Mobility Management Platform for Transnational Work-based Learning Erasmus Project

Project Title

Mobility Management Platform for Transnational Work-based Learning

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 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Cooperation between educational institutions and business; Recognition (non-formal and informal learning/credits); ICT – new technologies – digital competences

Project Summary

One of the aims of the Erasmus+ programme is to encourage the development of high-quality transnational work-based learning (TWBL) across Europe & increase the numbers taking part. The idea for MobMan TWBL came from a combination of research & observations that the managing of TWBL can be a daunting, time-consuming process & that the resources available at that time were not as helpful or relevant as they could have been, thereby discouraging educational & training institutions from offering this type of experience to their learners.

There was therefore a gap between what institutions required to manage TWBL & what was available in terms of resources. Furthermore, if the numbers undertaking a period of TWBL started to increase then there would be an even greater need for a mobility management tool that allows for effective & efficient use of time by staff who organise these work-based learning opportunities.

The MobMan TWBL project brought together 5 partners from 4 EU member states & aimed to fill this gap by producing a user-friendly & adaptable mobility management platform for transnational work-based learning.

The platform we have produced is a comprehensive open-source resource for the facilitation of the management of transnational work-based learning. It allows for the grouping of all necessary information in one place & the production of tailored key documents with ease.

We have produced a series of interactive training modules, allowing users to develop their knowledge of the functionalities of the MobMan TWBL platform. There is also an interactive FAQ User Guide to support users in the use of the key elements of the platform & enable autonomous use by potential users; such as education & training institutions, career guidance & job centres, associations & private enterprises, both independently or a tool within existing TWBL programmes.

The MobMan TWBL outputs can be used on individual computers & also via servers for multiple users, thereby enhancing transparency, usefulness & accessibility. All materials are accessible via the MobMan TWBL website, social media pages, YouTube channel & the MobMan TWBL Community of Practice on the EPALE platform. In order to increase the potential impact across Europe, all MobMan TWL outputs are available in 6 languages – English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese & Spanish.

These materials can be tailored according to the needs of specific target groups. They can thus empower users to manage high quality work-based learning with more efficient use of time. The project thus contributes to the mainstream utilisation of innovative resources, work methods & training for educators.

The MobMan TWBL platform also provides a resource to help the validation of qualifications, learning objectives & learning outcomes. It is compatible with & complement existing tools & methods developed & promoted by the EU, such as Europass & ECVET.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the suspension of transnational work-based learning mobilities in 2020 & at the start of 2021, the platform was tested by 28 organisations & project partners on a control group of trainees who had previously undertaken a transnational work placement of 3-26 weeks in a host company. Some of the planned placements would have involved young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Focus Groups & Evaluation Workshops in each partner country provided precious feedback on the outputs & featured additional interested parties, such as chambers of commerce & local public administrative bodies.

The promotion of work-based learning takes place on 3 levels. Firstly, on the number of training institutions that offer TWBL to their trainees. Secondly, on the number of trainees able to undertake TWBL in the future .Thirdly, an increase in participation contributes to the labour market relevance of learning provision, also facilitating formal & non-formal learning. Well-performing education & training systems that include TWBL provide learners with the skills required by the job market & the economy, while allowing them to play an active role in society & achieve personal fulfilment.

The MobMan TWBL project contributes to increasing the impact of transnational work placements, leading to added value on a learner’s CV & thereby improving employability by helping to develop the skills required by businesses. This in turn may contribute to improving the quality of the labour force & in turn, economic development within the European Union.

Another long-term benefit has been to facilitate stronger partnerships between the educational & business sectors by increasing the involvement & ownership of host companies in the work-based learning process.

In the words of American Tom Freston ‘Innovation is taking things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.’ This is what we have achieved through the MobMan TWBL project.

Project Website

http://mobmantwbl.com

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 355021 Eur

Project Coordinator

EUROPEAN PLACEMENT NETWORK Limited & Country: UK

Project Partners

• AM TRANSNATIONAL, S.L.
• Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir du Tour de France
• APLICAPROPOSTA LDA
• APRECA