#me#us#now - Raising awareness and self-efficacy of low-qualified young people in Vocational Education and Training concerning climate change and sustainability

<< Background >>The needs addressed can be grouped according to the two target groups in VET, namely low-skilled young people on the one, and professionals on the other hand, and the stakeholder groups, including professionals and experts, as follows:(1) Low-skilled young people in VETIdentification of their needs, barriers and awareness levels, increase of motivation, and reduction of existing barriers. Furthermore, easy-to-use and low-threshold activities were provided, and young people empowered in peer group settings to strengthen their self-efficacy and promote the development of shared values and social participation. Finally, a sustainable lifestyle was furthered.(2) VET professionalsCommon guidelinesand innovative tools and strategies were provided to encourage cross-institutional action.Also, innovative contributions to be included in the curricula of VET systems, and the exchange of results, good practices, experiences, and lessons learnt were provided to allow for exchange on multiple levels.(3) Stakeholders, professionals, and expertsA common green networking platform to promote the exchange of results, best practices, experiences, and lessons learnt was provided to allow for exchange on multiple levels.<< Objectives >>In general, the project partnership wanted to raise the level of awareness for climate change, and develop and provide easy-to-use tools and activities for young people and professionals in VET, thus fostering civic engagement and societal participation.The project partnership achieved the following goals during the project for the following target groups:(1) low-skilled young people in VETThe level of awareness, barriers, and needs of low-skilled young people in VET regarding climate change (R1) were identified to promote effective and sustainable countermeasures applicable and adaptable on a daily and permanent basis (R2) (R3). Additionally, shared green values (R2) (R3) and active participation (R3) were promoted.(2) VET professionalsVET professionals were supported in motivating the target group in the daily context of VET (R2), by providing tools, activities, and measures (R3), and to allow access to a networking platform to promote exchange (R4).(3) experts and stakeholders on different levelsThis group was provided with a networking platform to promote exchange (R4) on multiple levels, and with a Green Policy Paper (R4).<< Implementation >>Several activities aligned to the four project results were conducted during the project, including four transnational project meetings (TPM1-4). There were several additional informal online-meetings at important stages of the project to guarantee a good and transparent communication and keep the good workflow. An LTTA (C1) was conducted in October 2023 in Graz, AT, including the young role models. Those role models were also actively involved during the second LTTA (C2) in February 2024 in Vicenza, IT. They took an active role in the development of further activities and actions during the implementation phase of R2 and R3 and were an important part in the peer-to-peer settings. There was a series of Multiplier Events (E1-4) for all partner organisations during the final stage of the project to gain broader public impact and promote the project results.<< Results >>The concrete results of the project are as follows:(R1) Transnational Research Report:A two-perspective survey was conducted to identify the level of awareness, barriers and needs amongst young low-skilled people in VET concerning climate change. This report formed the basis for the development of the further project results.(R2) Methodological Collection:Based on the findings, results, conclusions, and recommendations of R1, the project partners produced a series of measures and activities which can be easily implemented by young people and professionals alike. Multiplier events were conducted to promote the results and to nominate role models from the target group of young people in VET.(R3) Action Plan for Eco Pro's:In relation to R1 and R2 the project partners transferred all the collected knowledge and findings into a guide for both professionals and young people in VET. That was achieved by close cooperation with the role models. The Action Plan provides easy-to-use and implement activities, and also background knowledge and scientific facts concerning climate change. Additionally, it displays the results and best practices of the implementation phases. (R4) Green Merge Networking Platform:As the European Union emphasises the importance of exchange beyond experts, the project partners therefore set up an online platform which serves as a knowledge hub and exchange platform for experts, practitioners, and interested parties concerning climate change and sustainability, thus providing the possibility to upload and share topic-related contributions. The platform remains online after the project’s end.