Intercambio + VET - Language exchange in vocational settings

The primary aim of the Intercambio+ VET project was to facilitate more effective integration between language learning, vocational education and training (VET), and the world of work. The core obj...

The primary aim of the Intercambio+ VET project was to facilitate more effective integration between language learning, vocational education and training (VET), and the world of work. The core objectives included: (1) Addressing gaps between language learning, VET, and the workplace by developing and piloting innovative, vocationally specific language learning materials and teaching methods tailored to key economic sectors. (2) Adapting language learning and VET to better meet employer skills needs. This was achieved through the integration of language learning with work experience and vocational training, ensuring that learners acquired both language proficiency and practical vocational skills aligned with industry demands. (3) Supporting language schools and teaching professionals by providing resources and training to help educators adopt vocationally based language learning, making it accessible to a broader range of learners from diverse social, economic, and educational backgrounds.

The main activities that were carried out during the project were as follows: (1) The development and piloting of a suite of vocationally specific conversation exercises to enable VET learners to develop their conversation skills within 6 vocational sectors across the 6 project languages. (2) The development of a mobile app and piloting via the integration of language materials that enable learners to validate each other’s language skills and learning achievements. (3) The establishment and piloting of innovative CPD training programmes for language teaching professionals (4) Exploitation of results and sustainability activities including developing of Intercambio + VET website, dissemination of project outputs and multiplier events.

The concrete outputs and other results that the Intercambio+ VET project produced were: (1)Development and piloting of a suite of innovative, vocationally specific language learning materials for use across a range of economic sectors across 6 languages. (2)Development and piloting of a mobile app that enables learners to access and use the learning materials, as well as tracking their progress and validating their learning. These two outputs resulted in supporting VET learners to access vocationally specific language learning to improve their employability. (3) Development and piloting of a training course for language teachers to utilise the learning material and teaching methods developed by the project to a broader range of learners. This resulted in enabling language professionals to provide vocationally specific language to a broader range of learners. (4) ‘Mainstreaming’ of language learning content and teaching methods with language schools and teachers in the partner countries to sustain their use. This resulted in enhanced links between language schools and employers to support the development of language learning provision that is better adapted to employer skills needs.