Objectives of the project

The objectives of the project are the following:

• • • Help local TVET key players develop the skills they need to be more competitive, sustainable, and efficient by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset.
    • Drive innovation in the entrepreneurship and self-employment sectors, with a focus on social enterprises, self-employment, and using Social Impact Evaluation to support socio-economic development.
    • To create an environment for VET tourism clusters to offer integrated, innovative, and effective TVET-business services that connect with public policies and positively impact local communities.
    • Support quality processes like strategic planning, peer reviews for quality management and internationalization, MEAL, and impact assessments, alongside advocacy and awareness strategies at local, regional, and policy levels.
    • Work towards creating lasting change by integrating social impact evaluations into all the processes, policies, and actions related to social entrepreneurship, job creation, and business development.

Expected Main Results

• The project will improve the skills of TVET providers and managers in areas like school management and evaluation, while students and trainers will benefit from modern teaching methods and increased employability, especially for women and vulnerable groups. Work-based learning programs and start-up incubation will offer real-world experience and job opportunities. Universities, business incubators, and public actors will strengthen their incubation services, benefiting the local community. The social entrepreneurship sector will grow through capacity building and innovation in social impact evaluation. At the national level, Egypt and Palestine will see increased youth employment, stronger VET-social entrepreneurship links, and improved networks, advocacy, and labor quality. Regionally, the VET ecosystem will become more sustainable, fostering TVET-business partnerships and enhancing cooperation and skill-sharing among stakeholders.

Main Activities:

WP1: Project management and coordination

Project management and coordination will involve a variety of key tasks crucial for the successful organization and execution of the project. These tasks include partner meetings, creating a communication and a quality assurance plan, conducting risk assessments, planning activities, monitoring and controlling project tasks and reporting. 

WP2: VET ecosystem’s capabilities reinforcement and strengthening of sustainability:

The project includes training modules on the Entrepreneurial CoVE conceptual framework, which covers self-assessment tools for organizational practices, teaching and learning processes, ecosystems, and products and services. These modules will be implemented for Egyptian and Palestinian TVET centers, vocational training centers (VTCs), universities, chambers of commerce, and education/employment agencies. The self-assessment tool will help these institutions evaluate and enhance their practices, aiming to become strategic partners in multi-actor clusters for local development. Additionally, a training module on Digital Strategies will be provided, focusing on online learning and creating digital plans or roadmaps linked to entrepreneurial activities, helping these organizations further integrate digital strategies into their work.

WP3: Innovation through social entrepreneurship and social impact evaluation:

The project includes an initial assessment and mapping of social entrepreneurship in Egypt, focusing on policies, initiatives, models, and best practices, while updating existing data for Palestine. This will help enhance social entrepreneurship as a key driver of socio-economic development. Training and peer-to-peer learning on social entrepreneurship and self-employment will be provided by Palestinian actors to Egyptian TVET centers, vocational training centers (VTCs), universities, chambers of commerce, and education/employment agencies. Additionally, training on Social Impact Evaluation will be offered to Egyptian and Palestinian TVET centers, VTCs, universities, companies, and relevant agencies. Lastly, training on fundraising, marketing, and communication strategies will be provided to these institutions, equipping them with the skills needed to promote and sustain social entrepreneurship initiatives.

WP4: Pilot initiatives on relevant economic clusters:
The project will start with an assessment aimed at creating and strengthening two vocational clusters in the field of community-based tourism—one in Egypt and one in Palestine. This will be followed by the development of long-term strategic plans, including business plans for each cluster partner, yearly action plans, and joint programs to support the development of sustainable and integrated VET-business initiatives for both clusters. Two hackathons on community-based tourism will be organized, one in Palestine and one in Egypt, to encourage innovation in the sector. Finally, an international conference will be held in Egypt to present the results of the hackathons, showcase the development of the clusters, share best practices, and discuss future programs.

WP5: Impact and Dissemination:
The project will begin with a preliminary assessment in Egypt and the development of an evaluation report on the social impact of the vocational clusters in Palestine. Peer review processes will be conducted to assess the quality planning and management of TVET business services, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement. Additionally, a dissemination and communication strategy will be created, along with an operational workplan to ensure the successful implementation and outreach of the project’s activities and outcomes.

