Fostering Migrants Employment in The constRUction SecTor

"<< Background >>MiTrust successfully addressed challenges in the construction industry by developing an innovative digital tool. This tool supports migrant workers in acquiring language skills, soft skills, and appropriate behaviors for construction sites.MiTrust's targeted open and distance learning opportunities have empowered migrant workers, enhancing their employability and offering improved career prospects in the construction labor market. MiTrust also responded to the need for Vocational Education and Training (VET) support in the construction sector, bridging gaps in skills training and addressing challenges highlighted by CEPS, such as market failures and unaffordable costs.Recognizing the informal experiences of migrant workers, MiTrust contributed to creating a more inclusive environment for those entering the construction industry. The project aligns with broader EU goals of fostering diversity, enhancing skills development, and promoting social inclusion.The innovative digital tool developed by MiTrust leaves a positive legacy in the construction sector, contributing to the successful integration of migrants into EU societies.<< Objectives >>MiTrust achieved its objectives, addressing key needs in the construction sector for migrant workers. The project successfully identified specialties in demand, enhanced migrants' language competencies and soft skills, and facilitated access to personalized online learning. MiTrust developed targeted distance training programs, digital tools, and multimedia materials, modernizing vocational education for migrants. The project actively promoted social inclusion, providing a pathway for migrants to integrate into the labor market and enhancing their employability in the construction sector.MiTrust's holistic approach to skill development, language enhancement, and social inclusion has left a lasting impact on the construction sector, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce while providing migrants with valuable opportunities for successful integration into their host EU societies.<< Implementation >>MiTrust accomplished its three main implementation phases:User Requirements Analysis (P.R.1): Partners analyzed the construction industry, identifying job positions for migrants and creating the User Specification Requirements document.OER Development (P.R.2): MiTrust developed digital tools like glossaries, soft skills curricula, and a self-assessment tool, integrating them into an e-platform.E-platform Finalization (P.R.3): The last phase produced an innovative e-learning platform, incorporating all developed Open Educational Resources (OERs) and implementing Use Case Scenarios.The project also included a Short-term Joint Staff Training event (C1) and four Multiplier Events. In summary, MiTrust's activities successfully advanced its goal of empowering migrant workers in the construction sector through innovative digital tools and education.<< Results >>MiTrust has conducted following concrete outputs (available in English, Turkish, Greek language).E-Linguistic Tool: Developed a glossary with construction-specific terminology.Soft Skills Curricula: Created new curricula tailored to the needs of migrants in the construction industry.""ConstructionPedia"": Developed a multimedia database with training materials for migrant construction workers.Self-Assessment Tool: Implemented a tool for migrants to evaluate their language competences, soft skills, and behaviors demanded in the construction site.Innovative OER Platform: Established a new OER platform in the form of an integrated software, accessible in all partner languages.The primary outcome of MITRUST is the educational platform, a cornerstone in fostering inclusion within the construction sector. This platform is equipped with digital tools, multimedia educational materials, and Open Educational Resources, establishing a lasting impact as MITRUST continues its utilization beyond the project's completion. Notably, the platform serves as a catalyst for familiarizing VET teachers with innovative tools for classroom use, fostering collaboration among VET providers, migrant associations, and the construction industry.The project's tangible outputs, including the MITRUST educational platform, have significantly contributed to strengthening synergies between these key stakeholders. Furthermore, the platform serves as a compelling attraction for migrant students seeking to enroll in training programs of VET Centers in Germany, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.In this context, the following results (R) were achieved during and after the completion of the MiTrust project:R1. An analysis of construction sector specialties where migrants mostly neededR2. The enhancement of migrants’ foreign language competences and soft skillsR3. The increased use of digital tools, multimedia training materials and Open Educational Recourses in vocational training R4. The increasement of the attractiveness of the sector to migrant workers via trainingR5. The enhancement of migrants’ employability in the construction sectorR6. The fostering of migrants’ social inclusion into EU societies and their active participation as EU citizensR7. The reinforcement of synergies between Vocational Training stakeholders, Migrant Associations and Construction Industries.Additional tangible results (outcomes) include:R1. An e-linguistic support tool with construction-relative terminology (glossary)R2. Development of new “Soft Skills” curricula, targeted to the needs of migrants in the constructionR3. Development of a knowledge database, namely “ConstructionPedia” with multimedia training material for migrant construction workersR4. A self-assessment tool which will be used by migrants themselves as a method to evaluate their current language competences, soft skills, behavior demanded in the construction site.R5. Creation of a new innovative OER platform in the form of an integrated Software in all partner languagesR6. At least 11 VET teachers / trainers / staff are going to be trained in the use of new e-learning platform and digital tools for migrants in construction industry (2 from the hosting organization AKMI and 9 from other partners)R7. More than 60 migrants are trained on the use of the training materials developed through this projectR8. More than 300 companies are informed about the useful tools developed through this projectR9. More than 266 users are going to exploit and take advantage of MiTrust e-learning platform and digital toolsR10. Around 200 VET teacher/tutors are reached out through partners channels, dissemination activities and multiplier events."