DIEK Thermis Public Vocational Thematic Training Institute hosted the local networking event for North Greece in Thermi, Thessaloniki on Monday 28st March 2022 as part of the Erasmus+ Eduwork.Net project. With the help of the SSPAE (ASSOCIATION BOARD FOR CONNECTION PRODUCTION AND LABOUR MARKET) of Central Macedonia (East & West sector), manage to host over 20 representatives from the local the Employers, Chambers of Commerce, VET Schools and Institutions Directors as well as representatives from a range of industries such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, local councils, Trade Unions and Associations as well as representatives from the Department of employment offices attending the event.
In line with COVID19 restrictions the event was limited to 20 people with a full agenda. The group was welcomed by Mr. Antonis Katavelos the President of SSPAE of Central Macedonia (East sector), Director of DIEK Thermis and Vice President of PANEDDIEK and Mr. Dimitris Kiriakos, Director of DIEK Aigaleo, Special Secretary of PANEDDIEK and member of the board of SSPAE of West Attica, Piraeus & Islands. The agenda included:
- Presentation of Eduwork.Net project activities, analysis of WBL situation in Greece and project partner countries, information on the survey of VET graduates on experience in internships and WBL, survey findings, information on the virtual networking space, its benefits for online users, international activities and mobility possibilities.
- Labor Market Needs Diagnosis and the connection with WBL and apprenticeship the current situation in Macedonia, Greece
- Establishment of the Office for Professional Development and Career (G.E.A.S.) at the Public Vocational Training Institutes
- Vocational Training Schools and connection with companies with WBL
- Presentation of the results of the ERASMUS + project: # Mentor4WBL @ EU
“Training & Certification of in-company Learning Mentors based on work” by Mr Vsilis Siomadis from IME GSEVEE.
- Networking and cooperation between VET providers and companies: common goals and mutual benefits – discussion with participants
- Summary of the discussion, possible follow –up activities
Initially the Eduwork.net program manager from PANEDDIEK Mr Kiriakos, provide a brief overview of the project, outlining the project objectives which including organising the networking event and the production of an Employer’s Information Pack which was distributed to all attendees. The presentation included the introduction to the Eduwork.net website and explanation of the purpose of the vetmobility.eu virtual networking space, in order to encourage networking and creation of connections between VET providers and employers in Greece and abroad, using the Erasmus+ / Pro program. That was an opportunity to promote the Project Support Office of Greece and how it could benefit VET providers and employers who were interested in VET Internationalisation through VET Mobility.
In the meeting was outlining the range of training options available for the Shools (EPAS, EPAL) & Institutions (DIEK) and training centers including Work Based Learning and apprenticeships as well as the Skills that are required from the local industry in order to give greater access to Work for the students.
In the meeting was discussion from all the representatives about how small to medium enterprises can be supported through the program of WBL and apprenticeship in order to develop new skilled workers and to adapt to the changes in technology, markets and work practices.
In the discussion were outlined the opportunities that arise for the industry from the collaboration between the Vocational Education Training Schools and Institutions and the companies in order to have successful work based learning program, or dual system or apprenticeships.
The Eduwork.net program manager Mr Kiriakos, provide a brief overview of the project outlining the project objectives which including organising the networking event and the production of an Employer’s Information Pack which was distributed to all attendees.
An introduction to the Eduwork.net website and explanation of the purpose of the vetmobility.eu virtual networking space was given, in order to encourage networking and making connections between VET providers and employers both at home and abroad, using the Erasmus+ / Pro program. That was an opportunity to promote the Project Support Office of Greece and how it could benefit VET providers and employers who were interested in VET Internationalisation through VET Mobility.
The meeting had a dinner that allowed for networking opportunities and a chance to discuss future collaborations between industry and VET Schools and Institutions. The response from all attendees was very positive with several people making connections for future discussions.
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