The aim of the project was to enhance the quality of VET by improving cooperation and communication among all key stakeholders—ministries, agencies, VET schools, companies, mentors, chambers, other social partners and students. We wanted to establish structured, sustainable cooperation mechanisms at local and regional levels, formalized through Memoranda of Understanding, to foster joint efforts in strengthening work-based learning. Additionally, the project intended to build mentors’ pedagogical capacities through flexible and available on-demand e-learning modules, addressing the lack of accessible training. In Romania, additional objective was to develop a training program for mentors. Another project objective was to develop a modern e-platform to facilitate efficient communication, track student progress and promote digital skills among students and mentors. Overall, these goals aimed to create responsive, collaborative and high-quality VET systems better meeting labour market needs in partner countries.
We applied for this project to address the gaps in cooperation and communication among VET stakeholders—ministries, agencies, schools, companies, chambers, social partners, students —which are essential for a quality and functional VET system. Despite good intentions, stakeholders often work independently, which is leading to fragmented efforts and insufficient sharing of information. Teachers lack time to monitor students at workplaces and maintain regular contacts with companies, while in-company mentors often lack pedagogical training and accessible, flexible learning options. Students also need better feedback and motivation which can be provided through digital tools like e-logbooks. By improving stakeholder dialogue, formalizing cooperation through MoUs and developing an innovative e-platform and e-learning modules tailored to mentors’ needs, the project directly responded to these identified needs, enhancing the quality of work-based learning and VET in project countries.