Focus groups within the project

The focus groups within the EUVET-P (European Union Vocational Education and Training - Policy) project aimed to identify good practices in VET in the partner countries. Each country hosted a focus group to gather national perspectives, needs, challenges, and experiences of VET teachers, trainers, and providers with EUVET policy tools and instruments. Participants discussed and shared their understanding of EUVET policy tools and instruments, their current application of these tools and good practices.

Below you will find detailed information on the national focus groups in the individual countries:

Estonia

The Estonian focus group took place on 27 November, 2024 at Tartu Vocational College and was led by ANDRAS. Seven participants from 3 VET providers discussed and exchanged their experiences and practices regarding EUVET policy tools and resources. The participants valued the various perspectives and approaches from other organizations, which emphasizes the need of the identification and distribution of good practices.

Germany

The German Focus Group took place on Friday 29 November at the Faculty of Education of the Dresden University of Technology. The session brought together participants from VET providers and researchers to discuss the implementation and impact of EUVET policy tools and instruments. The discussions highlighted the need for greater exchange of approaches and enhanced networking among VET providers engaged in EUVET initiatives. The emphasis on fostering the "European Idea" within the context of VET underscored the broader goal of promoting European collaboration and shared educational standards.

Greece

The Greek partner's focus group took place in person at the EKPAIDEFTIRIA KALOSKAMI- AXIA premises in Keratsini, Greece on November 5, 2024, in a dynamic and collaborative setting. Five VET trainers, representing four organizations, contributed diverse insights during the discussion on implementing EUVET policy tools, identifying best practices, and addressing further needs. The outcomes will be presented at the joint partnership meeting on January 23-24, 2025, in Dresden.

Portugal

On Friday, November 29th, AidLearn hosted a dynamic focus group as part of the Erasmus+ EUVET-P project. The session brought together 7 representatives from 8 key entities involved in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Portugal, including technicians, consultants, researchers, VET managers, and regional bodies. These entities operate across diverse regions, such as Centro-Norte, Greater Lisbon, Baixo Alentejo, and the Algarve. The discussion focused on the use of European policy instruments and tools in VET programs, exploring how they can enhance education and training initiatives. The moderated conversation was highly engaging, with active participation and insightful national perspectives on good practices, emerging needs, and current challenges in the field.

The EUVET-P focus groups provided a vital forum for VET stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experiences related to EUVET policy tools and instruments. By fostering dialogue among VET providers, researchers, and trainers, the EUVET-P project promotes the goal of strengthening vocational education and training across Europe. The insights gained from these focus groups will be discussed at the first face-to-face meeting of the project in January hosted by the TUD in Dresden, Germany.