Four of nine approved vocational training projects are newcomers

One week after the Movetia Conference, the project managers met to exchange information about the current situation and the developments at Movetia and to talk to one another.
In addition to the overview of the period from 2021 to 2024 with or without association with Erasmus+, the events informed participants about the status of the different programmes as well as additional potential funding and possible implementations.

The number of new projects and project managers demonstrates the drive in the field of vocational training. Even in uncertain times, we want to make opportunities for exchange and mobility activities available and ensure that they are taken advantage of. Currently, nine projects have been approved. However, there is still plenty of funding available. As a result, nearly CHF 6 million are available for European mobility projects in the second round of applications in 2021. Are you interested in applying for funding? Applications will be accepted from 11 June until 4 October 2021 at 11:59 pm for projects starting in January of 2022.

When applicants submit their applications, changes to the European programmes sometimes result in new funding opportunities. The European cooperation partnerships are being expanded by the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVes) and the Alliances for Innovation, which also differ from the previous strategic partnerships in some ways. European mobility projects are supplemented by new activities: students can implement a project based on a certain theme during their exchange or mobility, and teachers can take structured further development courses and also teach abroad.

In addition to the changes at the European level, new programmes are being (further) developed on the national and international levels: in spring 2022, a national programme was launched for mobilities for young people and young adults during or at the end of their basic professional education. In autumn 2021, the New International Programme was launched as the follow-up of the International Pilot Programme. Application submissions will be accepted at the beginning of 2022 with projects planned to start at the beginning of June 2022.

In addition to project support, Movetia provides further offers and opportunities for exchange and for improving or expanding individual and institutional networks. Project managers and mobility participants have various formats available to them for intercultural preparation. This preparation paves the way for success during the exchange or mobility activity. Various support measures are available to VET institutions for national or international networking or communication about projects. 

Another measure implemented by Movetia is aimed at expanding communication options among project managers. Anyone looking to discuss different materials and ideas for lessons, talk about exchanges and mobility, or exchange ideas on how to implement projects can participate in two networks – one is a platform for project managers run by Movetia, the other is the national community Skillsnet, which is available to vocational trainers and educators across all institutions and organisations.

Networking took place on location in the form of meetups. In three short sessions, participants had the opportunity to learn more about a project-related topic (Brexit, the project management tool MyMobilities, or tools and community). These areas of focus allowed for an additional flow of information between Movetia and the project managers, helped us to define any current issues and encouraged an exchange of ideas and experiences. The fact that these meetings were able to take place in person after more than a year helped make them a success. Coming together made the exchange more authentic and showed the project managers’ dedication. Once again this year, the project managers will provide participants with enriching, individual experiences abroad through a wide variety of mobility projects.