Joint Mentorship: Better cooperation for Better VET

The aim of the project was to enhance the quality of VET by improving cooperation and communication among all key stakeholders—ministries, agencies, VET schools, companies, mentors, chambers, othe...

The aim of the project was to enhance the quality of VET by improving cooperation and communication among all key stakeholders—ministries, agencies, VET schools, companies, mentors, chambers, other social partners and students. We wanted to establish structured, sustainable cooperation mechanisms at local and regional levels, formalized through Memoranda of Understanding, to foster joint efforts in strengthening work-based learning. Additionally, the project intended to build mentors’ pedagogical capacities through flexible and available on-demand e-learning modules, addressing the lack of accessible training. In Romania, additional objective was to develop a training program for mentors. Another project objective was to develop a modern e-platform to facilitate efficient communication, track student progress and promote digital skills among students and mentors. Overall, these goals aimed to create responsive, collaborative and high-quality VET systems better meeting labour market needs in partner countries.

The consortium implemented a series of coordinated activities to enhance VET quality. These included two study visits (to Croatia and Belgium) to exchange good practices in work-based learning and numerous thematic/regional meetings and communication/multiplier seminars in partner countries to initiate and foster stakeholder cooperation and discuss cooperation challenges in VET. Partners developed Systematic guidelines on cooperation and communication for Quality VET, along with a Good Practice Handbook and signed Memoranda of understanding to formalize collaboration at different levels. An Educational animated video was produced to present stakeholder roles. Four e-learning modules for mentors were designed, developed, translated and launched on the e-platform and national platforms, accompanied by a marketing campaign to raise awareness among mentors and encourage their participation. These activities engaged VET teachers, mentors, companies, representatives of different authorities and students.

The project produced several concrete outputs that contributed to improving VET quality. Four e-learning modules for mentors were developed, 3 of them aligned with the national frameworks, one universal and translated into partner languages, and launched on accessible e-platforms, with altogether 175 mentors enrolled. A mentoring program was created in Romania to address local needs. The Systematic guidelines on cooperation and communication for quality VET, accompanied by a Good practice handbook, were finalized to support and enhance stakeholder collaboration. Six Memoranda of understanding formalized cooperation among VET stakeholders. Two study visits enabled knowledge exchange on best practices. Numerous thematic meetings, seminars, and communication events engaged over 900 participants, strengthening networks in partner countries. An Educational animated video was produced to present and clarify stakeholder roles. Marketing campaigns promoted these tools, reaching tens of thousands. These outputs enhanced cooperation among stakeholders, mentor pedagogical skills, digital competencies, and the overall quality and inclusiveness of VET across partner countries.