Demand for highly skilled, efficient, healthy and socially engaged citizens and employees is increasing. Skills mismatches pose a massive economic and societal burden in EU, and compromise the employability, wellbeing and quality of life of millions of Europeans. Higher Education Institutions as drivers for wider socio-economic change and innovation, host a significant proportion of the future workforce. Despite the satisfactory acquisition of theoretical knowledge and occupation-specific skills, graduates still lack of key competencies, such as transversal skills. The objective of the LEVEL UP project is (1) To provide new understanding on transversal skills, by bringing together the most up to date knowledge across different fields, and scientific disciplines (2) to develop innovative educational material and tools for transversal skills training (3) to integrate all the produced material in a pragmatic and applicable framework for transversal skills training, using a systems-based approach. Towards these objectives, we have assembled a transnational European network (University of Cyprus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Jaén, University of Crete and Silversky3D) with expertise in skills training, research, development of multi-level models in educational system, and learning technologies. Six Intellectual Outputs (IOs) implement these goals. IO1 comprises an evidence synthesis on transversal skills, drawing from across scientific disciplines and linking to the industry and individuals’ wellbeing. IO2 (introductory course), IO3 (skills training program) and IO4 (self-monitoring/ eCoaching tool) apply this knowledge to develop new multi-modal educational methodologies, materials and resources to address domains of skills gap, where IO5 is designed to integrate them in a unified roadmap that can be readily utilized by Higher Education Institutions. Finally, IO6 tests the practical applicability of the framework in different HE settings. Participatory methods will be used to engage universities, industrial partners, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate in order to successfully carry out the project. At least 740 representatives of stakeholders and learners (e.g. students, academic and research staff from universities, employers, staff from career counselling and information services, representatives from chambers of commerce, trade unions) will participate in all phases of the project lifecycle. We also expect to reach directly an estimated number of 180 people through 4 Multiplier Events. Envisaged impact by the project: LEVEL UP is expected to further understanding of transversal skills acquisition, promote alignment of strategies for transversal skills at EU and in the long-term improve the competitiveness of EU Higher Education Institutions, contributing to society, productivity and economic growth with highly-skilled and effective graduates.
The objectives of the LEVEL UP project were (1) To provide new understanding on transversal skills, by bringing together the most up to date knowledge across different fields, and scientific disciplines; (2) to develop innovative educational material and tools for transversal skills training; (3) To integrate all the produced material in a pragmatic and applicable framework for transversal skills training, using a systems-based approach.
There is a general consensus that focus in the 21st century, should be placed on preparing students for work, active citizenship and life. Broad, “transversal’ skills beyond academic knowledge, such as the ability to collaborate, to be prosocial, to communicate effectively, to be curious and creative, to show critical thinking and problem solving, and to show agility and adaptability, are now an emerging trend for tackling the global challenges. Although students in higher education commonly graduate with excellent technical academic skills to do well in their future profession, it is highly debated whether higher education graduates also have developed sufficient soft skills essential to do well at the workplace. The objective of the project is to advance practices in the education of students in Higher Education (HE), dealing with challenges and opportunities related to transversal skills development. The issue of transversal skills development in HE is often addressed through programs that are simply piecemeal efforts. Instead, a system-based approach could add value to reduce fragmented efforts and increase the efficiency of these initiatives.