The main idea of the project was to create and pilot Business Ambulance learning module for all VET students to learn social media marketing in real company and get international skills by working as a member in an international group. In the project students used their business and social media marketing skills working as coaches for SME companies helping them by creating a social media marketing campaign for the companies. Students were doing this with the help of business experts and teacher coaches who supported them throughout the project. In the Business Ambulance project students learnt by coaching in real companies. This challenged the normal way of studying in a classroom and being taught by a teacher. Through this project students learnt valuable knowledge in real-life companies with a real marketing campaign. At the same time the pedagogical model made it possible for the students to do good for the companies and learn about being socially responsible. This project implemented a new learning approach where students teach and help real-life companies and learn VET skills needed in the future. At the same time this project transformed the way schools and companies engage with each other as company .
The mission of Mercuria is to educate competent business professionals for needs of working life. The guiding values are: being responsible, together and innovating. Our vision is “customer experience which exceeds expectations”. In order to achieve the vision we have defined “Our way of doing”, where internationality is one of major focuses. With this project we wanted to influence also to other strategical focuses such as “we are forerunners in customer-oriented learning environments”, “we enhance competence and well-being”, “we cooperate closely with companies and other stakeholders”,“we manage with data and ensure effective processes”, “we secure sustainability”. VET providers need to educate future employees for the labor market needs. This project could give students the opportunity to learn VET skills in real-life environment and businesses. The project helped students learn social media marketing skills that are needed in labor markets after their graduation. In today’s world employers also appreciate or even require international experience and understanding. Through this project our students have learnt skills that they need for a successful career.