During the first visit to Pivara Skopje, the US Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes got acquainted with the process and long tradition of beer production and also visited the facility that was awarded two recognitions for producing the best Coca-Cola beverages in the world. At the meeting with the General Manager of Pivara Skopje Dan Timotin, the ambassador has been introduced with the current company’s activities and investments that should ensure its further sustainable development, as well as with the implementation of projects that contribute to the prosperity of the community, such as the program for free training of young individuals “Skills for Success”, which is currently in its fourth year of successful implementation by Pivara Skopje.

The General Manager of Pivara Skopje and the US Ambassador visited the company’s Education Center where they met with the participants in the 39^th session of the “Skills for Success” training program. The US Ambassador shared her personal experiences and tips with the trainees, helping them to enrich their knowledge and skills that should in turn enable them to easier find a job or start their own business, which is the main purpose of these trainings.

“From the start of this year until now, 934 young people have gone through these trainings, making the total number of participants in this program, which we launched in 2016, over 2600. We are particularly proud and pleased that a substantial 36% of young people who have so far realized the trainings that this program provides, have shortly afterwards found their desired job. I think we should be happy with this result, as well as with the fact that the number of young people who want to participate in the program is increasing every day. All of this gives us additional energy, together with our partners, to continuously invest in youth development and thereby contribute to increasing employment and entrepreneurship development in the country”, said the General Manager of Pivara Skopje Dan Timotin.

With these trainings conducted by Pivara Skopje, which are free of charge for all participants, young people get an opportunity to improve their communication skills, learn how to negotiate, create development plans and manage projects, as well as manage time and resources effectively and efficiently, acquire knowledge in the areas of business, finance and sales. The trainings are led by professional trainers and as mentors on a voluntary basis, members of leading team and managers of Pivara Skopje also participate. The realization of this program of Pivara Skopje is supported by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, as well as by the State Employment Agency, especially in identifying the candidates who most need this type of training, where priority is given to young people from socially vulnerable categories.

US Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes said she was impressed by the desire of the participants to improve and expand their practical skills and knowledge, as well as by the dedication of the employees and the management of Pivara Skopje to put together such a useful program. She noted what a great example the event set for how business, through partnerships with the public sector, can make real contributions to creating additional opportunities and perspectives for young people. The Ambassador further praised the excellent results the program has achieved so far saying it deserved support from the entire community.

In order to enable as many young people as possible to attend these trainings, Pivara Skopje also organized trainings in Veles, Kumanovo, Gostivar, Kochani and Kavadarci, as well as at the South East European University in Tetovo. Special sessions were organized in the municipality of Shuto Orizari, intended for the youth of the Roma community, as well as for the protegees in the SOS Children’s Village. Last year, a digital platform was also launched, allowing all interested young people to go through the training electronically.

For the so far achievements in implementing the “Skills for Success” program, Pivara Skopje has received several awards, including a special recognition by the President of the country. Partner of Pivara Skopje in the realization of this project is the business education company “Motiva”.