Our main objective was to modernise vocational education in the field of mechatronics and related technical programmes by using the topic of smart irrigation as a concrete, real-life context. We wanted to develop and test a modular training programme and practical teaching materials that integrate automation, sensors, programming and sustainable water management, and can be used directly in regular lessons. At the same time we aimed to improve teachers’ competences for planning and delivering interdisciplinary, project-based learning, and to give students more hands-on experience with designing, building and testing a real smart irrigation system. Another important objective was to strengthen long-term cross-border cooperation between TŠC Maribor and Pomorsko-tehnička škola Dubrovnik, so that teachers and students can exchange good practice, jointly develop materials and create a basis for further cooperation in green and digital transition in VET.
In Slovenia and Croatia many irrigation systems used in agriculture are still outdated and manually operated, which leads to inefficient use of water and energy. At the same time, VET mechatronics programmes offer only limited opportunities for students and teachers to work with real smart-irrigation technologies, data-driven control and sustainability topics in an integrated way. Both partner schools identified a need for a modern, practice-oriented curriculum and teaching tools that connect mechatronics, automation, digitalisation and environmental protection, and that can be embedded into regular vocational programmes. We therefore applied for this project to design and pilot a modular training programme and a smart irrigation system prototype, in order to upgrade the competences of teachers for teaching specialised technical subjects and to improve students’ technical and green skills. The project also addresses the need to strengthen long-term cross-border cooperation between TŠC Maribor and Pomorsko-tehnička škola Dubrovnik in the field of sustainable irrigation and quality assurance in VET.