The main aim of the project “Vocational training abroad as a method of developing key competences” was to improve work skills and vocational experience of its participants by gaining new knowledge, skills and vocational competences, which will make them more attractive in a local, regional or even European job market, in accordance with the needs of the employers. Another aim was the development students’ English language competences, particularly communication skills and vocabulary, especially vocational. The next group of competences supposed to be developed in the project were the cross-cultural competences. We wanted to develop the attitudes of openness and mobility in the European context and also to develop the ability to conduct the intercultural dialogue. The important objective was also the acquirement and development features of the character useful not only in students’ personal development, but also in finding the employment: the right self-esteem, independence, creativity, open-mindedness, flexibility and assertiveness. Participation in the project was supposed to develop students’ readiness for lifelong learning.
One of the most important tasks of our school is to prepare the students for entering the job market equipped in necessary knowledge, skills and vocational competences. Data published by Central Statistical Office during the preparation of the project showed that counties populated by students of ZSE are affected by unemployment twice as high as nearby Tri-city. As the school we recognise the need of constant improvement of our activities, in order to prepare our students for taking up professional activity, managing in the job market (national and European) independently and being ready for the lifelong learning. Previous experiences in implementing of mobility projects proved that one of the methods of increasing the level of offered education is providing the high quality foreign vocational training for our students. That is why we prepared next, this time two-year project “Vocational training abroad as a method of developing key competences”.