How do the Erasmus+ Corevet and EEA programs help develop human resources in education?

Programs such as Erasmus+ Coveret and EEA are tools that support the development of education at the international level. They make it possible to exchange experiences, improve professional skills and build bridges between education and the labor market. In this article, we will describe what these programs are, their importance for professional development, and how educational subsidies affect cooperation between schools or universities and employers.

Erasmus+ Coveret and EEA projects - what are these programs and their role in education.

Erasmus, what is this program? This is one of the most recognized projects of the European Union, which has been helping to develop sports, education, training and youth in Europe since 1987. Its main goal is to increase educational mobility, develop professional competencies and develop cooperation in the secondary education sector. Erasmus projects and Coveret, focus on vocational training, enabling students, teachers and managers to gain experience in an international environment.

The fact that the aforementioned projects really and truly help prepare for professional work is evidenced by the example of the Electronic School Complex in Rzeszow. As you can read on the technical school's website, the best students and their teachers undergo three-week foreign professional internships under various Erasmus Plus projects in Spain, Portugal or the Canary Islands. Under the guidance of foreign trainers, students gain professional skills in web application design, server management, servicing computer hardware, operating CNC machine tools to make parts for cars, airplanes or submarines, assembling switchgear for electrical installations and surge protection systems.

Another example is EEA projects. Eog what is this? These are European Economic Area funds, special funding from countries such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. For twenty years now, they have been aimed at equalizing social and economic opportunities in EU member countries and promoting development in various areas, including education.

Under these funds, it is possible to obtain educational grants that help schools and training institutions carry out innovative development projects and programs. Jagiellonian University in Krakow has benefited from such support, according to its website, thus gaining support for the #Cyber_Resilience Project, as part of the Idea Lab competition. These funds are for the development of groundbreaking, interdisciplinary and innovative research project concepts, by research teams consisting of at least one Polish partner in a leadership role.

Both programs play an important role in improving the quality of education and staff development. Their main goal is to facilitate trips abroad for students and teachers to learn innovative teaching methods in partner centers and improve cooperation between schools and later employers.

Thanks to education funding, schools and training institutions can implement projects focused on developing key competencies of the future, and practical skills that meet the needs of the labor market.

How do Erasmus+ Coveret and EEA projects support the development of professional skills?

The projects implemented under Erasmus plus, Coveret and EOG, focus on vocational training. Students have the chance to participate in apprenticeships that allow them to gain experience in real working conditions. It's a great opportunity to learn about working standards in different industries and develop language skills, as well as learn about cultural differences. The aforementioned Rzeszow technical school had apprenticeships in six Portuguese workplaces. In the course of their work, they learned in practice about smart home technology, home theater installation, remote control systems, servicing computer equipment, designing computer networks, and operating information systems. They expanded their language skills while interacting with trainers and employees at companies. They practiced the basics of the language during lessons with a Portuguese trainer, as well as in everyday life during internships.

Erasmus Plus activities include:

• internships in foreign companies,
• participation of students and teachers in vocational training,
• cooperation with experts from various industries.

These funds help create tools for the development of future employees, improve the quality of teaching and professional preparation of students.

Why is cooperation between education and employers crucial?

Vocational education cannot exist without cooperation with employers. It is business owners who know best what competencies are needed in the labor market. Combining school knowledge with professional practice is the key to raising the employees of tomorrow.

Why is cooperation important? The benefits of cooperation between education and the labor market are many:

• Alignment of curricula with the real needs of employers.
• The opportunity for students to receive internships at companies makes further vocational training more realistic.
• Development of innovative projects in the field of vocational education is possible.
• Graduates are better prepared for employers' requirements.

In Erasmus Plus, Coveret and EEA projects, cooperation with the business sector is fundamental. Employers are more easily involved in developing training programs, and schools can benefit from their experience.

Funding for education - how do Erasmus+ Coveret projects and EEA funds support education?

The development tools offered by these programs help improve the quality of teaching and make vocational education more attractive, through the following forms of support.

Funding of international trips - students and teachers can participate in educational trips that allow them to gain practical experience in an international business environment.

Creating interesting forms of teaching - funds enable schools to introduce modern teaching methods and purchase modern equipment and educational materials.

Training for teachers - as part of the funding, teachers can participate in workshops and courses that allow them to develop their professional and methodological competencies regarding vocational training, the teaching methods and means used, the system of grading and examining students.

Development of international cooperation - thanks to Erasmus Projects, schools establish contacts with foreign partners, which facilitates the exchange of experience and joint development of innovations in education.

Thanks to such funding for education, it is possible to create modern curricula, develop tomorrow's competencies and build strong relationships between schools and employers. This results in students being better prepared for their profession, and teachers having access to modern tools for workforce development.

Read also: How can outsourcing soft HR help your company grow?