In WBL models learners spend a large part of their training path at the workplace. It is therefore crucial that it offers learning opportunities enabling learners to develop skills, knowledge and competences effectively matching labor market needs. The specific training required for all the professionals involved (mentors/tutors/coaches) it is a crucial and demanding aspect including also pedagogical skills. From the companies’ point of view, the WBL approach demands their best performing employees to teach and mentor the learners.
Based on the results of IO1, a common curriculum programme for the professional development (CVET) of in-company tutors (SMEs) will be designed, developed and tested. It will aim to provide the right skills/competences to achieve high-quality performances in WBL practices (host enterprises’ side). The programme will abide by the EQF (probably EQF 4) and the ECVET standards.
The Curriculum will include a MOOC, practical training sessions and supporting Resource Pack/Tool Kit for delivering and evaluating. It will be designed to recruit, train and support successful in-company tutor, investing in Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Guidance approaches, as we are considering in-company tutors as lifelong learners. This IO is central to the project implementation as it will deliver key project’s activities and results to be validated and transferred into ordinary system.
The Curriculum will be divided in two sections. The first will contain the description of the Course Plan, which includes: a)General training objectives; b)Specific training objectives; c)Expected measurable learning outcomes, based on the initial competency and occupation standards; d)Training content topics; e)Assessment criteria; f)Professional development perspectives (national context). The second one will consist in the Resource Pack/Tool Kit, containing teaching materials.
An Initial Needs Assessment is foreseen, to ensure that the teaching is 'learner centered' and adaptable to individual needs of the participating in-company tutors.
The course will include 3hs MOOC methodology (initially BETA version to be reviewed and agreed after testing) and practical sessions with Working Groups for WBL Alliance (job counselors; apprentices/trainees; social partners) to test/feedback the professional development of in-company tutors and review the learning materials (official MOOC version).The Resource Pack/Tool Kit will contain the teaching materials of all modules consisting in topic sheets, and visual-audio materials for MOOC as well as an exhaustive bibliography that could be used as a reference by other in-company tutors, trainers/professional to modulate their own teaching content.
Although the content of the programme will depend on the results of the individual research and Competency Standards designed, it is envisaged that the Curriculum Programme is likely to include:
i)A General Module focused on the current EU WBL context and how the in-company tutor role needs to be adapted. It also explores the benefits of using existing EU resources for “hosting company”, such as "Eures", “EYE” programme and "Skills Panorama".
ii)Working Effectively with Learners (trainees/apprentices). This module might include pedagogical skills and methods to properly match learners’ needs and purposes during the WBL programmes, using learners’ feedback to improve mentoring/coaching activities; dealing with conflict and preparing learners for on-the job experience;how to address skills gap through tailor made training; how to keep learners motivated, and how to support them to ensure sustainable employment opportunities/outcomes and retention.
iii)Working for the development of the entrepreneurial capacity(trainees/apprentices). This module might address competence areas such as: a) Ideas and opportunities: how to train learners in using imagination and abilities to identify opportunities for creating value; developing a vision to turn ideas into action; assessing the consequences and impact of ideas, opportunities and actions; b)resources: how to gather and manage the resources learner needs; develop financial and economic know how; c) into action: how to define priorities and action plans.
iv)Working with VET providers and PES (Sending).This module might cover the management aspects and negotiation skills to ensure a successful cooperation between company and organisations proposing the WBL programme; how to establish and maintain good relationships with VET/Employment organizations&achieve non-financial support; effective networking with services, stakeholders and the importance of information management; how to share costs and benefits that motivate company, training organisations and learners.
v)Optional Module based on national priorities: financial resources, public funding opportunities and measures;equal opportunities & diversity, Health&Safety and labour & social legislation and overall legal and administrative issues