Objectives of the project

The objectives of the project are the following:

• • • To create a comprehensive competence strategy by providing VET students with skills that align with both current and future job market demands.

    • To build an inclusive learning ecosystem by fostering a positive and supportive culture within VET institutions.

    • To enhance the professional development of VET educators and staff by improving their skills and creating innovative teaching methods and approaches.
    • To drive the digital transformation of the VET sector by equipping both students and teachers with the necessary digital skills.
    • To foster cooperation and interaction between EU and Eastern Neighbourhood countries through collaborative activities in the VET sector.

Expected Main Results

• Holistic Competence Development: The project goes beyond standard assessments to help VET students develop essential skills such as entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and adaptability.
  Inclusive Learning Ecosystem: An environment will be created where diversity is celebrated, and every student’s unique learning journey is supported. Special focus will be placed on promoting equity, integrating migrant students, and empowering those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  Digital Transformation: Both teachers and students will be equipped with the digital skills needed to enhance their learning experience and better prepare for the demands of today’s workforce.
  Supportive Educational Culture: A positive and supportive culture within VET institutions will be cultivated to boost student well-being and academic success.
  Addressing Socio-economic Disparities: Targeted interventions will be implemented to support socio-economically disadvantaged students, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed.

Main Activities:

WP1: Project Management, Quality Assurance and Evaluation

Project management, Quality Assurance and Evaluation will involve a variety of key tasks crucial for the successful organization and execution of the project. These tasks include partner meetings, creating a communication and a quality assurance plan, conducting risk assessments, planning activities, monitoring and controlling project tasks, and reporting. 

WP2: Establishing and Operating the Foundation Semester:

The project will establish clear procedures for the operation of the Foundation Semester by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for its implementation, setting guidelines for student enrolment, assessment, and progression, and defining the roles and responsibilities of VET providers, teachers, and support staff. VET providers will be prepared through targeted training sessions on the objectives, structure, and implementation procedures of the Foundation Semester, along with the provision of resources and materials to support the process. The operational procedures will be customized to meet the specific needs of each VET provider in the target countries. The Foundation Semester will then be piloted in selected VET providers, with ongoing support and guidance provided to address any challenges. Student progress will be monitored, and interventions will be adjusted as needed to ensure the program’s success. Feedback will be gathered from students, teachers, and stakeholders to continually improve the implementation of the Foundation Semester across all participating VET providers.

WP3: Building a Supporting VET Environment for Learners by Training their Trainers:

The project will focus on enhancing trainers’ skills through targeted training programs. For soft skills training with an emphasis on inclusivity, the first step will involve conducting desk research and assessing trainers’ skill gaps via a self-assessment questionnaire. Based on the findings, training materials will be developed, followed by the delivery of an online “Train the Trainers” session on soft skills and inclusivity. For digital skills training, trainers’ needs will be assessed through a self-assessment tool, after which relevant digital tools will be identified and an online training session will be delivered to help teachers effectively use these tools and upskill their digital capabilities. Additionally, a “Be a Mentor” training program will be implemented, starting with a report on best practices related to mentorship roles in VET, followed by the development of training materials using role-playing and use case scenarios. The final step will be a two-day face-to-face workshop to train the trainers on effective mentorship techniques.

WP4: Empower VET Students and Promote a Learning-to-Learn Philosophy:
The project will offer a range of programs aimed at enhancing VET students’ skills and empowerment. A mentorship program will match VET mentors with students, facilitating regular mentorship sessions and monitoring progress. For digital literacy, students will undergo a self-assessment to evaluate their skills, followed by the development of a tailored digital literacy curriculum. Online workshops (both synchronous and asynchronous) will be delivered to students, and the program’s effectiveness will be evaluated. The project will also focus on developing “Learning-to-Learn” skills, starting with identifying key soft skills through desk research and interviews with newly enrolled students. Training materials will be developed and a blended learning curriculum will be delivered. Additionally, empowerment workshops will be designed to help VET students build confidence and skills, with the impact of these workshops assessed to measure their effectiveness in student empowerment.

