Improving professional skills through innovative practices in Europe

Topic(s) addressed

The project addressed smart specialization to integrate training in robotics, green energy and electric vehicles and create smart bioclimatic buildings and cities. It also covered European educational ecosystems, culture for innovations and partnerships.

Target group(s)

The participants consisted of a group of 25 students in mechatronics, electronics and electric cars. They were complemented by 7 vocational training and ESP teachers.

Methodologies

The project implemented training through work in European companies and upgrading professional skills for sustainable transport and green energy. It utilised smart specialization and green transformation of professional skills to support emerging industries and a short transition to the labour market. Students acted as innovators and researchers in the professions of the future. Experiential learning was employed to create European educational ecosystems enhancing competitiveness and working in partnerships with research institutes, local government and businesses.

Innovation environment

The innovation environment was created by the implementation of flexible and multifunctional solutions for STEM education in a modern and adequate educational environment. It fostered the development of the skills and competencies of teachers in robotics, programming and prototyping for quality interaction in an interdisciplinary STEM environment. Dual training in an innovative technological real working environment was carried out in local and foreign companies to acquire practical skills.

Teachers’ role

The teachers acted as innovators by generating innovative solutions for applying non-traditional tools in robotics and renewable energy education. They used methods of interaction and experiential learning in sharing experiences and achievements. The undisputed achievement on the teachers’ part was developing lasting connections between the students, mentors and the environment. 

Impact and output

The project had a tangible impact on various levels. It allowed participants to gain highly recognised practical skills by working in real work and academic environments. It created working systems for research on applied projects, simulations and solving real business cases. Inclusion and social cohesion of disadvantaged participants stimulated tolerance and cooperation with others. Thanks to the project’s outcomes the school attained certain accreditations and the status of Centre for Excellence in Vocational education training.

Video