Service Learning (SL) has proved to be a successful pedagogy for social entrepreneurship education. SL is a method of teaching and learning which engages students in solving problems by addressing issues in their educational settings or greater community as part of their academic education. This innovative experiential learning is effective because it facilities cognitive development for students with different learning styles.

Despite all the possibilities that Service Learning offer to boost social entrepreneurship education, this successful pedagogy is not being sufficiently and adequately exploited in Europe. The promoters of PIONEERS project have identified that providing teachers with adequate competences is the key factor to unleash this potential.

According to the European Commission, there is a need for more teacher training to disseminate understanding of different ways and methods to support the entrepreneurial mindset. It is important that they are trained in right teaching methods, that they can improve their knowledge and skills, and that they share best practices with colleagues across all EU countries.

PIONEERS project aims to support VET teachers and trainers with innovative tools and methods to stimulate the innovation and the acquisition of creativity and entrepreneurial competencies of VET students through Work-based learning programmes in Service Learning.