Testing New Approaches to Training VET and Workplace Tutors for Work Based Learning

TTT4WBL - Testing New Approaches to Training VET and Workplace Tutors for Work Based Learning (WBL) 

Background

Work-based learning (WBL) is becoming more and more important inn Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems across Europe. There is also a growing number of research dedicated to these themes, since WBL is being recognised as a precondition for developing competitive labour force and thus promoting employability of young people. WBL is often seen as a powerful vehicle for developing skills of the workers and for promoting productivity of the labour force. At the same time, there still remains some contradictionary research viewpoints e.g. on productivity of the WBL. A crucial element for the development of WBL is the existence of competent trainers in work-based learning. It is still a challenge, and the problem requires  focused research to support policy developments.

The Baltic countries have an intention to expand the WBL and apprenticeships in VET. One of the key elements is to develop training systems for the WBL tutors. So far, the training of VET and workplace tutors has not been coordinated among the three Baltic States and not even fully coordinated within each country. Trainings have based on separate initiatives in each countries,  many of which have been financed by short-term EU projects.

Aims and objective of TTT4WBL project

TTT4WBL project supports promoting work-based learning in all its forms. It stands for systemic approaches and opportunities for professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in school and work-based settings. TTT4WBL is linked to the guiding principles formulated by ET2020 Working group on VET.

TTT4WBL aims

• to promote professional development of WBL tutors through EU and regional cooperation and mutual learning
• to promote stronger cooperation between VET and social partners and SMEs
• to collect and analyse evidence for implementation of innovative measures and facilitate their transferability

Objective of the project is to test a professional development model for WBL tutors: Joint training of tutors from VET and tutors from enterprises in three Baltic countries, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The testing will be done through an experimentation led by the Finnish partner, Teacher Education College JAMK University of Applied Sciences.

The aim of experimentation is to show the impact of joint training of VET and workplace tutors. The project proceeds from the assumption that joint training approach can:

• improve skills and competences for supervising WBL
• ensure the pedagogical skills of workplace and VET tutors to guide apprentices
• ensure the pedagogical skills of VET teachers to guide workplace tutors
• improve cooperation and communication between VET and enterprises, support involvement of SMEs

The main target group is WBL tutors, i.e. tutors from VET schools and tutors from enterprises jointly involved in guiding apprentices. 

The project results will include:

• Research results reflected in the Experimentation process and report
• Methodological material for Joint Training Approach
• Trained 800 WBL tutors in three countries
• New level of Baltic policy dialogue with regard to training trainers for WBL

Partners  

1.VISC National Centre for Education, Latvia – Coordinator

2.The Ministry of Education and Science, Latvia

3.Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Latvia

4.Baltic Bright, Latvia

5.Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre, Lithuania

6.Lithuanian Association of Vocational Training institutions, Lithuania

7.Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Lithuania

8.Tartu Vocational Education Centre, Estonia

9.JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Teacher Education College, Finland  - Research partner

More Information

Dr. Leena Kaikkonen, Principal Lecturer, [email protected]; tel. +358 40 5323162