The project sets out to develop a framework and tools for the operationalisation of a feedback loop involving graduate data collection, data processing and adaptation to constantly shifting labour market environment by VET providers themselves. This objective is driven by the need for VET providers to strengthen their capacities for independent self-adaptation (effectively exploiting advantages of flexibility, local market intelligence, proximity to communities), through efficient graduate data handling and processing, within processes of alignment with labour and other market needs. Simultaneously, the project adopts an integrated approach aiming to promote harmonisation of such feedback loop practices and resources across VET contexts and the development of international standards, data sharing, co-processing and transparency in implementing them. InTheLoop4VET forms a partnership of leading institutions in the field of vocational education, and research to meet the objective of increasing the involvement of VET providers in feedback loop design, development and implementation. The partnership is composed by three VET providers – Folksuniversitetet (SE), Ernestas Galvanauskas (LT), CIPFP Valle de Elda (ES), an EU-wide association representing VET providers (EVBB, DE) and a research organisation with cross-sectoral research expertise (PROMEA, GR). Bringing in a diversity of capacities and organisational experience, InTheLoop4VET project encompasses capacity development activities on graduate data generation and use, institutional adaptation, development of digital feedback loop supporting tools and networking for data sharing and interoperability of feedback loops. The methodological approach is modular in design in addressing distinct stages required for setting up a feedback loop mechanism at VET provider level, based on generating and using graduate tracking data and market intelligence in a targeted and combined provision adaptation approach. The approach is bottom up in valorizing the potential of micro-reforms implemented independently by VET providers with increased data handling skills for responding to market needs and aligning its provision means and content accordingly. The consolidation of the InTheLoop4VET framework in complementarity to existing EU-wide QA frameworks and arrangements will bring added value derived from the empowerment of VET providers in the relevant decision-making processes and consultations. The dissemination of the InTheLoop4VET framework and tools - developed as context-specific and amenable to harmonisation at the transnational level – is foreseen to be impactful for the majority of VET schools beyond the partnership countries, increasing their flexibility, competition-drive and synergistic profile in effecting adaptation to evolving socio-economic needs. Finally, through the non-proprietary digital resources that the project is going to make available, we facilitate the establishment of common reporting standards and sustainable outlets for sharing tracking and adaptation data.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES OBJ1. Increasing engagement of VET providers in the establishment and implementation of feedback loops OBJ2. Building VET providers’ capacities for generating & collecting graduate tracking data OBJ3. Improving VET providers’ uses of tracking data for provision adaptation purposes OBJ4. Increasing graduate data sharing rates and comparability of VET graduates’ data PARTNERSHIP FORMATION Building upon their successful ongoing partnership (TAMPADA, 2018) on tracking and monitoring in adult education, FU and PROMEA, along with leading institutions in the field of VET (EG, CIPFP, EVBB) form a strategic partnership to address graduate tracking and corresponding feedback loops in VET. The InTheLoop4VET partnership is formed by VET providers (FU, EG, CIPFP), a VET EU wide association (EVBB), and a learning innovation expert partner with significant ICT and management experience (PROMEA) particularly. The partnership is formed by institutions subject to different VET QA frameworks with the aim of sharing expertise in yielding institutional value from graduate tracking and from feedback loops for institutional adaptation to market requirements and provision competition.
BACKGROUND & CONTEXT Feedback loop mechanisms are widely considered as necessary for monitoring and improving the efficiency of VET provision. Graduate tracking plays a key role in this context, as a principal mechanism for generating data on graduates’ employment and further training, skills-matching between training provision and job market requirements, as well as data on the actual efficiency and results of VET provision. However, recent mappings of VET tracking measures across the EU reveal a less than uniform and consistent terrain. NEEDS ADDRESSED InTheLoop4VET intervenes in the field of VET to address providers’ needs for graduate tracking processes leading to provision adaptation. The project rationale encompasses a ‘local’ perspective of empowering providers by addressing their need for meaningful contributions to data generation and data-driven decision-making. Simultaneously, InTheLoop4VET contributes in addressing the need for the development of international standards in graduate tracking. Therefore, InTheLoop4VET adopts a rationale that recognizes the need for local measures, yet integrated into a transnational VET QA framework.