WP5: Awareness Raising and Exploitation:
The project will begin with preparatory dissemination activities, including the development of a comprehensive dissemination and exploitation strategy plan, along with the creation of a portfolio showcasing the project’s dissemination materials. To reach a wider audience, both online and face-to-face activities will be organized. This will include the launch of a project website, featuring an e-learning component, and various online dissemination efforts. National Info Days will also be organized by each partner to engage local communities. Additionally, capitalization activities will include a final conference to share outcomes and lessons learned, as well as the creation of an Impact Assessment Report that evaluates the entire project’s implementation and effectiveness.

Objectives of the project

The objectives of the project are the following:

• • • Empower employees in craft enterprises through reverse mentoring. The objective is to upskill the entire workforce, helping businesses adapt to modern industry needs, especially in terms of digital transformation, and remain competitive in an ever-changing business environment.

    • Promote a culture of lifelong learning. This project seeks to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning within craft enterprises, fostering an atmosphere where employees are encouraged to continuously develop new skills and knowledge throughout their careers, supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of craft businesses.

Expected Main Results

• Innovation and digital transformation are promoted within craft enterprises by supporting digital readiness. This is achieved through intergenerational knowledge exchange, where skills and technological expertise are shared, facilitated by innovative practices like Reverse Mentoring.
• Best practices and cutting-edge business management tools in the vocational education and training (VET) field, including Reverse Mentoring and innovative business models, are collected and shared internationally.
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Main Activities:

Α1. Project Management & Dissemination:

Project management (PM) and dissemination efforts will involve a variety of key tasks crucial for the successful organization and execution of the project. These tasks include partner meetings, creating a communication plan, conducting risk assessments, planning activities, monitoring and controlling project tasks, and reporting. Additionally, the planning and coordination of dissemination activities will also be a central part of the process.

A2: Desk research on reverse mentoring practices:

This activity involves conducting desk research across the EU and partner countries to identify best practices in reverse mentoring within the workplace. Research teams will collect data from various sources, such as government reports, universities, and industry associations. The findings will be analyzed to highlight successful reverse mentoring examples, particularly in craft enterprises, with a focus on skills development, intergenerational collaboration, and digital innovation.

The results will be shared through two outputs: a Best Practices Report and a MENT Toolkit, which will offer practical guidance for innovative HR management. The research will use inclusive, bias-free language and consider diverse cultural perspectives.

A3: Workshop on Reverse Mentoring and Project Work:

The activity will be carried out in two phases:

RM Workshop (23 participants): This workshop, aimed at craft enterprise owners, employees (ages 35-60), and youth interested in the sector, will provide training on reverse mentoring (RM) using insights from the Best Practices report and the MENT Toolkit. Expert facilitators will guide participants through RM concepts, including the roles of mentors and mentees, digital skills, and managing generational and cultural differences. Participants will engage in case studies and hands-on exercises, and develop individual action plans for applying reverse mentoring in their workplaces. The workshop will take place in Italy (15 participants) and Greece (8 participants).

Project Work (PW): After the workshop, participants will apply reverse mentoring in their own craft enterprises. They will identify an innovation area (focused on digital tools and business management) and create an RM plan for their business. Facilitators will provide support throughout. The project includes three 3-hour focus group sessions at the start, two months in, and four months later to monitor progress and the development of the RM plans.

A4: International Dissemination Events:
This activity involves an international event held simultaneously in partner countries to share insights from the desk research (A2) and reverse mentoring workshop (A3). The event will feature presentations on best practices in reverse mentoring for craft enterprises, followed by expert talks and the introduction of a research-based toolkit. A roundtable will discuss reverse mentoring and innovative business models, with key stakeholders such as VET providers, craft enterprises, and policymakers. Participants will also share their experiences from the workshop, and the event will conclude with a panel discussion on the benefits of reverse mentoring and fostering innovation in craft businesses. The event will take place in Italy and Greece.