One of the aims of the project was to develop and make visible Tartu VEC as offering flexible, practical studies oriented learning opportunities where mobility activities support internationally assessed and recognized knowledge, skills and competence. The professional development of staff is also an important aim as the mobility activities support rising the quality of teaching and through these activities teachers gain new knowledge regarding European future labor market needs and can help students develop the skills for entering the labor market. Surveys of students in recent years show that international mobility helps to reduce drop-out rates and raises the awareness of vocational education (more informed students) and motivation to learn (practical oriented, flexible learning, incl mobility). Increased motivation to work in the chosen field and the improvement of key competencies significantly expand the chances of participating in successful employment at both national and European level. High-quality study visits make the school an attractive, competitive and recognized European vocational training institution and cooperation partner.
The project idea and aims were based on the following strategies: Europe 2020, European education ET 2020, Estonia 2020 and Erasmus + values: 1 Reducing early school leaving to less than 10%, increasing the openness and responsiveness of VET to labor market needs, supporting learners 2 Improve the quality of internship`s supervision and evaluation 3 Flexible forms of study, incl the development of apprenticeships 4 Stronger links with the labor market 5 Internationalization 6 Increase the attractiveness of VET The project aims and activities support the goals of raising the professionalism of the staff, developing output-based curricula, including the development of learning outcomes and assessment criteria for internships described in the school strategic development plan 2019-2023. One of the measures to increase the attractiveness of VET and motivation of students is to provide students with practical training abroad. Increased motivation to work in the chosen field and the improvement of key competencies significantly broaden the students chances of participating in successful employment both nationally and at European level.