Work-based Learning in Centres of Vocational Excellence (2020–2022)
Between 2020 and 2022, this initiative explored how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) could support work-based learning (WBL) in companies. WBL is a crucial aspect of education-business collaboration and was one of the eight initial priority themes for the ETF's Network for Excellence. Successful WBL relies on strong cooperation between schools and employers, which was central to the initiative.
The six countries involved were Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Kazakhstan.
How did it work?
Key activities included the development of partnerships between EU and non-EU CoVEs.
Coaching and peer learning activities were provided to network members by EU-based CoVEs, specifically from the Baltic countries, through the Latvian Vocational Education Association. Highlights include:
- A peer learning activity held in Latvia in spring 2022.
- Progress analysis for all participants, identifying strengths, weaknesses, barriers, and enablers for WBL improvement and the sharing of best practices.
Why the Baltic Countries?
The Baltic countries were chosen as best practice, due to their recent experience in vocational education reform, particularly in introducing high-quality WBL. Their VET systems are built on strategic partnerships between public authorities and social partners, and they have strong institutions with excellent school-business cooperation. For instance, the VET school in Ogre, Latvia, is renowned for its practices.
Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania formed the Baltic Alliance for Apprenticeships (BAfA) and have collaborated on two consecutive Erasmus+ programmes:
- National Authorities for Apprenticeships: Implementing Work-Based Learning in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia (WBL Balt) 2014–17
- Testing New Approaches to Training VET and Workplace Tutors for Work-Based Learning (TTT4WBL) 2017–20
Baseline Study
In 2021, the Latvian Vocational Education Association (PIB) and the ETF conducted a study on WBL implementation in seven CoVEs across the six participating countries (with two centres in Kazakhstan). The study aimed to map current practices, identify challenges, and highlight opportunities for collaboration and development in WBL.
A summary of the findings was published in English, French, and Russian: The Role of Centres of Vocational Excellence in Work-Based Learning: Initial Findings from a Study Based on Practices from Six ETF Partner Countries (2021).
The study was complemented by a series of coaching sessions. CoVEs involved in the initiative benefited from peer-to-peer learning activities provided by other EU CoVEs, particularly from Latvia and other Baltic countries, through the PIB. These sessions made use of contacts from public authorities, business associations, chambers, employers, and schools, providing access to proven tools and methodologies.
Sectors represented
The CoVEs involved in the project represented various sectors, including:
- Hospitality and Tourism School of Tirana, Albania
- Vayots Dzor Regional State College, Armenia
- College of Modern Technologies in Mechanical Engineering and Car Servicing, Belarus
- APEC PetroTechnic Higher College LLP, Kazakhstan
- Nur-Sultan Polytechnic College, IT Competence Centre, Kazakhstan
- Kiro Burnaz Secondary Vocational School, Kumanovo, North Macedonia
- Centre of Excellence in Construction, Moldova
See also the blogs on the coaching sessions:
Coaching session on career education
Coaching session on motivating and involving companies in work-based learning
How do we assess the professional orientation of students in Latvia?
Link to the main pages on the topic:
Vocational excellence platform of good practices – ENE in Open Space
Vocational excellence – ENE | ETF (europa.eu) - ENE on the ETF website
Publications:
The role of centres of vocational excellence in work-based learning
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