49 Vocational Training projects supported in 2020

The year 2020 has brought with it a number of challenges – both politically and organisationally. Nevertheless, in our exchanges with the various stakeholders, we have found that the VET system is as committed as ever to mobility both for those currently in an apprenticeship and those who have already graduated. Ever more VET institutions are offering a wide range of mobility opportunities not only to the young professionals but also to their own teaching staff. 49 projects with a total of 1855 planned mobilities will be funded this year in the context of Vocational Education and Training.

The majority of the European mobilities approved in 2019 are taking place as part of the apprenticeship. This indicates that many training companies understand and support the added benefit that comes from exchange and mobility. The variety of occupational sectors is also pleasing: from electrical engineering and restaurant/catering to the mechanical engineering industry. A media release and a list of all European mobility projects supported by Movetia in the Call 2020 will be posted on the Movetia news page.

The year 2020 has so far been a somewhat more turbulent one. The restrictions imposed by coronavirus containment measures have been a reality around the world for several months now. Regrettably, there is no way of anticipating how this will play out in the future. Movetia hopes that all mobilities can go ahead as planned. Should things develop differently, the principle of force majeure can also be applied to the Call 2020. Information on cost coverage in vocational training can also be found on movetia.ch.

The Call 2020 marks the end of the current programme generation of the Swiss counterpart programme to Erasmus+ 2014–2020. From 2021–2024, we will continue to pursue the positive development of European mobility, with the aim of achieving 3,500 mobility opportunities in vocational training by 2024 under the Swiss equivalent to Erasmus+. Currently, the EU is discussing the new programme generation of Erasmus+ 2021–2027 and defining its programme priorities (such as green mobility, digitisation and equal opportunities). The Federal Council must now ask itself whether and in what form it wants to participate in the European programme in the future, also considering the interests of the education partners. This makes summer 2020 is an ideal time for an in-depth debate in Parliament and in the educational institutions on the financing of international collaboration in education.

Christophe Bettin, Head of the Vocational Training Division, would like to take this opportunity to thank the project sponsors for their dedicated support: “Thanks to the commitment of the project sponsors, together we are able to build a positive, lasting momentum in favour of European mobility. This will be no different under the new programme generation from 2021 on. The planned projects contribute to the development of a culture of internationalisation in the basic training courses of the dual VET system. They support the upcoming generations of young people in developing the key skills they will need for tomorrow’s labour market.”

The new online platform MyMobilities was presented during the virtual kick-off. Information was also given on documentation and reporting during project implementation:

Mymobilities.movetia.ch - Keep an eye on the capacity take-up of your project:
Movetia has developed a brand-new online platform for all project sponsors for the Call 2020. Via the platform mymobilities.movetia.ch, you can view your projects and manage your planned mobility and grants dynamically and in real time.

Documentation during project implementation - Find out which documents provided by Movetia have to be completed before and after mobility and where to find them:
All documents needed for project implementation are available on our website for download.

Project sponsors may be interested in other services provided by Movetia:

Realto - Network with your target group free of charge during the mobility project and swap working documents in the virtual classroom:
With the digital Realto exchange platform, project sponsors are in direct contact with the participants. Mobility reports can be supplemented with photos, videos and audio.

Support measures - Stay in touch with your network or expand it:
As in the past, VET institutions that are committed to exchange and mobility can take advantage of a wide range of additional financial support measures.

Intercultural preparation workshop - Broaden the intercultural horizon of the mobility participants:
In conjunction with Zurich University of Teacher Education, Movetia offers a free Intercultural Preparation Workshop for the project sponsors. At this workshop, the participants learn about the concept of intercultural skills and learning processes as well as methods for promoting intercultural learning, and discover how intercultural learning success can be tested.