The project aims to continue on the successes of the VETCOP project, an Erasmus+ project running from 2018-2020 with the goal of building an online platform that makes it possible for all Practice Enterprises to take part in international trade mirroring the very idea of the EU (digital) single market. The online platform consists of a B2B marketplace, a banking system and a login server. The new project will build further innovation to the VETCOP platform, including the development of an Advertising Module where trainees can learn and practice e-commerce, a Web Application that connects students and teachers and provides a forum for sharing information, documents and networking, an overall Messaging and Notifications system that connects the modules of the VETCOP software into the Web App and the Advertising System, a Monitoring and Ticketing system to ensure sustainability for the modules, as well as an innovative concept called Worlds, where student-run enterprises can operate in their own ''world'' - where time can stop and move around depending on where the students are in their learning process in comparison to the required business cycle. The national Practice Enterprises located in 18 European countries shall have access to the platform through which numerous skills and qualifications in the area of international trade can be acquired and hence, lead to increased employability, better career-development and reducing the risk of early school leaving. As well, with the current context of remote training and remote learning that we are experiencing during the 2020 crisis, the platform brings every aspect of the Practice Enterprise training online, offering the possiblity continue training activities completely online during shutdowns, as well as for disabled, disadvantaged and rural groups. The integration of the Worlds concept brings innovation into the Practice Enterprise concept by allowing student-run enterprises to operate in their own ''world'' - where time can stop and move around depending on where the students are in their learning process in comparison to the required business cycle. A Practice Enterprise is a student-run company that operates like a real business and silhouettes a real enterprise's business procedures, products and services. Under the guidance of a trainer and business mentors, students create their Practice Enterprises and are responsible for its performance. Each company engages in business activities, both nationally and internationally, with other companies within the Practice Enterprise network, following standard commercial business procedures and frameworks. With the Worlds concept, training can jump between fiscal periods, parallel economic worlds where the same company is experiencing two or more different economic realities, and offer the possibility to stop time for operations of the company example during the summer holidays. The Practice Enterprise bridges gaps between education and the world of business. It strengthens inclusivity in the learning process and empowers students to take charge of their own learning pathways. The platform shall offer the possibility for students to connect with their peers and learn at their own pace. Practice Enterprises reinforce academic skills and achievements, reignite interest in education, and raise student desire for self-development and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Connecting and trading with students from around the world encourages motivation and life skills. Students are actively involved in the learning process, increasing student motivation, initiative, creativity and responsibility. The Practice Enterprise approach emphasizes inclusive learning and participation with a focus on social inclusion. The programme has been recognised by the European Commission as a best practice for reducing Early School Leaving and also as a best practice for entrepreneurial and business learning by the European Training Foundation. The new portal will bring the programme to the next level while providing a platform for online learning and remote learning, connecting students, teachers, schools and countries virtually. The project is a partnership of four organisations engaged in VET education as well as eighteen associated partners. The Danish office for Practice Enterprises (International Business College), the international non-profit association of Practice Enterprises (EUROPEN-PEN International), the French office for Practice Enterprises (REEP EuroEntEnt), the German office for Practice Enterprises (Bfz-Essen) as well as the Swiss office for Practice Enterprises (Helvartis). IBC is applicant of the project and provides practical learning in VET schools across Denmark in economic and commercial education. Associated partners include the national offices for Practice Enterprises from the 18 European countries that will be participating in the testing and implementation and mainstreaming of the project outputs and results.
The main objective of the PENAPPS project was to build the concept's online capacities for the more than 120,000 students per year who participate in Practice Enterprise activities in a virtual online environment based on simulation as a practice-oriented learning methodology. The project accomplished this by developing an online platform consisting of a Web Application for linking all connected modules and providing a student forum and portfolio, as well as innovations to the methodology including the Worlds concept, monitoring and ticketing systems and a module for sales campaigns. The national Practice Enterprises located in 23 European countries have access to the platform. Also the key competences for lifelong learning are developed through the platform, including communication in foreign languages, learning to learn, digital competencies and cultural awareness.
The new platform is important for the consortium since it makes it possible for VET-providers to offer innovative, digital and dynamic learning methods to both VET-teachers and - students. International skills and competences are needed by the European enterprises for them to stay competitive in the global economy, and the platform will ensure a high labour market relevance. The need for teachers to have access to a common learning platform simulating the real world of international trade is important. The project ensure that teachers can configure specific platform functionality according to the individual skill levels and learning goals of the students