The project aimed to design, pilot and validate a three phase GreenScouts approach in VET schools in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The first objective was to prepare VET learners through a workshop curriculum that introduced core sustainability concepts, green business practices and circular economy principles. The second objective focused on supporting learners during their work based learning phase through a structured Guidance Concept that helped them identify opportunities for improvement in their workplaces and develop feasible sustainability strategies. The third objective was to facilitate peer exchange and digital presentation of these strategies, creating a shared collection of good practices and encouraging cross country learning. A further objective was to develop an Adaptive Methodology (Transfer Concept) that would enable other VET schools to implement the GreenScouts programme in their own institutional contexts. Together, these objectives aimed to strengthen green competences among VET learners, promote problem solving and process oriented thinking and enhance cooperation between VET schools and companies in support of the green transition.
The project was initiated in response to the growing impact of the green transition on workplaces and skill requirements. As companies increasingly adopt sustainability measures and adjust to climate goals, employees are expected to understand resource efficiency, circular economy principles and environmentally responsible work practices. VET schools therefore face the challenge of preparing learners for these new expectations while supporting employers in developing green competences during work based learning. At the start of the project, many VET learners lacked the awareness and practical tools needed to identify sustainability opportunities in their workplaces. Companies, on the other hand, could benefit from fresh insights and structured ideas generated by young people. GreenScouts was designed to bridge this gap by equipping learners with the competences to analyse workplace processes and propose realistic improvements. The project aligned with European priorities set out in the Green Deal and the GreenComp framework, aiming to strengthen green skills, foster cooperation between schools and industry and support a sustainable mindset among both learners and teachers.