The project objective was to enhance the educational process in VET institutions through cooperation and exchange of good practices between project partner-country institutions and companies in the field of VET by increasing their attractiveness, and effectiveness and providing future-oriented education and training systems. We wanted to enhance the educational process at project partners’ VET institutions giving recommendations after analysis of five different automotive educational programs during the training events (peer evaluations), upgrading teachers' knowledge regarding pedagogical methods, blended learning, dual education, and improving the study environment for student purchasing augmented reality (AR) welding equipment for the training of students at 3 VET schools. Thus, the students can learn basic welding skills on simulators with less metal alloy waste and less fumes, and later strengthen these skills using real welding equipment. Implementing AR welding equipment, carrying out analysis of 5 educational programs, professional development of teachers, discussions, and experience exchange can enhance future-oriented VET education and positively affect the reputation of the VET schools.
The global world has been affected by artificial intelligence, advanced production facilities, automation, and robotics. The study process of VET schools is also affected by new technologies, complex processes and structures, different digital tools, platforms, etc. VET schools should teach the students to work with up-to-date training equipment (what many companies already have), also VET schools should be proactive and foresee the needs of businesses and prepare education programs aligned with the needs of labour market because companies can’t wait many years for new graduates, specialists. Therefore, peer evaluation was used in the training events that were attended by VET teachers and companies from six different European countries. The main themes explored during the training events (peer evaluations) were: 1) conducting analysis of automotive curriculums; 2) successful pedagogical methods; 3) blended learning 4) AR training for welding and up-to-date training equipment. The discussions with involved VET schools and companies in the project were important to understand how to improve the educational process in VET institutions and how best to adapt vocational education and training to labour market needs.