Abstract:

The i-WOBAL project, supported by Erasmus+, strategically enhances work-based learning (WBL) in higher education and vocational training across Europe, with a particular focus on supporting the professional development of company and academic facilitators of students engaged in WBL environments. This initiative launches the i-WOBAL didactical guide, together with the establishment of the digital school of WBL facilitators, a digital learning space designed to translate the theoretical frame-work of the guide into practical, actionable strategies for facilitators. The project is the result of the coordinated work of a consortium of 7 higher education and vocational training institutions from 5 different European countries.

The digital school of WBL facilitators serves as a training hub where facilitators from both academic institutions and the business sector receive specialised training to effectively guide and support students. The digital school offers a structured curriculum, including modules on relevant soft skills, to ensure that facilitators are well equipped to manage and enhance the WBL experience for students.

This paper describes the curriculum and pedagogical approaches of the digital school of WBL facilitators, its role in facilitating the practical application of WBL strategies and the collaboration of the partners to bring in their unique expertise. The collaborative nature of the i-WOBAL project, involving a consortium of European educational and corporate institutions, promotes a shared culture of best practice and continuous innovation in WBL. The potential scalability of this model offers significant implications for future educational policies aimed at standardising and improving the facilitation of WBL across different educational systems and market environments.

Keywords:

Work-Based Learning (WBL), Professional Development, Educational Innovation, Mentorship in Education, Online Training Platforms, Erasmus+ Projects, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Educational Policy, Skills Gap.