Training: Capacity building for Quality Assurance (VET Staff)

The “Quality Assurance for VET Organisations” training event was organized and hosted by IDEC and took place from 25 to 29 November 2024 at Iroon Polytechneiou 82, Piraeus, bringing together participants from diverse partner organizations to exchange expertise and develop strategies for quality improvement in VET institutions.

The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Vocational Education and Training (VET) staff in implementing effective quality assurance frameworks.
Focusing on key aspects such as quality management systems, ISO standards, green and digital transitions, and criteria for vocational excellence, the training incorporated interactive workshops, presentations, and practical exercises. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the program sought to empower VET professionals to advance excellence in their institutions and support sustainable development goals in education and training.

More information:

Held over five days, the training brought together experts and practitioners from various European organizations to exchange knowledge and best practices. The program was structured around thematic days, each focusing on specific aspects of quality assurance and innovation in VET.

The first day emphasized establishing a quality culture, where participants were introduced to the PDCA cycle, the EFQM excellence model, and EQAVET. Practical sessions included SWOT analysis and creating visions for schools, enabling participants to analyze their institutions’ current situations.

On the second day, the focus shifted to ISO 9001 and its application in education. Through hands-on workshops, participants learned to identify, map, and manage processes, while addressing risks and strategies for continuous improvement.

Day three explored green and digital transitions in VET, offering a hybrid format to accommodate remote participants. Sessions featured practical workshops on AR, 3D technologies, and AI tools such as Tinkercad, ZapWorks, ScribeSense, and Eduaide. These tools were demonstrated as powerful resources for enhancing modern VET practices, supporting sustainability, and fostering digital transformation.

The fourth day introduced the concept of Centres of Vocational Excellence, with workshops on governance, partnerships, and strategic development planning.

The final day concluded with a wrap-up and action planning session, where participants discussed strategies to implement tailored quality assurance mechanisms in their organizations. The training employed a dynamic combination of expert presentations, interactive discussions, and practical workshops, ensuring an engaging and impactful experience.

By the end of the program, participants had developed actionable plans to improve quality assurance in their institutions and embraced innovative tools and methodologies to drive sustainable and digital transformation in VET education.

Conclusion:

Participants engaged in a dynamic program that addressed key challenges and opportunities in the sector, focusing on the adoption of quality management systems, green and digital transitions, and strategies for achieving vocational excellence.

The hands-on workshops and diverse expert-led sessions provided actionable insights tailored to the needs of institutions. By incorporating sustainability and digitalization into the curriculum, the training ensured that participants were well-equipped to meet contemporary demands in education and training. The hybrid format on the third day also expanded accessibility, allowing more professionals to benefit from the learning experience.

The outcomes of the training are expected to foster meaningful improvements in quality assurance practices within participating organizations. Moreover, the connections formed and ideas exchanged during the event have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and innovation in the VET sector.

This initiative represents a significant contribution to building resilient, forward-looking educational systems across Europe.