The AURORA project had the main objective of answering the new needs of the labor market by providing students with the technical and digital skills needed in their professional future for the tourism and cultural sectors. The project aimed to bridge the gap between education and the real-world job market, focusing on territorial marketing and augmented reality. A key objective was to connect students with local businesses, to interpret industry needs and explore future employment opportunities. This hands-on approach aimed at enhancing their employability and their understanding of the local and European cultural heritage. As far as teachers are concerned, the project provided tools and resources for updating their teaching approaches, creating a ripple effect that extended beyond the directly involved students. Finally, we aimed to build connections between VET schools, companies and stakeholders, in a collaborative environment that will continue to reinforce digital competencies and support innovation in education and training.
The project addressed the gaps in digital skills and competencies in education and training systems that the pandemic exposed. Many students lack basic digital skills, so our project aimed to cover the need for updated curricula, technical resources and teacher training. This project aligns with the European Action Plan for Digital Education in using new technologies such as augmented reality to improve learning outcomes and better prepare youth for the evolving job market. Our project contributed to updating the VET school curricula by integrating AR in order to provide innovative skills to students in the sectors of marketing and tourism, two sectors where digital transformation is a key issue. Teachers became familiar with tools and methodologies for modern, engaging and practical education. Additionally, the project promoted collaboration among VET institutions, sharing best practices and connecting students and educators internationally. The inclusion of technical partners ensured the development of accessible Open Educational Resources (OERs), to further contribute to advancing digital competencies across all stakeholders.