Megatrends such as digitalization, industry 4.0, climate change, and migration have been affecting our society, causing structural changes in the economy, as well as in the world of work and employment. Furthermore, in times of disruption as the ones we are facing, novel models of teaching and learning and more comprehensively, a substantial reengineering of TVET are urgently required for re-action, overcoming the common “fear of change”, thus holistic policies are essential to support these changes.
In other words, TVET systems can play a crucial role in reshaping the future, if only they are successful in paving the way for digitalization, green transformation and social inclusion so that all people are involved in the labour market.
This and other key issues and crucial aspects emerged from the Skillman Peer Learning Clubs discussions, aiming at developing joint initiatives for more responsive and inclusive TVET systems.
The participatory approach implemented in the discussion of these four groups led to interesting findings and relevant food for thought, around which four position papers were published in December 2020.
Main topics raised in the PLC position papers:
- There is an urgent need for co-designing training opportunities and innovating learning approaches: artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual reality systems, “green innovation” imply new knowledge and abilities for people and especially in the advanced manufacturing sector.
- TVET systems need to become “more effective than efficient”.
- We must change our pedagogical approach, which is shifting from the teacher’s role as “spokesperson”, to facilitator of learning processes.
- Motivation is crucial for effective learning environments.
- A Smart Labour Market information System, Lifelong learning account for every citizen and the development of integrated centralized learning management systems can represent some of the concrete actions to take.
- Rethinking WBL after the COVID emergency: digitalization represents leverage to improve and innovate WBL traditional practices and boost “immersive learning”:
- A “digital mindset” for teachers and trainers is needed to exploit the potential of digitalization combined with WBL practices.
What are the Skillman Peer Learning Clubs?
In 2019, Skillman launched the Peer Learning Clubs, four thematic groups of discussion, involving stakeholders, such as researchers, TVET professionals, companies, public administrators, industrial leaders, for knowledge sharing and peer improvement, with the aim to identify the prior challenges for a “future-proof TVET”, able to contribute to the development of a knowledge-based, sustainable and inclusive society. The groups are free and open to anyone who is willing to contribute to peer learning activities and share experiences, around four main topics:
- Advanced Manufacturing Sector (sectoral dimension)
- Advocacy & Policy Influencing (empowerment and social equity dimension)
- Work-based learning and standards (QA and curricular dimension)
- Train the trainers (operational dimension)
Do you want to join the PLCs?
Peer Learning Club 1- Advanced Manufacturing Sector: Subscribe
Peer Learning Club 2- Advocacy & Policy Influencing: Subscribe
Peer Learning Club 3- Work-based learning and standards: Subscribe
Peer Learning Club 4- Train the Trainers: Subscribe
