Integrating Logistics Processes in Practice Enterprises

This project aimed to address the mismatch between the profile of students applying for logistics jobs and the profile requested by logistics companies. In the partner countries, there is in fact ...

The project aimed to develop a very practical learning program for European VET students, preparing them for advanced logistics education or employment in logistics companies. The project involved inventorying key logistics competencies and enhancing the relevance of skills for a changing labor market. By extending the existing Practice Enterprise (PE) methodology to logistics, we offer training that aligns seamlessly with logistics internships and future job roles. The goal was to provide real-world work experience, exposure to international aspects, and opportunities for engagement with other PEs, creating a transnational logistics experience that also helps trainers guide students in study choices and job targets. The ultimate objective was to reduce the mismatch between the skills people are taught and the skills needed by the sector and to bridge the gap between the classroom and workplace, providing young people with better qualifications and sustainable employment perspectives. We created a model that was not only applicable in the LOGIPRO partner countries but also in other PEN Worldwide member countries globally.

The activities included management and implementation, research on professional qualifications and job targets in international trade and logistics, definition of skills required by higher education and the labour market through a comparative analysis across countries, creation of a model practice enterprise for logistics, implementation of software and tools for logistics training, development of a common curriculum using the practice enterprise methodology, training for teachers and guidelines for mastering the new methodology, and the setup of pilot practice enterprises in participating VET schools, aligning logistics tasks with real-world commercial transactions. The activities were designed to prepare students for further education in higher education institutions or employment in the logistics sector, and to ensure that the necessary skills and competencies are aligned with the real needs of the labour market. We started by comparing educational and professional qualifications frameworks for specific logistics profiles in different countries, consulting with HE professionals and real companies in the logistics sector, and conducting a thorough job vacancy analysis. After this research, we were able to start working on the model, the pilots and the training for teachers. Regular transnational and online meetings facilitated collaboration, feedback, and progress monitoring throughout the project. The activities outlined in work packages were designed to overlap in time, with clear planning and responsibilities assigned to each partner. Four transnational meetings, two official online meetings and 3 multiplier events were organised.

We developed 5 project results: PR1 - Benchmarking and Analysis Report: The Benchmarking and Analysis Report produced a document reporting a general overview of the main outcomes and findings of benchmarking and best practices for currently used practical logistics training in partner countries and across the current PE networks. The main aim of the analysis consisted in determining and defining indications for the most demanded logistic profiles and developing a common training methodology to implement logistics training in the PE approach in partner countries, also having in mind a EU perspective. During the analysis we not only focused on the professional qualifications and attainable job targets in the logistics sector, but also on the skills required by higher education as well as the labour market. PR2 - Implementation Guide and Materials The guide is conceived as an operating tool supporting VET schools providing logistics training within the Practice Enterprise (PE), to cooperate in arranging and implementing the methodology within a school context. The guide consists of general indications and describes the methodological framework for the implementation of logistics training in the PE, in terms of ICT and vocational skills delivered and acquired, characteristics of technical staff within schools that will manage the PE logistics programme, the learning environment, connection with relevant guidance and training paths to foster ICT and logistics skills, connection between the PE and logistics programmes. The second part concerns the specific settings where the PE logistics learning methodology is realised within each partner country, taking into account the specific needs and characteristics of target students and their didactic background. PR3 - Trainers Training manual and Trainers Training Supporting video The training manual and video are designed to provide trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement a Practice Enterprise (PE) in the field of logistics. The manual covers various aspects of setting up and operating a PE, including the choice of activity, market research, financials, and infrastructure. It also delves into specific elements such as the staff structure, launching and promoting the PE, partnerships, materials, ethics, social responsibility, and the evaluation process. PR4 - Testing report, Brochure, Presentation, Videos, Timeline and framework The testing report served as a foundation for evaluating the pilot experience of the Logistics Practice Enterprise in a school setting. The online questionnaires, designed for students and school staff, assessed the program's effectiveness, feasibility, and suitability for scaling up. The key findings from the student and teacher responses are presented in this report, providing valuable insights into the program's strengths and areas for improvement. The data collected from the questionnaires will be used to make necessary modifications and supports for the successful implementation of the Logistics Practice Enterprise on a larger scale in other institutions. The brochure outlines the key features of the Logistics Practice Enterprise (PE) methodology. It highlights that the Logistics PE is a comprehensive program that prepares VET students for advanced logistics education in higher education or jobs within logistics companies. The LOGIPRO model focuses on freight forwarders, customs clearance agents, and dispatchers in freight transport, providing targeted training for these specific roles. By incorporating business realism, specialised software, national partnerships, and international economy into logistics education, the Practice Enterprise methodology aims to increase the inflow of experienced VET students into higher education institutions and logistics companies, fostering a more skilled and work-ready workforce for the logistics industry. The presentation on the LOGIPRO project provides a comprehensive overview of the methodology and its impact on the logistics training programs. The presentation covers various aspects, including findings and challenges in the logistics sector, education and the Practice Enterprise (PE) network, as well as the definition of the PE methodology and the added value for trainers and trainees. The LOGIPRO key focus points, domains of specialisation, target groups, models for the different logistics profiles and the general timeline for the PE methodology are also mentioned. The presentation includes the project results within the LOGIPRO project, the soft skills and knowledge required by the sector and trained in the PE, and examples of best practices and tools used during the piloting activities by the partner schools. The video is designed for stakeholders, partners outside the project, and interested schools. The video showcases the benefits of the Practice Enterprise program and how it prepares students for the workforce. The LOGIPRO timeline is a visual representation of the sequential activities involved in the implementation of the Practice Enterprise (PE) program. It serves as a tool to help students understand the chronological order of activities and enables teachers to monitor progress. Additionally, a framework for teachers has been developed to provide detailed explanations of each step. Within this framework, some steps are categorised as 'mandatory' while others are 'optional' and depend on the school's curriculum. This allows flexibility for schools to select the steps that align with their specific curriculum for the logistics PE. The timeline and framework are designed to support the effective implementation of the PE program, offering a structured approach while allowing for adaptation to the unique needs of each educational context. - PR5 Piloting Evaluation and Report The Piloting Evaluation and Report contains the key findings and recommendations, including general and comparative conclusions. The report offers comprehensive conclusions on the results of testing as carried out in the piloting schools, providing insights into the effectiveness of the Practice Enterprise (PE) approach and its potential for improvement. The report also outlines suggestions for enhancing the learning methodology and strategies for the sustainable implementation of the PE approach within school programs and other educational contexts. All of the materials are freely downloadable from the LOGIPRO project website. The Trainers Training Supporting video is only available in English, but all the other outputs have been translated into Dutch, French, Spanish and Catalan from English.