On November 26^{th 2013}, USAID’s Youth Employability Skills (YES) Network Project celebrated the re-opening of a Job Club in the Employment Center in Skopje. This is one of seven job clubs renovated and re-equipped by USAID in municipalities throughout Macedonia. At each job club, USAID provided new furniture, IT equipment, books and other resource materials valued at U.S. $5,000.

“There is a large gap between the skills workers have and those that are needed by the current labor market.  If we are to effectively reduce the unemployment rate in Macedonia, it is clear that we must also reduce that gap,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.

The main goal of the job club is to help Employment Service Agency registrants gain the necessary skills to find employment in Macedonia’s rapidly changing labor market.  Its resources and services will help the unemployed learn about different career opportunities and how these relate to their personal skills, attributes and knowledge and lead them to suitable careers and meaningful employment.  In the coming year, the USAID YES Network Project will continue to support renovations and new equipment in job clubs in other municipalities.

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 USAIDMacedonia Website  USAID Macedonia Facebook

The Youth Employability Skills Network is implemented by the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing learning and promoting health. The Network 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 through career guidance, work readiness skills trainings, 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.