Dresden experts are shaping the future of vocational training in Europe!

Dresden experts are shaping the future of vocational training in Europe!

The Technical University of Dresden (TUD) plays a central role in a groundbreaking project to professionalize teachers and mentors in vocational training. Together with partners from France, Belgium, Estonia and Spain, TUD works as part of the “Centre of Vocational Excellence” (ProVEST) project, which is funded by the European Union. This project includes 23 institutions, including vocational schools, universities and private further education institutions, which work together to design sustainable vocational training.

The main goal of ProVEST is to identify highly effective learning environments and improve training practices for vocational school teachers. This happens at the interface between the education sector and the economy. The TUD particularly emphasizes that long-term cooperation between schools, mentors and companies should be promoted through the development of professionalization offers and master classes for vocational educators.

Research and challenges

Prof. Thomas Köhler from the Institute for Vocational Education and Vocational Didactics at the TUD emphasizes that strengthening the German model of vocational teacher training, which includes a five-year university course with practical phases, is of central importance. At the same time, cooperation with company stakeholders in vocational training should be intensified in order to meet the challenges of the shortage of skilled workers and address questions of international comparative educational research.

The project kick-off took place in Paris at the beginning of March, where the consortium agreement was signed by TUD. An important aspect is the upcoming research workshop in September at the TU Dresden, where the project will be presented in more detail. The focus is primarily on European standards and challenges in vocational training.

European education policy and vocational education

In order to further promote the professionalization of educational staff, the EU Commission has declared this to be a focus of its 2020 education policy strategy. The Copenhagen Process in particular supports the training of personnel in vocational training cooperation. The aim is to increase the quality and dynamically adapt the qualification requirements of educational staff throughout Europe.

The collaboration between business and education is highlighted as a strength that should be promoted through modern approaches to recruiting and vocational training and further education. The 2020 Strategy emphasizes the need for quality assurance in learning processes and the role of educational staff as innovators, who make a decisive contribution to mobility in training and further education.

A look at the literature shows that the professionalization of teachers is closely linked to the quality of teaching. Studies emphasize that teachers must have not only knowledge and skills, but also values ​​and beliefs in order to provide effective teaching. In this context, research on teachers' motivational orientations is considered particularly important because it has a decisive influence on teachers' behavior and experiences.

In conclusion, it can be said that with the ProVEST project, the TU Dresden is not only providing new impetus for vocational education, but is also actively participating in the European educational landscape and tackling its challenges.