The i-Coach project aimed to fisrtly introduce the role of the i-Coach Expert: we wanted to create and promote the i-Coach Expert profile to support VET entitties and businesses in providing quality internship opportunities and ensure pedagogical support for work-based learning conditions. Second, we wanted to develop all necessary resources and tools to support the role of the i-Coach expert and we called it the i-Coach Innovative Training Toolbox: it is specifically designed to equip end-users with the knowledge required to create and manage internship programs or support employees in transitioning to new roles within their organizations. It includes everything from a detailed job description and characteristics of the i-Coach expert to a dedicated manual with specialsed training contents. Third, we wanted to enhance WBL Practices: Through the project activities and our sustainability activities, we are transfering innovative knowledge, tools, and practices based on WBL knowledge, fostering succesful collaboration between relevant stakeholders, and exploit ICT tools to address the identified issues.
The application for the i-Coach project was driven by the need to address specific gaps and challenges in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The primary goal was to create a new occupational profile, the i-Coach Expert, which has been either missing or neglected by businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers. An incomplete list of the needs we've addressed include: - a need for in-company trainers to collaborate closely with VET institutions and teachers to guide apprentices - a lack of sufficient training offered to tutors or managers who would take on the role of mentors for interns - lack of know-how and experience in running internship programs The needs addressed by the project are common to all partner countries and as discovered during the implementation of the project - also common to a number of other countries within the EU. The project aimed to tackle the above mentioned issues through the transference of innovative knowledge, tools and practices based on WBL knowledge, collaboration between the relevant stakeholders and exploitation of ICT Tools in these fields. The project introduces the role of the i-Coach Expert, and provides a set of very specific and tailored resources to support it