Abstract:

With the main purpose to improve and strengthen the Structure for cooperation between school and small and medium-sized Enterprices (SMEs).

The project is aiming at two approaches:
1. Build a handbook and logical framework describing processes, necessary data collecting sheets and checklists for the work needed when preparing and following a student in a workplacement.
2. Structure a network needed for strong workplace education opportunities in the community.

The need for this development has been identified when evaluating the WorkMentor project. This was the 3rd in a series of projects dealingwith the learner in tre workplace using a portfolio of evidence to report on his learning progress [ProVoTrain project], a project for the support to and teaching of VET teachers whoi needed professional adaptation to blended learning (POÈTE project) and the WorkMentor project which developed training packages for work mentors guiding learners in the workplace. During this evaluation it was felt that a solid support structure, a framework of agreements and arrangements, with matching documents, would increase the efficiency of the learning placement and at the same time underline and clarify the role of each of the three parties in the agreement.

European cooperation supported by the European Commission has developed tools to use when comparing and cooperating within the scope of vocational education. ECVET, EQF and other tools have been established to facilitate the flow of students and qualified workers.
The European Commission has furthermore allocated funds towards development of international relations and connections in education through it's Lifelong Learning Programme, the Leonardo da Vinci programme for vocational education and more recently throught the ERASMUS+ program.

The project is managed by VMA of Akureyri on Iceland, with partners involved with vocational education and employment from Finland, France, Norway, Netherlands and UK.

Keywords:

Three party agreement, VET, learning placement, mentoring learners, competence in the wortkplace.