and services will help the unemployed find their ideal jobs, as well as learn about different career opportunities and how these relate to their knowledge, personal attributes and skills.

USAID also helped renovate and equip the ESA Job Clubs in Strumica and Tetovo.  This year, the USAID YES Network Project will continue to support renovation and equipping of Job Clubs in three additional municipalities:  Gostivar, Prilep and Stip.

NOTES TO EDITORS:   
The YES Network collaborates with the state ESA, Secondary Vocational Education and Training schools and gymnasia, and youth-focused non-governmental organizations to help final year students and unemployed youth through career coaching and guidance, work readiness skills, trainings and work-based 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.  The USAID YES Network is implemented by the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization, headquartered in Waltham MA and dedicated to enhancing learning and promoting health.

The American people, through USAID, have invested nearly $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian 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.