Given the range of factors to be addressed by this application, the project will be founded upon an extensive and  in-depth programme of research and analysis.  This will undertake both direct survey, interview and case study research as well as a review of policies, strategies, information in the public domain and other sources - to investigate the surrounding factors and the emerging role of the Job Broker across the partner EU countries. Knowing that, to a larger or lesser extent, that the full range of factors that are influencing the role exist in all EU countries ( as confirmed our previous research which indicates this to be the case), the research will study the full range of locations, contexts and levels that impact upon the Occupational Profile of this role across partner countries. This study will be in-depth and detailed, will take into account and ultimately align the very different VET systems which exist across the partnering countries as well as the extent to which the drivers from the Bruges communique, which calls for actions and policies to improve the labour market relevance of VET; to make it more outcome-orientated; and to develop a 'common language' bridging education, training and the world of work (ESCO).   It is our intention to produce a body of research in this topic which does not currently exist and can have a lasting and more strategic impact - as such research will have to be thorough, detailed and searching, for this reason we anticipate that partners will carry out the research in the language of the individual country. Research will be collected via interviews, observations, detailed questionnaires and web based surveys. This research will aim to assess:
 

• the current stage of development of job brokering models in the partner countries, key drivers of change arising from Europe 2020, ET2020 and national economic development strategies and VET policies, and how this is actually, or potentially, shaping the role as it is altering (trends) and adapting to the new market conditions in the VET sector,  
• how the different VET systems and National Qualification Frameworks impact on the occupational profile of those currently undertaking the Job Broker role in individual countries; the situation regarding professional practice and licences and the alignment of these national practices to the European Qualification Framework (EQF)
• the incidence, relevance and content of current professional development and training options to develop competencies in the role, including an analysis of  what VET providers are offering (on the job and off the job) and the needs of the labour market/employers,
• the Accreditation and Certification options on offer in the partner countries to validate the emerging occupational profile
• a detailed analysis of the skills/competences required in each of the partner countries by the emerging Occupational Profile.

The research methodology includes the following key activities:
 

1. Agree research framework (clear specification): Production and agreement of the Research Framework and research questionnaire. It will set out, in detail, the scope, structure and methodology for partners to gather relevant data and information on the existing role of the Job Broker within their country.  Obviously it is essential that the information collected is consistent, as far as is possible, across partner countries and that there are standard requirements which determine what information is collected and how that information is presented. These common standards will ensure that robust comparisons can be made and conclusions are based on common information which can then be taken forward to the production of the Comparative Study and project Action Plan.  
2. Individual Partner Country Research: Each partner will carry out in depth, comprehensive country research, followed by the production of a Country Report. This research will include a comprehensive programme of Primary research -  which will be interactive and participatory and involve face to face interviews with all the key stakeholders involved with and affected by the role of the Job Broker. This includes, employers, Job Brokers and potential employees as well as professionals from within VET organisations.
3. Individual Country Report Analysis and production of Synthesis Report: A thorough Analysis and Assessment of the Individual Country Reports,which will have been translated into English, will be carried out to identify the key findings and recommendations  across the partner countries. These Key Findings will then be used to compile a Synthesis Report which will highlight common themes and explore similarities and differences in a range of issues connected to the role of the JB across the partner countries.
4. Final Drafting and Translation of Final Report: Fine tuning and completion of final report based on feedback from partners. Translations of the Executive Summary in 5 languages.