SmartVET-HighED – Entwicklung eines Studienganges mit integriertem Meister-/Bachelortitel

<< Background >>Across the European Union, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly facing a significant challenge: the shortage of competent and qualified managers and skilled workers. This has a negative impact on the EU's economic development and affects overall prosperity. In individual countries such as Austria or Germany, the training of entrepreneurs and skilled workers is largely carried out through vocational education and training. In this context, master craftsman training plays a crucial role. However, master craftsman programs are increasingly confronted with challenges that need to be addressed.The attractiveness of master craftsman training is declining, while academic education paths—widely regarded as the better option for a career in a globalized world—are gaining popularity.Although traditional vocational training is highly valued by experts and is classified at EQF Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework, just like a bachelor’s degree, this equivalence has little real-world impact. The skills and qualifications acquired through master craftsman training are generally not recognized or credited towards academic degree programs.<< Objectives >>Through the implementation of the project and the subsequent transfer of its results, the aim is to bridge the qualification and knowledge gaps between two different types of training while simultaneously harmonizing education systems and enhancing the comparability of various training programs across EU countries. Furthermore, this project will promote innovative learning and teaching practices. By optimally combining two existing forms of training, it will contribute to innovation in vocational education and training, and reward excellence in learning, teaching, and skills development among participants. The combination of both types of training enables a significant increase in competencies within a relatively short period of time.The project activities also aim to provide future generations with an education that perfectly integrates theory and practice, thereby preparing them to compete in the global market. This project will establish the innovative dual study model in the partner countries. In the long term, other EU countries are also expected to benefit from the insights and results of this project. The overall goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Economic Area in a sustainable manner.<< Implementation >>The project has implemented a series of activities to achieve its objectives as effectively as possible, and even went beyond them in order to create a lasting impact. These activities were carried out jointly by the project partners and are closely interconnected. The results that emerged from these activities are applicable and usable in all project countries—and beyond.The core activities of the project can be clustered as follows:Project management activitiesDissemination activitiesActivities related to Result 1Activities related to Result 2Activities related to Result 3<< Results >>Concepts and models for dual study programs integrating a master craftsman qualification and a bachelor’s degreeModule handbook for the study programExamination regulations for the study program with integrated master craftsman/bachelor’s degreeIn addition, the following results were achieved:Strengthening the attractiveness of vocational education and trainingExpansion of the SmartVET-HighED consortium’s network and extensive knowledge transfer beyond the project countries (e.g., the Styrian Economic Chamber joined the Hanse-Parlament network)Promotion and establishment of dual study programs based on the German model, particularly in AustriaThe developed curriculum can serve as a blueprint for expanding the study program to other occupational profilesIn-depth reports on legal frameworks in partner countries that go beyond the original project goalsDevelopment of new project ideas for future cooperation after the project’s conclusion