Promoting international collaboration in VET in a meeting with U.S. Community Colleges
INFODEF recently participated in a vocational education internationalization event co-organized by the Department of Education of the Junta de Castille and León and the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). This meeting was introduced by the Regional Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, and featured a delegation of 15 representatives from U.S. Community Colleges. During the event, the partners of the HABITABLE project, which includes INFODEF, presented this innovative European collaboration initiative to the attendees. HABITABLE, co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition within the European habitat sector through Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, welcomed the U.S. delegation, made up of members from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This organization represents 17% of the higher education system in the United States, including more than 500 colleges and universities focused on the success of the Hispanic community. For three days, the U.S. representatives visited Vocational Education and Training (VET) centers in Castille and Leon, the Basque Country, and Madrid, exploring Spain’s technical and professional education systems. These visits facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices between Spanish and American educators. The working sessions organized during this event focused on creating a network to advance future collaboration agreements between institutions from both countries. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Spain and SEPIE, aims to promote research projects and facilitate student and staff exchanges.
SEBCoVE: Launch of a European alliance for smart electricity in buildings
On April 18th and 19th, 2024, the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Heraklion (Crete) hosted the launch of the innovative Erasmus+ SEBCoVE project (Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centres of Vocational Excellence). This ambitious initiative brings together leading actors from the educational and business sectors to promote excellence in vocational education and training within the smart electricity sector for buildings. This was the launch of the regional Vocational Excellence hubs (CoVEs) in the Smart Electricity for Buildings sector in which the SEBCoVE partners not only got to know each other, but also laid the foundations for the different work packages with which they will support the Smart Specialisation of their regions (Greece, Italy,Spain, North Macedonia) and establish international knowledge hubs for vocational education and training (VET) excellence systems. The ambition is to be world-class reference points for up- and reskilling of professionals engaged in the Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEBs) sector. As a project partner and an entity with expertise in VET excellence, INFODEF plays a key role in the strategy for internationalization and networking with other projects and initiatives to boost the impact of this new venture. Through projects like SEBCoVE, INFODEF continues to lead educational transformation on an international level, creating opportunities that contribute to sustainable growth and the adaptation of future professionals.
GreenVET4U project captures media attention in Uganda
The launch event of the GreenVET4U project, held on March 21 in Kampala, has attracted the attention from several Ugandan media outlets. The project, coordinated by INFODEF and co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, has caught the interest of local press, highlighting its relevance and the expected impact on vocational education and training (VET) in Uganda. GreenVET4U is a three-year initiative aimed primarily at equipping young Ugandans with the necessary skills to thrive in the emerging green jobs market. To achieve this, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of VET providers and bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills in the labor market by developing and implementing curricula focused on green job skills. In doing so, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in Uganda’s labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Below are some of the links to the news articles published about the GreenVET4U launch event in the following days: Softpower News: https://softpower.ug/e400000-greenvet4u-project-launched-to-promote-green-jobs/ Nile Post: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/193011/greenvet4u-program-was-launched-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-green-jobs-in-uganda Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-shs1-6b-project-will-spur-green-jobs-among-youths-4566476 This coverage highlights the GreenVET4U project and is a testament to INFODEF’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in vocational education and training. Through initiatives like GreenVET4U, we contribute to the development of key competencies that promote sustainable growth and the creation of green jobs, responding to the evolving needs of the labor market.
Launch of the GreenVET4U project to transform vocational education and training in Uganda
Finally, we can announce the launch of the GreenVET4U project, which took place on March 21. This event was held in Kyambogo, Kampala City (Uganda), where Ugandan and European partners (from Spain, Germany, and Italy) gathered to initiate collaboration that will last for the next three years. This meeting marks the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda to meet the growing demands of the labor market, especially in the field of green jobs. GreenVET4U is a project co-funded by the European Union within the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, approved in 2023. Coordinated by INFODEF, the project aims to enhance the capacity of VET providers and private entities in Uganda. The main goal is to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills by developing and implementing innovative curricula focused on Skills for Green Jobs. Through this initiative, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in the Ugandan labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The launch event, organized by the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their ideas and visions for the project. Prof. Moses Muhwezi from Makerere University Business School emphasized the importance of integrating green entrepreneurship into education, highlighting the need for a curriculum aligned with sustainability principles. Patricia Lamour, Managing Director of Aspire Education Group in Germany, stressed the significance of long-term partnerships and capacity building to shape Uganda’s future. Dr. Richard Irumba, Deputy Director of NCDC, underscored the collaborative effort between Ugandan and European partners as a unique aspect of the initiative. Representing INFODEF, project coordinator Jesús Boyano highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in advancing skills and green jobs. He emphasized, “To create jobs, we need to identify what jobs are needed and provide the right skills. Businesses and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in delivering green solutions and addressing environmental and economic needs.” Expected Outcomes of the Project The GreenVET4U project aims to achieve several outcomes, including: – Establishment of a European Union-Uganda Community of Practice. – Creation of a virtual collaboration space and an innovation lab. – Implementation of a tailored training program for VET professionals and trainers in companies. – Development of an advanced multifunctional online platform and a WebApp solution to support the assessment and validation of learning outcomes in VET. – Preparation of guidelines for the Validation, Certification, and Accreditation of Skills for Green Jobs through micro-credentials, enhancing the recognition of green skills in Uganda. The GreenVET4U project represents a pioneering initiative that promises to revolutionize vocational education in Uganda. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, GreenVET4U seeks to tackle the challenges of youth unemployment while contributing to global efforts for environmental conservation and economic growth.