Nordplus

Strengthening the competence of adult students through international activities

Adult learners often face barriers to participating in international activities due to life obligations, even though global skills are increasingly needed in today’s multicultural work environments. This project supports adult education providers by identifying skill gaps through surveys with students and companies, promoting collaboration, and sharing best practices. It aims to create innovative, flexible opportunities for adult learners and build a sustainable educator network for future mobility projects.

Project aim
The main objective of this project is to provide more skilled labour to companies in the future.

Expected results
The thematic network will primarily benefit partner institutions by helping them launch or expand their international networks and improve their capacity to support adult learners in developing international skills. While no direct activities for adult learners are included at this stage, the project lays the foundation for future initiatives by identifying effective strategies for fostering global competence.

Key outcomes include the establishment of a strong network of adult educators and increased collaboration with companies. This cooperation will clarify which international and professional skills are needed in today’s labor market. Both students and companies will contribute through surveys, sharing their perspectives on skill gaps and desired learning opportunities.

The most important result is a clear understanding of the skills adult learners are currently lacking and those demanded by employers. This knowledge will guide educators in designing relevant and motivating teaching methods, ultimately helping learners become more employable and confident in multicultural settings.

Another key outcome is the preparation of a follow-up mobility project application for the 2026 Erasmus+ funding round, based on the findings of this thematic network.

In the long term, the network will empower adult learners to strengthen their language and intercultural skills, enhance their job prospects, and build confidence through international engagement. Partner staff will also grow professionally through cross-border collaboration and exchange of best practices.

Partners:
Business College Helsinki (FI)
Utbildning Nord (SE)
Komvux Värnamo (SE)
Tartu Vocational College (EE)
Svenska framtidsskolan i Huvudstadsregionen/YI Prakticum (FI)
Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre (EE)
Kaunas Information Technology School (LT)
Køge Business College (DK)

Project period:
01,06.2024 – 30.09.2025