National Authorities for Apprenticeships: Development of Apprenticeship Learning in IVET Romania (DAL-IVET) (Erasmus+ Project)

Partners:

National Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Romania
State Academy for Further Education and Staff Development in Schools (Landesakademie, based in Esslingen, Germany)

Goal:

The further development of the Romanian system of primary vocational training towards a greater practical orientation. This also involves improving the image and general acceptance of a dual training system as an alternative to university education.

Description:

The fact that social and economic conditions in Romania have been changing for years requires vocational qualifications to be geared to meet the requirements of the job market in order to ensure sustainable economic growth. In particular, the high youth unemployment indicates that the qualification of young people does not yet meet the requirements of the job market. This project is designed to form the basis for the introduction of more flexible, more practice-oriented vocational training which is better geared to the needs of the job market. A feasibility study compares the current Romanian education system with various vocational training systems in Europe and develops proposals as to what structural changes are necessary in Romania to make the project goal achievable. The dual system in Baden-Württemberg serves as the main framework of reference. The feasibility study is also intended to show different strategies for the introduction of more flexible, practice-oriented primary training. The various strategies for achieving the project goal will be presented and discussed in 42 regional meetings in order to accommodate the specific needs of the regions and to increase the acceptance of the undertaking. The results of these discussions will then be incorporated into a master plan for the introduction of more practice-oriented vocational training.

In order to inform parents, pupils and companies about the chances and opportunities offered by such a training path and to arouse their interest in it, various conferences have been planned, information material has been developed and the national website (  Fremdes Angebot: www.alegetidrumul.ro (öffnet in neuem Tab)) has been revised and expanded.

In parallel, a qualification project for teachers from vocational schools and instructors from companies will be set up and carried out as a pilot project so as to prepare these target groups for the changed requirements.

Next steps:

• A further 41 regional events have been taking place, which are expected to end in February. Subsequently, the results will be worked into a final master plan.
  
• From October until April, a concept for a training programme for teaching staff in vocational schools and for trainers and instructors in companies will be developed and tested.
  
• In parallel, the public relations material will be drawn up and is expected to be completed in October.

Tasks of the Landesakademie:

Work Packages (WPs):

• WP 1:    Project management
• WP 2:    Feasibility study
• WP 3:    Exchange of experience on the dual system ("good practice" in Germany) for members of the steering group, politicians and other relevant stakeholders (chambers, companies, etc.)
• WP 4:    Plan to implement the feasibility study (2015 to 2020)
• WP 5:    Conceptualisation and implementation of pilot training courses for teaching staff and trainers
• WP 6:    Publication of the project results

The Landesakademie has the lead role in WP 2 (feasibility study) and WP 3 (exchange of experience for the steering group) and is involved in all the other work areas. In WP 5 (conceptualisation and implementation of pilot training courses for teaching staff and trainers), the Landesakademie contributes its expertise from many years of experience, above all in the field of advanced teacher training.

Person in charge:

Sigrid Roth-Berlin

Visit of the school garage at the Grafenberg School Schorndorf

Workshop 2015 in Stuttgart