Skopje - The Job Club at the Center for Employment in Stip re-opened today following refurbishment and improvements supported by USAID. This is one of six job clubs that USAID helped renovate and equip in the Centers for Employment in different municipalities. USAID, through the Youth Employability Skills Network Project, has provided resource materials and books, as well as IT equipment and new furniture with a total value of about 8,000 USD per Job Club.

“Together with our project, the Employment Service Agency (ESA) has customized a Work Readiness Skills Curriculum and is now delivering employability skills training to young unemployed Macedonians, said Robert Wuertz, the USAID Mission Director. “In addition, we plan to develop a Career Counseling Program specifically tailored for ESA staff so they can provide career advising services to job seekers.”

The main goal of the job club is to help 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. In the coming year, the USAID YES Network Project will continue to support renovation and equipping of job clubs in other municipalities.

NOTES TO EDITORS:   
The USAID YES Network Project is implemented by the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing learning and promoting health. The Project collaborates with Employment Service Agencies, 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 coaching 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.

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $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 FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia