New Employees’ Skills for growing e-Commerce in isolated and rural areas

<< Background >>The project contributed to the development of the new skills required, playing an important role in the comprehensive sectoral VET system development, aligning with the sectorial and global economy needs. All project activities were designed and executed in a holistic manner so that, after completion of the assignments, the results could be used and built upon by the European VET systems, as well as the SMEs already engaged or entering the e-commerce sector. The COVID-19 crisis proved the accelerated adoption and utilization of digital technologies in rural areas, increasing the attractiveness of rural areas for both individuals and firms. In this regard, by targeting representatives from isolated and rural areas, the main impact and result of the project were the development of a strong link between VET and the actual e-market requirements through the development of a modular training program and training content addressing the skills of the e-commerce operators (EQF 4 level qualification) and building European VET excellence e-commerce network.<< Objectives >>The main objective of the project was to upgrade the skills of e-commerce operators during times of crisis and in post-COVID terms and to assist SMEs from isolated/rural areas in transitioning towards sustainability, digitization, and economic growth. The specific objectives were: to have a substantial positive impact on the medium-term needs of the e-commerce sector in terms of knowledge, skills, and competences; to support rural/isolated areas in appropriately developing the e-commerce sector as a potential measure to overcome some of the negative consequences of COVID-19; to ensure effective cooperation between VET providers and e-commerce companies in planning and providing training; and to establish a European VET excellence e-commerce network that would support the development of the rapidly growing e-commerce sector in Europe.<< Implementation >>The steps for the development of the project were divided into activities, in which each partner had a specific role. The activities were as follows:•Setting up a network of stakeholders in the partner countries and countries beyond the partnership. All partners participated in this activity, which was led by the applicant.•Development of a revised e-commerce occupational profile for e-commerce operators in light of the new requirements. All partners took part in this process, and the activity was led by the Chamber from Romania.•Defining the three most important employees' skills, along with digital skills (existing and new), to be updated or newly trained for the successful implementation of the e-commerce operator's job in the new situation. The work of the partnership under this activity was coordinated by the partner from Romania and ITPIO, BG.•Development of a modular training program and training content for the delivery of training aimed at improving/acquiring the skills defined in the project's research phase. All partners were involved, and the activity was led by ITPIO BG.•Development of a training platform for the delivery of the prepared training program. All partners participated in defining the platform functionalities, and the platform was developed by ITPIO, BG.•Piloting and validation of the training program and building a European VET excellence e-commerce network. All partners participated, and the activity was led by the applicant.•Organisation of the final international valorization conference supporting the assurance of the sustainability of the project's outcomes. The applicant was responsible, and all partners participated.<< Results >>The project produced three main Project Results:•R1 - Study of the current e-commerce occupational profile of e-commerce operator, led by the Chamber from Romania.•R2 - Development of a modular training program and training content for delivering e-commerce operators' training, led by ITPIO, BG.•R3 - Set up of the European VET excellence e-commerce network, led by the project coordinator HEA, SE.The project offered a working solution to the challenges in the sector and aimed to achieve the objectives defined through its main activities and results, which included: Development of a revised e-commerce occupational profile for the e-commerce operator in light of the new requirements; Definition of the three most important employees' skills, along with digital skills (existing and new), that needed to be updated or newly trained for the successful implementation of the e-commerce operator's job in the new situation; Development of a modular training program and training content for the delivery of in-company training aimed at improving/acquiring the skills defined in the project's research phase; Development of a training platform for the delivery of the prepared training program; Piloting and validation of the training program and the establishment of a European VET excellence e-commerce network; Raising awareness and visibility, ensuring mainstreaming and exploitation of project results and their benefits beyond the project duration, allowing further development of new occupational profiles in e-commerce sectors; Building a long-lasting cooperation network among the project partners; Creating a stable and permanent connection with relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussions concerning mutual learning and a common recognition system (from formal, non-formal, and informal ways of learning) that would eventually support mobility, transparency, and transferability.