Using agile learning platforms to infuse circular economy knowledge with entrepreneurial spirit

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted education in all Member States, causing school closures and service suspensions that hindered efforts to up-skill and re-skill the labor force. The CIR...

CIRCULO aimed to introduce a new hybrid learning approach that will enhance the entrepreneurial, digital, and green skills of VET educators in Spain, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Belgium and Croatia. In doing so, CIRCULO sought to be a leading force in shaping a new learning approach that places digitalization at the core of VET professionals' roles. The main objectives of CIRCULO were to: Create a comprehensive set of learning resources designed to enable VET students to acquire the skills necessary for the green and circular economy. Promote the entrepreneurial mindset among young people by providing a series of interactive learning resources aligned with the Ideas & Opportunities framework of EntreComp. Develop a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course for VET teachers and trainers, aimed at enhancing their skills to digitize learning offerings and methods. The course also included guidance and coaching measures to ensure effective implementation. Set up an online facilitated network across Europe for VET stakeholders, fostering the exchange of best practices, building professional relationships, and collaborating to devise solutions to current labor market challenges.

The innovation and a constant strive to expand entrepreneurial domain, in terms of knowledge, can significantly change and boost the EU economy, especially when taking into account the opportunities that exist as a result of the European Green Deal and the dual economic transition that is underway. The activities implemented by CIRCULO are: A Local Stakeholder Forum was established to ensure that their views form an integral part of the project's work plan and development approach, and that key local stakeholders and associated partners are networked transnationally through the LTTAs and eNetwork, incorporating a European dimension to the results of the CIRCULO project. A new train-the-trainer program for VET professionals was designed and implemented and piloted in France and Croatia. 15 VET teachers from 8 EU countries (Spain, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Belgium and Croatia) attended to validate training materials, share best practices and participate in activities to explore innovations in VET practices. Organized local continuing professional development training activities, using a cascade model, involving VET professionals at the local level to deliver the CIRCULO Train-the-Trainer (TTT) program in a blended learning format. The CIRCULO e-learning platform was designed and implemented with an integrated online electronic network, ensuring active management, facilitation and promotion throughout the second year of the project. Each partner was actively promoting and sustaining the project throughout its duration, with a strong focus on establishing and managing Local Stakeholder Forums and fostering a vibrant eNetwork. GEINNOVA organized a Transnational Conference in Spain, and successfully drew an international audience of 100 stakeholders.This conference was divided into four events, each tailored to different target groups. CIRCULO’s Multiplier events were held in Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Belgium and Croatia. These ME focused on presenting the results and outcomes of the project, to VET professionals and trainers, senior managers and policy makers.

CIRCULO project put into life several project objectives. Besides creating a: Train-the-Trainer Programme for VET professionals, eLearning Platform and eNetwork; during the CIRCULO projects’ lifetime additional KPIs were achieved: There were 111 VET tutors who completed the TTT programme and were using the newly-created methods and tools during their everyday practice. 12 CIRCULO learning sources are created to enhance the development of entrepreneurial mindset and circular economy principles. 174 main stakeholders and organizations attending the ME events in all of the partner’s countries. 100 participants attended the Final Conference in Spain, including VET managers, organizations, academics, etc. In this event, CIRCULO project and all its results were presented. This conference was divided into four events, each tailored to different target groups.