From unemployment to a new profession: retraining routes that link candidates to in-demand jobs

North Macedonia’s Employment Agency is promoting retraining as a route for registered unemployed people to reach work in occupations that employers currently demand, combining classroom instruction with practical placements and targeted programmes.

The emphasis is on matching the skills taught with real employer needs rather than issuing diplomas for their own sake. “The Employment Agency mediates employment according to employers’ needs and the profile of the unemployed persons, the knowledge and skills they possess. In the mediation process, the final decision on the selection of potential candidates is made by the employers themselves,” the Employment Agency says.

One of the flagship measures is the “Training for Occupations in Demand on the Labour Market.” In 2025 the measure covered 600 unemployed people trained in areas such as digital marketing, accounting clerk, caregiver for the elderly and incapacitated, childcare caregiver, cosmetician, women’s hairdresser and cook.

A separate form of practical preparation places trainees directly at an employer’s site so they learn tasks in a real work environment; in 2025, 40 unemployed people took part in these on-the-job trainings. This approach lets candidates experience concrete duties, workplace organisation and employer expectations, while companies can shape potential staff to their own needs.

Retraining is also available for professional drivers: 200 unemployed people were enrolled in CE and DE licence courses in 2025. Obtaining the correct licence together with hands-on driving experience can open employment possibilities both inside North Macedonia and with transport companies abroad. “The aim of the measures is acquiring the knowledge and skills of the unemployed for occupations that are demanded on the labour market, i.e. acquiring knowledge and skills to perform work tasks in accordance with employers’ needs,” the Employment Agency says.

Participation rights in these programmes are open to all registered unemployed who meet the conditions and criteria set out in public calls, which are published publicly. The Agency stresses that retraining increases competitiveness but does not automatically guarantee a job—the final hiring choice rests with employers, while candidates decide whether to accept offers.

Meanwhile, the Employment Agency’s work has recently been subject to scrutiny: an audit report highlighted issues including millions in funds across five towns, short three-day contracts and 77 percent of some fees paid to a single lawyer.

Photo: Слободен печат / Методи Здравев