Learning Outcomes Approach and ECVET Principles for Assessment and Validation of Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships: Training Programme and OER for VET and Enterprise Tutors

"In line with ET2020 objectives elaborated in Riga Conclusions (2015) calling to ""to promote work-based learning in all its forms"", ""to enhance access to VET and qualifications through more flexible systems"", “to promote the use of transparency and recognition tools”, “to support for transnational mobility”, as well “to support for professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in school and work-based setting”, the implementation of the project “ECVET-enterprise” was based on the following goals: 1) To improve the skills and abilities of VET tutors and enterprise tutors for using learning outcomes (LO approach) and ECVET in assessment and validation of LO in work-based learning; 2) To move towards uniformity and common understanding of LO and use of EU tools, especially ECVET, within the Baltic Sea region; 3) To promote the mainstreaming of ECVET (more active use by practitioners) by offering support tools and resources; 4) To promote partnerships between VET schools and enterprises in the Baltic Sea region for national and transnational mobilities, apprenticeships or WBL.The partnership of “ECVET-project” consisted from 7 partners: Latvijas Tirdzniecibas un rupniecibas kamera as a Lead partner, Tartu Kutsehariduskeskus, Lansirannikon Koulutus OY, Deutsch-Baltische Handelskammer in Estland, Lettland, Litauen e.V., Kuldigas Tehnologiju un turisma tehnikums, Valsts izglitibas satura centrs, BalticBright, Ltd. ECVET-Enterprise project partnership consisted of VET providers, enterprise sector representatives, VET stakeholders and policy/decision makers from Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Germany.The main target groups of ECVET-Enterprise project were:1) VET providers, managers of VET schools, coordinators of WBL, and particularly, VET tutors supervising apprenticeships;2) Employers, coordinators of training, particularly, enterprise tutors (mentors) supervising apprenticeships;3) VET learners (apprentices, trainees) involved in national and transnational mobilities, especially for WBL.Within the “ECVET-project” the wide list of activities was implemented: were developed 3 intellectual outputs – Needs analysis and the training program for VET and enterprise tutors supervising WBL, Open Education Resources for supporting the training program - piloting the training program and open education resources on 3 levels, ECVET toolset for Assessment and Validation of WBL; a short-term joint staff training for tutors from VET schools and enterprises was organized; 9 blended mobilities of VET learners, where trained tutors from enterprises could test their skills, were organized; 6 multiplier events were held in 4 countries, including project’s final conference; a wide list of dissemination and communication activities were implemented with the aim to ensure wide use of the ECVET-Enterprise outputs and their sustainability.Through the well-coordinated work of partners, significant results and outcomes were reached:1) Training methodology and training program ""LO outcomes approach and ECVET for validation and assessment of WBL"" for VET and enterprise tutors supervising apprenticeships, national and transnational mobilities;2) Open Education Resources with practical examples to support training program, which was placed online on project’s website for further use by WBL providers;3) ""ECVET Toolset for Assessment and Validation of WBL"" with case studies, best practices, comparative analysis, project experience on using ECVET in partner countries, credit transfer, validation and assessment procedures, which was as placed online on project’s website for further use by WBL providers;4) 15 tutors from VET schools and enterprises participating in short-term joint staff training, mastered the principles and criteria of assessment of vocational education training, which are the basic standards of ECVET systems.5) 9 VET learners participated in 9 transnational mobilities, which provided the opportunity to test the skills of VET schools and enterprise tutors, who previously participated in short-term joint staff training, to evaluate their ability to use ECVET system and learning outcomes approach in the assessment and validation of apprenticeships. 6) Approximately 201 representatives of VET schools, enterprises, policy/decision makers from Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Germany participated in organized Multiplier events, where experience gained through “ECVET-enterprise” was shared, transnational mobilities were promoted, learning outcomes approach and ECVET system were promoted not only as a basis for apprenticeships, but as useful instruments for WBL as well."