In an effort to jump start career services as consolidated public good in the municipalities of Elbasan, Lushnja, and Berat, a comprehensive coaching process has recently concluded, marking a significant step towards empowering individuals in their career journeys. Over the span of five days, career guidance staff underwent a coaching programme, by their fellow colleagues at the Career Office in the Municipality of Tirana, focusing on various aspects of career guidance tailored for municipal settings.

The primary objective of this coaching program was to equip career guidance staff with the necessary skills, strategies, and knowledge to effectively assist individuals with their career development needs. By enhancing the capabilities of these staff members, the aim was to establish self-sustaining career services within the municipalities.

The coaching program, which ran from 6th to 9th February, with an additional session on 12th February, covered a diverse range of topics aimed at developing core competencies essential for effective career guidance.

The program commenced with an orientation session, providing participants with an overview of the coaching program objectives. Subsequent sessions focused on core skills development, emphasizing the importance of active listening, empathy building, and effective supervisory techniques during consultation sessions.

Day two emphasized specialized skills development, particularly in effective communication, conflict resolution, and career assessment. Through interactive exercises and case studies, participants honed their abilities to communicate clearly, resolve conflicts, and administer career assessments within a municipal context.

The third day centered on adopting a client-centered approach to career guidance and fostering collaboration within the municipality. Participants learned techniques for understanding client needs, building rapport, and effectively managing cases. Discussions also revolved around collaboration opportunities and referral networks to ensure comprehensive support for clients.

Strategic planning and implementation took precedence on day four, with sessions dedicated to goal setting, action planning, and program evaluation. Participants worked on aligning individual and departmental goals with municipal objectives, creating actionable plans, and exploring methods for program evaluation and continuous improvement.

The final day served as a platform for review, reflection, and planning for the future. Participants summarized key learnings, shared insights, and identified areas for further development. Personal and professional development goals were established, along with plans for ongoing support and collaboration among municipalities and RisiAlbania.

In conclusion, the completion of the five-day coaching program signifies a significant milestone in enhancing career services delivery within Albanian municipalities. Equipped with newfound skills and strategies, career guidance staff are poised to empower individuals to thrive in their chosen paths, ultimately fostering self-sustaining career services and contributing to the overall development of the communities they serve.