Resume
This study has made clear that there are major differences in the percentage of students per programme who participate in a KA1 mobility pathway. The study shows that half of the respondents say that the products and output of their most recent KA2 project are regularly used within their organisation. The study shows that participation by VET innovation centres in Erasmus+ is currently limited. The primary reason for this is doubts among the respondents about the added value of Erasmus+ has for them. The study shows that participation in the national actions of (KA1/KA2) leads to participation in the central actions of a CoVE. At the same time, we see in the study that many organisations participating in the national actions still have never heard of a CoVE or do not know exactly what they are. Increasing the awareness may open possibilities for the VET innovation centres. CoVEs are after all geared toward the development of skills ecosystems to contribute to, among other things, regional development and innovation; precisely what VET innovation centres are also often striving for.
Conclusions
- Erasmus+’ KA1 action does not reach all programmes. An analysis of Nuffic and DUOdate on the use of KA1 between 2018 and 2020 shows that most of the users of the mobility pathways in VET are students in personal service, teacher training, pedagogical-didactical programmes, and the arts. Relatively few in the categories welfare, technology, and business and administration.
- Respondents say students benefit the most from participation in Erasmus+, and more than teachers. Many of the respondents (around 50%-65%) fully agreed with the proposition that through participation in Erasmus+; (1) students have improved intercultural competencies, (2) students have greater self-confidence, and (3) students have experienced personal growth.
- Participation in Erasmus+ leads to better embedding of internationalisation at different levels within the organisation. For instance, teachers have developed a better awareness of the possibilities of promoting internationalisation in VET.
- Varying effects of Erasmus+ on innovation manifests in the broader forms of cooperation: with external parties, networks, and partnerships outside the organisation. The introduction of new teaching methods and cooperation with other disciplines within the organisation are also quite common. As far as working and learning in innovation centres is concerned, the respondents say that Erasmus has the least influence here, by (as told) a limited availability of time and capacity.
- Greatest impact of Erasmus+ is on the priorities of inclusion, diversity, and participation. The assessment of the level of impact varies per aspect, and the contribution that Erasmus+ makes to the priorities varies. Impact is less pronounced on the priorities digital transformation and sustainability.
Recommendations
- Investigate possibilities to increase the inclusion of programmes in KA1. This may need further determination whether possibilities exist for expanding the inclusion of the programmes.
- Increase broader usability of KA2 products/output. Half of the respondents say that the products and output of their most recent KA2 project are regularly used within their organisation. It may be important to understand how these products can be used on a wider scale, both in and outside the organisation and find possibilities to ensure that the knowledge gained during the project is not lost. For example: involve regional partners from the start, include requirements for transition of products and outcomes, create a findable database for project outcomes.
- Investigate the possibilities for increasing the participation of VET innovation centres in Erasmus+. Participation by VET innovation centres in Erasmus+ is currently limited. The primary reason for this is doubts among the respondents about the added value of Erasmus+ has for them.
- Increase the awareness of and reinforce growth towards a CoVE. Participation in the national actions of (KA1/KA2) leads to participation in the central actions of a CoVE. At the same time, many of the organisations participating still have never heard of a CoVE. There is room for Erasmus+ to act and make organisations aware of the possibilities sooner. CoVEs are geared toward the development of skills ecosystems to contribute to, among other things, regional development and innovation; precisely what VET innovation centres are also often striving for.
Downloads
- Report Impact of Erasmus on VET and innovation initiatives in VET 1MB / pdf Download
More information?
Looking for more information about this project? Get in touch: onderzoek@erasmusplus.nl.
