Memorandum of Cooperation signed between KAYO, Fincantieri, and “Pavarësia” Industrial School to train the next generation of Maritime Industry specialists

Memorandum of Cooperation signed between KAYO, Fincantieri, and "Pavarësia" Industrial School to train the next generation of Maritime Industry specialists

Nufi: "We are strengthening young people's skills for the Naval Defence Industry, advancing employment and economic growth"

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at Pashaliman Naval Base between the state-owned company KAYO, the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, and the "Pavarësia" Industrial School in Vlora. The agreement aims to develop vocational training, apprenticeship programmes, and employment opportunities for young people in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer Pierroberto Folgiero, KAYO Chief Executive Officer Ardi Veliu, as well as representatives of central and local institutions, the school's academic staff, and students.

In his remarks, Defence Minister Nufi described the agreement as the realization of a vision launched in 2023 to revive Albania's defence industry and transform it into a driver of industrial development, employment, and economic growth.

"Today marks the culmination of the work we began in 2023 to rebuild Albania's defence industry and strengthen strategic partnerships. Our goal is not only to enhance our defence capabilities, but also to prepare a new generation of skilled young professionals who will drive the country's industrial development, create new employment opportunities, and contribute to Albania's economic growth," Minister Nufi said.

Minister Nufi emphasized that the partnership with Fincantieri brings to Albania the expertise and advanced technologies of one of the world's leading shipbuilding companies, strengthening the country's industrial capabilities while further reinforcing the strategic partnership between Albania and Italy.

The Memorandum represents another important step in industrial cooperation between Albania and Italy and lays the foundation for training the skilled workforce that will support the development of the new maritime industrial hub at Pashaliman.

The agreement provides for the development of specialized training modules, practical apprenticeships, and educational initiatives for students of the "Pavarësia" Industrial School, with the long-term objective of establishing a dedicated educational programme focused on shipbuilding and the maritime industry.

The programme will be open to students specializing in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Thermo-Hydraulics, Transport Services, and Information and Communication Technology.

Following the signing ceremony, participants visited the Pashaliman Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard, where they were introduced to the ongoing development of the future maritime industrial centre.