While the metal processing sector in Kosovo is facing a significant shortage of qualified labor, the company Eurometal has taken an important step to address this need. Through the establishment of Eurometal Academy, the first professional institution in the country has now been created to offer training and certification for welders, based on standards developed within the company itself.

The director of this academy, Arbnore Musliu, in the most recent episode of Shtylla, a ​KosovaPress production, said the idea for the academy came directly from the company’s need for qualified workers in the field of welding.

According to her, all those who complete the training and certification at this academy will have the opportunity to be employed at Eurometal or to compete in both the domestic and international labor markets.

“The idea was born out of necessity, since Eurometal is engaged in the production of metal constructions and because of the shortage of professions, welders in particular, we came up with the idea of establishing Eurometal Academy, which has the capacity to provide training and certification of welders. It is the first academy of its kind because Eurometal itself created and developed the standard, and based on that standard the Eurometal Academy was established, offering this training and certification service. The lack of qualified workers has consistently created many difficulties for us. Therefore, this will resolve a considerable problem for the metal processing sector... Interest is very high since until now there have been no opportunities for such training. All those who complete training and certification at Eurometal Academy will have the chance to be employed directly in Eurometal, but also to enter the labor market in Kosovo... Just two weeks ago we inaugurated the academy, and there is great interest. We are now on the verge of accepting the first students,” Musliu said.

Musliu emphasized that Eurometal Academy differs from both public and private vocational schools because of its exclusive focus on welding and the specific, hands-on training it provides.

“The difference is that we focus primarily on welding certification; we are not open to other fields. We offer different types of welding within this field: electrode welding, COD-2 welding, TIG welding, and others... We are open to the entire domestic and international market. Any companies, local or foreign, interested in training their workers in welding, are welcome. We are very open to such cooperation... Since we are not very large yet, as these are just the beginnings, we currently only need two or three instructors. Later, depending on demand and need, the number of instructors will grow,” Musliu underlined.

In addition to certification accredited in Kosovo, Eurometal Academy also offers the possibility of international certification, which is attracting not only young Kosovars but also foreigners.

“The main challenge for them is self-financing, but for all those who want to train at Eurometal Academy and then work at Eurometal, we can make agreements that allow them to work while also covering their training costs. Otherwise, if there is support from various organizations to finance young people, that would be an important relief, as they would not face this challenge. We already have contracts with some young people from Germany who will come in November to train and get certified in welding. This will be the beginning, and we are open to others as well... It is a certificate accredited in Kosovo, and we also have the option of international certification,” Musliu said.

Musliu also criticized the lack of support from local institutions, calling it a loss for a sector that has major potential for export and economic development.

She stressed that the academy was established entirely through Eurometal’s own investment, including modern, unused equipment, ready to be put into operation.

“We have not had support from any institution, even though we should have. This sector is in high demand. The production of metal constructions in European Union countries is very sought after, therefore welding is essential – a key part of the production process – and it should have been supported. It is never too late, but it could have been established earlier. We notified everyone, but they have not expressed interest in cooperation or support... Everything needed for the academy has been invested by Eurometal itself, and all equipment is brand new. All the welding machines required for students are unused and ready for immediate use,” Musliu said.

The Eurometal Academy stands out as one of the most concrete initiatives to prepare professional staff in the field of welding – a sector facing a serious shortage of qualified workers.