Steps to working life 

“Steps to working life” project supports students in pre-VET training, many of whom are at risk of social exclusion due to weak study or language skills. It develops tools for better on-the-job training guidance, helping students build work-life skills early. Teachers also benefit by sharing practices across countries. The project promotes inclusion, especially for immigrant students and those with special needs, and works against discrimination.

Objectives:
The overall aim of the project is to develop practical tools to support the guidance of on-the-job training for students in preparatory education programs leading to upper secondary qualifications (pre-VET training). Three guidance tools, namely a workplace instructor’s guide, a goaling form and a feedback form, will be refined to perfection by sharing the good practices the partners have and by developing the tools from the information gathered from the target groups during the activities.

Activities:
The first is an online workshop to kick-start the project and to make a detailed plan forthe next activities. The second is a workshop in Estonia with the aim to develop a workplace instructor’s guide and test it in practise. The third is a workshop in Finland with the aim to develop a feedback form and test it in practise. The fourth is a workshop in the Netherlands with the aim to develop a goaling form. The last one concludes the project.

Expected results: 
The concrete results of this project are guiding tools for the on-the-job training of pre-VET programmes. The tools are a workplace instructor’s guide, a goaling form, and a feedback form. In addition, the students taking part in this project will get international work experience which will help them participate the society by strengthening their social skills and work life skills. A network of education providers formed by this project will be able to continue cooperation in the long term.

Partners: 
Pohjois-Karjalan koulutuskuntayhtymä, Riveria (FII)
Tartu Rakenduslik Kolledž (EE)
Stichting BVE Oost-Gelderland (NE)
Ammattiopisto Luovi Oy (FI)
Stichting Regionaal Onderwijs Centrum Noord-Oost Brabant (NE)

Duration: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026

Project manager: 
Kaire Mets (kaire.mets@voco.ee)