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Wertschätzende betriebliche Ausbildungskultur für die Generation Z
FunderEuropean Commission
Funder Contribution €60,000.00
Funded underERASMUS+ | Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices | Small-scale partnerships in vocational education and training
Project code2023-2-AT01-KA210-VET-000180144
Open Access mandatePublications: NoResearch data: No
Identifiers
Description
"<< Background >>We applied for the Erasmus+ project ""Gen Z-Kult – Appreciative Company Training Culture for Generation Z"" in response to pressing structural and pedagogical challenges within the dual vocational education and training systems in Austria and Germany. Our motivation arose from a growing mismatch between the expectations of Gen Z and the traditional structures of company-based training – particularly in the context of declining apprenticeship uptake, high dropout rates, and the underrepresentation of socially disadvantaged youth.The project aimed to address these challenges: First, by supporting companies in adapting their training strategies and organizational cultures to the values and realities of today’s youth – including diversity, participation, and work-life balance. Second, by empowering young people through pedagogical approaches that emphasize recognition, appreciation, and inclusion. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Axel Honneth’s recognition theory, we explored how emotional, legal, and social forms of recognition can strengthen motivation, identity, and belonging. Our goal was to contribute both conceptually and practically to the renewal of the dual VET system,making it more attractive and sustainable.<< Objectives >>The main goal of our project was to enhance the accessibility, quality, and long-term sustainability of dual vocational education and training (VET) in Austria and Germany, especially for socially disadvantaged youth. We aimed to reduce dropout rates and support smoother transitions into and through apprenticeships by promoting an inclusive training culture that acknowledges young people’s diverse life situations and values.A key focus was to help companies adapt their training practices to the expectations of Generation Z – particularly in terms of recognition, motivation, and communication. To this end, we developed scientifically grounded, practice-oriented materials such as a brochure and educational videos for trainers.By engaging with the sociological concept of recognition, we aimed to strengthen relationships between apprentices and training providers and to support a more attractive, equitable VET system for the future.<< Implementation >>As part of our project, we carried out three key activities:(1) A 65-page transnational report based on a narrative literature review and 16 expert interviews in Austria and Germany. The report analyzes structural and cultural challenges in dual vocational training, with a special focus on disadvantaged youth from Generation Z.(2) A practice-oriented brochure (60 pages) and five animated learning videos (each 5–6 minutes), designed for in-company trainers. These materials offer practical tools to promote a respectful, inclusive, and appreciative training culture.(3) A targeted dissemination strategy, including the publication of all outputs on relevant platforms and a virtual transnational multiplier event with stakeholders from both countries. During the event, the materials were presented, their practical use demonstrated, and their continued distribution encouraged.All project materials were published under a Creative Commons CC BY license to ensure open access and long-term usability. The project generated both concrete outputs and broader impact by contributing to the ongoing professional and public discourse on vocational education and generational change<< Results >>Concrete Outputs:The project produced three key outputs: (1) A 65-page transnational report based on a literature review and 16 expert interviews, analyzing dual vocational training in Austria and Germany with a focus on disadvantaged Generation Z youth. It integrates Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and was published under a CC BY license. (2) A 60-page practice-oriented brochure for in-company trainers, offering concrete strategies for fostering an appreciative and inclusive training culture. (3) Five publicly available animated videos (5–6 minutes each) that translate core findings into accessible learning tools on themes such as motivation, communication, and generational expectations.Further Results and Impact:The materials were adopted by the Austrian project “Lehre statt Leere” (ÖSB Group) and are now used in workshops with vocational counsellors. The open licensing model ensures long-term accessibility and adaptability. Moreover, the project contributed to academic discourse through poster presentations and planned publications, helping to advance reflection on recognition, social inequality, and generational change in vocational education."
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"<< Background >>We applied for the Erasmus+ project ""Gen Z-Kult – Appreciative Company Training Culture for Generation Z"" in response to pressing structural and pedagogical challenges within the dual vocational education and training systems in Austria and Germany. Our motivation arose from a growing mismatch between the expectations of Gen Z and the traditional structures of company-based training – particularly in the context of declining apprenticeship uptake, high dropout rates, and the underrepresentation of socially disadvantaged youth.The project aimed to address these challenges: First, by supporting companies in adapting their training strategies and organizational cultures to the values and realities of today’s youth – including diversity, participation, and work-life balance. Second, by empowering young people through pedagogical approaches that emphasize recognition, appreciation, and inclusion. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Axel Honneth’s recognition theory, we explored how emotional, legal, and social forms of recognition can strengthen motivation, identity, and belonging. Our goal was to contribute both conceptually and practically to the renewal of the dual VET system,making it more attractive and sustainable.<< Objectives >>The main goal of our project was to enhance the accessibility, quality, and long-term sustainability of dual vocational education and training (VET) in Austria and Germany, especially for socially disadvantaged youth. We aimed to reduce dropout rates and support smoother transitions into and through apprenticeships by promoting an inclusive training culture that acknowledges young people’s diverse life situations and values.A key focus was to help companies adapt their training practices to the expectations of Generation Z – particularly in terms of recognition, motivation, and communication. To this end, we developed scientifically grounded, practice-oriented materials such as a brochure and educational videos for trainers.By engaging with the sociological concept of recognition, we aimed to strengthen relationships between apprentices and training providers and to support a more attractive, equitable VET system for the future.<< Implementation >>As part of our project, we carried out three key activities:(1) A 65-page transnational report based on a narrative literature review and 16 expert interviews in Austria and Germany. The report analyzes structural and cultural challenges in dual vocational training, with a special focus on disadvantaged youth from Generation Z.(2) A practice-oriented brochure (60 pages) and five animated learning videos (each 5–6 minutes), designed for in-company trainers. These materials offer practical tools to promote a respectful, inclusive, and appreciative training culture.(3) A targeted dissemination strategy, including the publication of all outputs on relevant platforms and a virtual transnational multiplier event with stakeholders from both countries. During the event, the materials were presented, their practical use demonstrated, and their continued distribution encouraged.All project materials were published under a Creative Commons CC BY license to ensure open access and long-term usability. The project generated both concrete outputs and broader impact by contributing to the ongoing professional and public discourse on vocational education and generational change<< Results >>Concrete Outputs:The project produced three key outputs: (1) A 65-page transnational report based on a literature review and 16 expert interviews, analyzing dual vocational training in Austria and Germany with a focus on disadvantaged Generation Z youth. It integrates Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and was published under a CC BY license. (2) A 60-page practice-oriented brochure for in-company trainers, offering concrete strategies for fostering an appreciative and inclusive training culture. (3) Five publicly available animated videos (5–6 minutes each) that translate core findings into accessible learning tools on themes such as motivation, communication, and generational expectations.Further Results and Impact:The materials were adopted by the Austrian project “Lehre statt Leere” (ÖSB Group) and are now used in workshops with vocational counsellors. The open licensing model ensures long-term accessibility and adaptability. Moreover, the project contributed to academic discourse through poster presentations and planned publications, helping to advance reflection on recognition, social inequality, and generational change in vocational education."
