We have created this small partnership to strengthen the inclusive role of the dual system, and in particular in organizations that organize internships in professions related to Internet applications and in the field of computer science and marketing. The dual system is a preferred model for training qualified personnel, but our experience so far shows that it is not open to the inclusion of people from vulnerable groups. And in all three partner countries there are enough professions that are suitable and in which people with different disabilities can acquire qualifications and ensure employment. In 2023, Bulgaria adopted a Strategic Vision for the Development of Dual Vocational Education and Training until 2030. The document identified the need to strengthen the inclusive function of the dual system. But in addition to documents and policies, specific actions need to be taken to turn good recommendations into reality. Looking for sustainable and effective solutions for the successful integration of people from vulnerable groups, we decided to create this small partnership to provide conditions for the implementation of a dual form of training. We focused on the most key figure – that of the mentor in a real workplace in a company. From our experience with dual training, we know that these are the specialists who have a decisive role in the introduction of the trainee into the company, familiarization with the organizational culture, training for a specific profession and overall integration into the enterprise. European Strategy for the Rights of People with Disabilities 2021-2030 promotes equal access to education and employment and recommends that all member states seek new ways to include people facing various limitations. Council recommendation on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships requires more actively integrating people with different social and personal backgrounds into the labor market. The European Pillar of Social Rights sets out a number of principles to support fair and well-functioning labor markets and welfare systems, including the right to quality and inclusive education and training, to ensure skills relevant for the labor market and for participation in society.
Through the implementation of our small project, each of the partners will build on their expertise in implementing effective partnerships in dual training and will enrich their experience of working in an international environment. For all three partners, the implementation of this idea is an opportunity to expand and enrich the internships offered, to engage more employers who can provide practices in the chosen professions in the three countries.
The main target group of the project results are mentors in small, medium and large companies that have participated, are participating or are interested in being included as partners in the dual training system. For them, training for issuing microcredentials will be organized, as well as specialized training resources. The special mentor month will also be aimed at them, in which we will attract more participants to the idea of a new, inclusive role of dual training.
The second target group is training institutions in the VET sector, which are the first point of contact for inclusion in the dual training system. We expect they to start offering this form of qualification acquisition to individuals from vulnerable groups , as well as to encourage more companies to partner with this target group. The third target group is the organizations (and their experts) responsible for policies and regulation at national, regional and European level, which are engaged in education, training, employment and inclusion. We will focus our efforts on them during the first phase, to hear their vision of how dual VET can become more inclusive through trained mentors, what changes are needed at national and European level, how to engage the necessary resources for the desired change at a systemic level. The next target group are the VET experts in the three small organizations, who will work on the project phases and build their expertise to work on a significant topic in an international environment. An indirect target group are the learners from vulnerable groups, who will be included in dual VET in the future.
Vocational Education and Training center “VET Institute” (BULGARIA)
Coordinator
A VET Institute, that specialized in a wide range of areas within vocational education and training, each designed to foster quality, innovation, and inclusiveness. Our team is dedicated to creating and implementing apprenticeship programs that align with European qualifications frameworks, ensuring that learners gain relevant skills through practical experience.
MEP24 Software GmbH (GERMANY)
Their knowledge is particularly important for employees in further education and training programmes. Career starters who want to know how the planning processes work in an internship, as well as workers who are planning a pre-qualification. Nevertheless, they are convinced that optimal planning of resources and digitalization will become core competencies in the near future, and we see such training even in VET schools. Thgey have mentors who participate in practical training in professions related to those selected for this project. The country has clear regulations regarding the inclusive role of education.
ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DISABLED PEOPLE (GREECE)
The Association was founded by members that were mainly disable and families so as to offer employment, education and
professional rehabilitation to disabled people. The creation of the association was a mean so as to improve the everyday life
of disabled and furthermore to give a collective character to members demands.
The association supports disable by offering:
- Advisory and Psychological Support to trainees and their families
- Socialization and Education Circulation Programmes
- Pedagogical programmes
- Computer and accounting courses