Job opportunities: local jobs from the past to the future Erasmus Project

Project Title

Job opportunities: local jobs from the past to the future

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Cooperation between educational institutions and business; Labour market issues incl. career guidance / youth unemployment; Regional dimension and cooperation

Project Summary

Context/background:
The 3 participating schools are situated in areas in which significant socio-economic changes are taking place. The diminishment of employment in the primary sector, which was the main economic activity in these areas, has led to increased unemployment levels and an exodus of labor from the villages to bigger cities. However in all regions new initiatives and businesses have emerged. Advanced technologies, sustainable energy- and ICT companies have let to increased economic activity in these areas. These developments create a possibility to reverse the rural-city exodus and create opportunities to promote economic activities in the smaller villages throughout the countries.
Our students could be the potential new workforce. The school plays a pivotal role. First of all students have to become aware of the new job possibilities and the certifications that are required to fulfill these new jobs.To achieve this schools should teach about the development of jobs in the region. Next to this schools and businesses should start a close cooperation. Furthermore an innovative entrepreneur-like mindset is required. The schools need to adjust the learning program and teaching style to train students in these skills. In order to prepare our students for a successful (working) future in a globalised labourmarket it is of utmost importance to train them and make them feel comfortable to go around in a globalised world.

Objectives:
The objective of the project is to create an efficient collaboration between local companies etc and schools. The objective will be reached by theoretical lessons on the history and development of the region’s economies and jobs. Through business visits and other activities the students will be made aware of the job possibilities which will enable them to choose the right education. During the exchanges they will experience how other areas, with similar environments, have evolved and adapted in the past years. Moreover they will improve the skills needed to work in a global economy and their ability to function as a European citizen.

Number and profile of participants :
All students of the participating grades will be involved in the project, but only a certain amount is able to join the exchange. They can subscribe on a voluntarily basis.
In total at least 84 students will take part in the exchanges.They are 15 year-olds, on the brink of choosing their further education or entering the labour market.

Description of the activities:
Students will attend lessons on local job possibilities from the past to the future. This will be viewed from different subjects. They will learn about new innovative companies in the region and the skills that are needed. Future plans on employment will be discussed with local city councils. They will make presentations and write papers on this subject Companies and local organisations will be visited.They will learn about entrepreneurship, High Tec and ICT. Some students will participate in an exchange and while they are abroad they will visit foreign companies and organisations, attend lessons and learn about how the region has developped.

Methodology:
In each country students will be prepared within the curriculum or extra classses so that they have the knowledge needed. They are taught about the job possibilities (from past to future) in their own area. They visit companies, local organisations and city councils. There will be close contact between the external parties, the schools and the partnerschools. Students will be taught about modern entrepreneurship and they learn to bring the newly learnt skills into practice.

Results/impact:
* students have knowledge about the development of job opportunities in their region  from the past to the future. They  are aware of the possibilities in their own area.
* students are well prepared for the job market; they know what to study and have the necessary knowledge and skills (e.g. entrepreneurship and innovative mind).
* schools have strong collaborations with business, local councils and partnerschools
* students are comfortable and skilled to act as globalized citizens in a globalized market
* villages in rural areas can develop a thriving economy and active society (prevent labor exodus and overpopulating cities)

Long-term benefits:
The project has a kind of start-up function to elaborate on in the coming years.The local companies will benefit from this project by having sufficient interested and well-skilled/qualified employees.
The schools and students will benefit as well: students will be more motivated, more informed, better equipped and prepared for life. Schools won’t just be an educational institution.
Overall the project will have a positive impact on the regional economy and society.
Finally the European society will benefit from innovative and skilled workers and involved citizens with a European awareness and European commitment

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 63393 Eur

Project Coordinator

Rsg Wiringherlant & Country: NL

Project Partners

• Institut Alexandre Satorras
• Liceo Scientifico Statale Albert Einstein Palermo