The EmpowerVET project is proud to celebrate its first 18 months of implementation, marked by significant achievements in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and competence-oriented learning within vocational education and training (VET).
Funded through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training programme, EmpowerVET brings together partners from Albania, Germany, and Spain with the shared goal of enhancing key competences and entrepreneurial skills among learners, teachers, and vocational education institutions.
Since its launch, the project has successfully completed a series of important activities designed to create a modern and learner-centred educational framework. The journey began with the Kick-Off Meeting in Essen, Germany, where project partners established the implementation roadmap, management procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms that continue to guide the project today.
A comprehensive context analysis was subsequently carried out to assess the needs and opportunities within the Albanian VET sector. The findings contributed to the development of the EmpowerVET Learning Framework and Learning Pathway, which provide educators with innovative methodologies for integrating entrepreneurship, sustainability, creativity, and problem-solving into vocational education.
International cooperation has played a central role throughout the project. Partners participated in a Study Visit in O Porriño, Spain, where they explored good practices in competence-oriented education and entrepreneurship training. This was followed by the international Train-the-Trainers programme in Göttingen, Germany, where educators strengthened their skills in project-based learning, competence validation, and innovative teaching approaches.
One of the most impactful milestones was the international student training programme held in O Porriño and along the Camino de Santiago, Spain. Students engaged in collaborative learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship, sustainability, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and personal development, demonstrating the transformative potential of experiential learning.
Alongside these activities, the consortium developed a comprehensive set of educational resources, including learning modules, teaching materials, competence validation tools, and assessment methodologies. These resources are currently being piloted and adapted within partner institutions to ensure their effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
The project has also maintained an active dissemination strategy through newsletters, social media campaigns, stakeholder engagement activities, local events, and regular website updates, ensuring that project results reach educators, learners, policymakers, and the wider community.
As EmpowerVET enters its next phase, the partnership will continue implementing pilot activities, evaluating results, and expanding the impact of its innovative educational approaches. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to quality education, EmpowerVET is helping build a stronger future for vocational education in Albania and beyond.
Disclaimer.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
