The 4th International Congress of Advanced Aesthetics and Cosmetology took place on 4–5 June 2026 in Tirana, Albania, organized by the Albanian Hairdressers and Aesthetics Association SHPPAT within the framework of the Chamber and Association Partnership Project with DHKZ and the Chamber of Crafts Koblenz (HWK Koblenz).
The two-day congress brought together professionals, trainers, and international partners from the hairdressing, cosmetics, and aesthetics sectors. The event focused on current developments, innovation, quality standards, and the future of vocational education and training in the sector.
A key highlight of the congress was the official certificate ceremony for participants of the pilot Master Qualification Programme. A total of 35 graduates received their certificates after successfully completing the programme based on German Master Craftsman (Meister) standards.
The qualification is aligned with Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and is comparable to bachelor’s degree level. It strengthens the professional profile of graduates and supports the development of high-quality services in Albania’s growing hairdressing and aesthetics sector.
The congress also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in vocational education and training, particularly between Albania and Germany, and highlighted the role of SHPPAT and HWK Koblenz in supporting the development of modern qualification systems.
The event represents another important milestone in the implementation of the partnership project and in the promotion of European-quality standards in vocational training.
