The overall goal of the project is to tackle skills gaps of metalworkers by addressing the following objectives: to design and deliver a new targeted VET programme based on the current and future skills demand in the metalworking sector, and to develop a self-adaptive work-based learning system in combination with coaching. This project is coordinated by VJLMTC in partnership with 11 partners from Lithuania, Germany, Latvia and Estonia with considerable expertise in the development of VET curricula, vocational training, support to VET policy changes, CNC software programming, the project will achieve an appropriate match between skills and labor market needs resulting in learning outcome-oriented VET curriculum, applying ECVET, that will cover technical competence, coaching techniques, development of digital and entrepreneurial skills, and include periods of work-based learning. The main midterm results:WP1 Comparative Analysis of Qualification Standards: The qualification standards analysis provided useful information about the existing curriculum and provided a basis for further work in WP2. The analysis revealed that each partner countries are in a different level, regarding the metalworkers VET. WP2 A Model Qualification Standard a Model VET Programme: In this WP the partners have carried out a survey. This survey and comparative analysis of qualification standards (WP1) was the basis to create the universal Galaxy model qualification standard and a model modular VET programme. According to Galaxy Model Qualification Standard and Model VET Programme countries created their national qualification standards and model VET programmes, approved by national employers’ organizations. WP3 Training Material for Learners: Created textbook and workbook provide the latest approach to machine tool technology, modern integrated manufacturing, CNC systems, CAD/CAM and advanced technologies on the basis of development digital skills of CNC operators, according to new demands of practical implementations of Industry 4.0 solutions in metal working sector.During the creation of training material for learners it was important to ensure that the content meets the needs of the industrial partners, but at the same time does not expose the content of VET too high for students and teachers to be able to work with the developed material.WP4 Training Material for Trainers: In this WP is implemented Trainer manual which include: basic and specialized technology contents, entrepreneurial skills development, coaching tools and techniques.Also, is created set of verifications tests, educational posters.WP5 E-Learning Platform and Multimedia: Within the framework of this WP a part of an interactive training material including demo version of wide application cases in Industry 4.0 environment was integrated to e-learning platform and NC code Editor for CNC software preparation and simulation was adopted.Additional innovation of this created platform is that there is integrated smart algorithm of personal skills testing in different levels of qualification and competence according to developed Galaxy model (WP2). WP7-WP10: In these WP’s was created project documents, which are very important for successful project implementation and monitoring. Was received positive evaluation from an independent expert. Also, was created project website http://change4industry.eu/. Plans for the next period:First of all, to finish training material, mainly translation of material from English to national languages, to complete the development of an e-learning platform and to start piloting of all created material. In 2018 will be organized reporting Steering Committee and Executive Board meeting.
Project main results:qualification standard (QS) and New modular VET training programme including apprenticeship training plan, Set of Verification tests, E-learning platform and multimedia, Training material and CNC programme testing software were achieved and fitted in the objectives of Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre. It involved development of qualifications standards applied research in VET and adult education, formation of qualifications system, assessment of formal VET programmes, organisation of development of modular programmes and their renewal, development of VET credits system, methodical support for VET and adult education, organisation of central and sectoral professional committees activities. QS, which was specifically developed for youth, older people, unemployed, migrants, other adults, Qualification authorities, VET schools, trainers, includes 1 Model QS and 4 Country-specific QS were approved by the SC, positive reviews on Model QS from 1 external expert from Lithuania and Germany were received. New modular VET training programme, which was specifically developed for youth, older people, unemployed, migrants, other adults, Qualification authorities, VET schools, trainers, includes 1 model modular VET programme and 4 country-specific training programmes was approved by the SC and positive review on Model QS from 1 external expert from Lithuania and Germany were received.Set of Verification tests (in English and 4 national languages) have the following information provided: source of the correct answer (field of themes described in galaxy model) and technical drawings/images and was approved by SC.E-learning platform and multimedia, which includes online training system with multimedia in English and 4 national languages was approved by SC. Training material, which was developed for learners: youth, older people, unemployed, migrants, other adults, includes 1 textbook for learners, 1 workbook for learners and 1 Trainers Manual for trainers (in English and 4 languages) was approved by the SC and positive feedback from trainers and learners through questionnaires was received.CNC simulation software was adopted for visualisation of project learning themes for material piloting purposes and positive evaluation from 1 external expert from Lithuania and Germany were received. Aditionaly testing software for CNC programme was created for free use for project partners.The link to all deliverables is: http://change4industry.eu/en/pages/documents.html