The following objectives were pursued and achieved with the project: 1.) Increase in the mobility rate of apprentices in the skilled crafts sector (dual training) in Germany and in the area of the Lübeck Chamber of Skilled Crafts: It was not possible to achieve all 50 assignments of apprentices and journeymen, as well as of training staff in the period 2019-2022, as fewer mobilities were still possible due to the Corona virus pandemic. Despite this, many apprentices, journeymen and women, as well as companies and vocational school teachers, once again obtained information from the project executing agency about the possibilities of going abroad during this funding period. Even if many of these discussions did not always result in measurable mobilities, at least a further opening for the topic of international mobility was achieved among apprentices and young skilled workers, but also multipliers. 2.) Promotion of apprentices and journeymen with a view to expanding their competences (intercultural competence, foreign language skills, technical knowledge), foreign language skills, technical knowledge): This goal was fully achieved - on the one hand through the stay abroad itself, but also through good preparation of the participants (e.g. through intercultural and/or language training) as well as appropriate follow-up (e.g. evaluation meetings). 3.) Continuous quality improvement of learning stays (especially through the use of ECVET instruments): This objective was fully achieved. The intended application of certain ECVET instruments (including Europass, learning agreement...) was successfully implemented and, in addition to constant evaluation, led to good usability of the results. 4.) Consolidation and expansion of the international network of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts: This objective was partially achieved. Due to the pandemic, group mobilities could no longer take place from 2020. Nevertheless, the project promoter:in maintained close contact with the partner institutions Sørumsand and Rakvere Ametikool during this funding period, with some of which longer partnerships already exist. The same applies to contact with the Danish and French partners. 5) Contribution to the growing together of Europe and against demographic change: This goal was also achieved. Through the professional and private insight into other cultures and a foreign everyday life, the participants built up an increased understanding and sensitivity with regard to other cultures and felt strengthened as Europeans. For many, Europe as a whole thus becomes a potential labour market.
The Lübeck Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK) has implemented the project to meet the demand for skilled workers with intercultural competence and knowledge of the foreign market as well as internationalisation. The foreign trade advisory service of the HWK advises companies on order processing abroad or the use of foreign subcontractors. In both areas, the demand has increased in recent years. This is connected, among other things, with the developing fixed Fehmarnbelt link. Especially in our region, skilled workers with intercultural experience and employees who work in international contexts and can serve as mediators will be needed in the foreseeable future - not only in the companies, but also at the HWK itself. The HWK should continue to establish itself as an internationally active training provider in the region in order to provide international qualifications to the above-mentioned target groups from the skilled crafts sector. This includes increasing the number and quality of learning stays and consolidating the international network. So far, the focus has been primarily on the target group of apprentices and young skilled workers, but in the future it should also increasingly address vocational training staff. Through their multiplier function, VET staff contribute on the one hand to passing on the knowledge gained abroad and thus to increasing the quality of training, and on the other hand, by passing on their experience, to encouraging apprentices to spend time abroad.