Internationalization Service Officer – new WBL profession in duty of SME internationalization. Erasmus Project

Project Title

Internationalization Service Officer – new WBL profession in duty of SME
internationalization.

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 : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2019

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; International cooperation, international relations, development cooperation

Project Summary

The concept of internationalization in the professional operations of SMEs is often approached by its employees without previous preparation or adequate strategies. Economic and Industrial Chambers, VET providers and institutions are available, but this concept is usually not incorporated in their main operation, and even if they are able to advise in this area they are not equipped with mechanisms or tools that would grasp activities from the beginning to the end to account for sufficient support to their beneficiaries.

Thus, the ISO project is addressed to Economic and Industrial Chambers, employees of VET providers and VET trainers who work with and support SMEs (trade and services). The project results will also be beneficial for start-uppers or SMEs that have already guaranteed themselves a recognized position on the national markets, but are interested in introducing their businesses to the international markets (specifically to the EU audience).

The project is a response to specific priorities in the VET field:
1. Developing partnerships aimed at promoting work-based learning in all its forms, e.g. the development of new training content(including Joint VET qualifications), integrating periods of work-based learning, including opportunities to apply knowledge in practical projects/”real life” workplace situations, and embedding international experience (mobility) whenever possible;

2. Introducing systematic approaches to, and opportunities for, the initial and continuous professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in both school and work-based settings, with a focus on developing effective digital, open and innovative education and pedagogies; as well as to the horizontal priority: transparency and recognition of skills and qualifications.

The project will fulfill the priorities, by developing and making available:

IO1- Internationalization Service Officer profession manual.
The manual will be developed for chambers employees who want to become Internationalization Service Officers and will provide them with the necessary help and advice on how to support for internationalization processes in SMEs. It will support them in promoting work-based learning opportunities among SMEs by striving to internationalize the enterprise in which they work or they are the owners.

IO2- Videocasts for SMEs concerning internationalization processes.
The videocasts will be prepared by SMEs representatives from every country who have achieved success in internationalization of their businesses. The scenarios will be developed by the partners and they will discuss “real life” workplace situations and
possibilities of WBL use for reinforcement and effectiveness of internationalization processes in SMEs realty.

IO3- ISO mobile application for startups.
The app will ensure personalized training pathways by initially testing the knowledge and awareness of Internationalization processes among startupers. The “ISO for startups” will also elaborate a personalised strategy for the startuper to be able to address the weak points and empower its approach to Internationalization processes. The app will contain: self-assessment panel concerning internationalization processes in SMEs; training pathway on 3 levels of advancement on the results of self-assessment; strategy maker panel.

The results will account for competence development, facilitate WBL and assist in internationalization practices that SMEs are or will be participating in. Further speaking, the project’s objective is also to promote WBL practices, support professional development of staff in VET institutions, assist companies in providing strategies enabling cross-border sales and promotion of how the cooperation with Chambers (at any level) will advocate business development.

The ISO partnership constitutes of representatives from Poland (RIG and Danmar), Portugal (AEVA), Greece (HCCI), Italy (IFEL), Ireland (ITT) and Spain (Cenfim) – organizations experienced in impacting on societies lacking sufficient skills or resources. The partners are well-oriented in mechanisms for fighting market competition and carry out activities for the promotion of brand awareness on national and EU markets.

Project Website

https://iso.erasmus.site/

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 297546 Eur

Project Coordinator

Regionalna Izba Gospodarcza w Katowicach & Country: PL

Project Partners

• EMPORIKO KAI VIOMICHANIKO EPIMELITIRIO HERAKLIOU
• DANMAR COMPUTERS SP ZOO
• AEVA – ASSOCIACAO PARA A EDUCACAO E VALORIZACAO DA REGIAO DE AVEIRO
• CENTRE DE DIFUSIO TECNOLOGICA DE LA FUSTA I DEL MOBLE DE CATALUNYA
• Fondazione Ifel Campania
• Munster Technological University