To establish closer contacts with companies and the labor market which is of vital importance for a vocational school. Another important objective is to reduce dropping out of school and further improve the reputation of vocational education (candidates are more aware of what they want to learn) and to raise learning motivation (practical and flexible studies, internship in foreign countries). Satisfaction polls for the VOCO students have reported the international mobility as one the aspects that raises motivation and enhances satisfaction. To achieve the aim altogether 40 students and 28 staff mobilities were organized during the project, including virtual mobility, we improved in Covid19 pandemic period. As a result of the quality mobility the learning motivation was raised, pre-conditions for reducing dropping out were created; organisation, supervision and assessment of practical studies were improved. The long-term influence will be the rise of popularity of vocational education, higher competence of VOCO staff and effective and good cooperation with enterprices. High quality organized mobility make VOCO more atractive, competitive and well recognized vocational education institution in Europe.
Tartu Vocational Collge VOCO (from 01.01.2022), before Tartu Vocational Education Centre (TVEC), with 3500 students or ~ 14% of Estonian students learning a trade either after basic or secondary school attend studies on a daily basis, is the largest institution providing vocational education in Estonia. Due to the impressive number of students we have an influential role in Estonian economy which means a great deal of responsibility. The law for vocational education schools in Estonia binds over output-oriented curricula, shortening the duration of studies, increasing the importance of practical work and the flexibility of studies. Companies expect us to teach modern skills and trades which more closely correspond with the needs of labor market today. In addition, vocational school graduated have to meet high requirements in the fields of foreign languages and other key competences. With the mobility activities the following objectives have been set: - to considerably improve the quality of practical studies through student and staff mobility; - bring new modern compentencies into curricula and implementation plans design, also into organizing high quality internships, initiating and supporting mutually beneficial contacts between schools and companies; - reduce dropout rates and increase learner motivation; - internationalization and VET networks; - increase the reputation and attractiveness of VOCO and VET generally.