- The conference was focused on the skills that will be needed to enhance the green transition
- DESTINE project is represented at EfVET through AKMI, one of the consortium’s partner
The 32nd EfVET (European Forum for Vocational Education and Training) Annual Conference was held in Rhodes (Greece) from the 25th to the 27th of October 2023. Over 345 training providers from 34 countries, including 12 non-EU nations, gathered to discuss the next challenges fot VET and diverse ways to promote VET excellence.
The theme of the 2023 conference was “Future Skills for Green Transitions – an agenda for VET”. In the debates that followed, it was shown that VET schools, colleges and higher education institutions in VET are systematically taking initiatives to create a culture of sustainability and protection of our natural environment. In doing so, training providers highlight that as VET managers and teaching staff, they must lead by example.
Joachim James Calleja, president of EfVET, delivered a message during the conference, emphasizing the need to showcase the value of VET. “It is time for us to fly the flag of VET on our own and show the world what we mean with vocational education and training. Young people deserve the same resources, prestige, esteem, and employability conditions as those in all other sectors”, concluded Calleja.
The conference provided a unique platform for collaboration and exchange among representatives from EfVET and sister organizations such as EVBB (European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training), EVTA (European Vocational Training Association), and European Training Foundation (ETF), among others.
The main conclusion after the conference was that future generations have to enjoy the natural rhythms of nature and the benefits derived from such rhythmic patterns, so there is need to be done work at saving energy, protecting the natural environment, separating waste and consuming less. For this purpose, the following points were highlighted for further collaboration and participation in projects and other joint initiatives:
1. Technology will play a key role in the acquisition of key skills in current and future generations.
2. Among the challenges posed by technology have to be met. Artificial intelligence must be seen as a support device a source of information unparalleled in human history.
3. VET is increasingly becoming the platform for a work-based learning pedagogy, and the role of digital platforms must be used to improve learning outcomes in work-based learning.
4. Training providers endorsed the work-based learning guidelines launched during the conference, guidelines that should enable Faculty and teachers to transform any work-based learning activity into meaningful pedagogy and an experience in the real world of employment.
5. It is essential that more quality time is spent with young people in formal and informal learning environments.
6. In obtaining a clear direction in European VET, it is imperative that training providers lead the narrative of vocational education and training.
7. It is the political level that must lead by example and support in every way possible the development of a green culture/s in VET institutions and at all levels of education.
8. Training providers are central to VET policies, practices, and procedures. They are the real actors that must decide their future and the learning environments that in today’s world, are conducive to attracting learners to lifelong learning.
9. Training providers participating in Rhodes endorsed the strong statement that they should be leaders of change and that public institutions can follow the example of private industry in spearheading change.
AKMI, one of the partners of the consortium forming the DESTINE project, is a full member of EfVET, therefore, DESTINE project is represented in this VET network. DESTINE subscribes to the points drawn from the event and aligns itself with the needs and challenges posed for VET.
About ERASMUS +
Erasmus+ 2021-2027 is the European Union’s renewed programme in the fields of education and training, youth and sport, offering opportunities for all people and in all education sectors (School Education, Professional Training, Higher Education and Adult Education). This new Erasmus+ is more international, more inclusive, more digital and greener, supporting digital transformation, inclusion and diversity, as well as the environment and the fight against climate change. With a budget of more than €28 billion, it will fund learning-related mobility and cross-border cooperation projects for 10 million people of all ages and from all backgrounds. “This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.”
About DESTINE
The Erasmus + DESTINE (DivErSity and Tolerance IN E-Environment) project was born with the aim of promoting online professional training that ensures support for diversity, inclusion and tolerance, providing the necessary tools for all professionals and students to adapt to the e-learning methodology. DESTINE focuses especially on those vocational training students who need a learning environment adapted to their needs.
Leave a Reply