Forum on Vocational Excellence 2024
On the 11th of September, the Šolski Center Nova Gorica participated in the Forum of Vocational Excellence in Lyon, France, contributing significantly to the growing importance of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) in VET. This event brought together leaders from VET institutions, industry and policymakers to discuss the integration of applied research into VET systems across Europe.
The Workshop: Focus on Applied Research in VET
Organised in collaboration with several prominent institutions, including Helsinki Business College, Tknika and Green Academy Aarhus, the workshop entitled “Applied Research in VET” highlighted the crucial role of vocational schools in driving innovation. Šolski Center Nova Gorica, represented by Adrijana Hodak and Tjaša Petelin Bačar, presented the Challenger project. This initiative promotes creativity and technological innovation through community-driven makerspaces and self-guided courses. This project is perfectly in line with the European Union’s efforts to empower vocational education and training institutions as key actors in local and regional innovation ecosystems.
Challenger Project: Fostering a culture of innovation
The Challenger Project of the Šolski Center Nova Gorica introduces a transformative model for vocational education and training using Makerspaces – collaborative hubs where students, educators and industry partners co-create innovative solutions. These spaces, coupled with flexible, self-directed courses, support learners in developing real-world problem-solving skills. The project also recommends systemic reforms to ensure the sustainability of applied research in VET, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-aligned curricula.
Driving RDI in VET: Key messages from the Applied Research Workshop
The discussions at the Forum underlined the strategic importance of integrating research and innovation in VET. VET has the potential to be at the forefront of regional development, particularly in driving green and digital transitions. The Forum highlighted several key lessons:
- VET institutions can become integral parts of regional innovation ecosystems by promoting applied research.
- Collaboration between educators, industry and policymakers is key to successfully embedding research-driven innovation in VET programmes.
- The role of makerspaces and flexible learning models, such as those piloted by the Challenger project, is crucial in fostering a culture of innovation.
Next steps for the Schools involved in the Challenger project
Building on the success of the Forum of Vocational Excellence, the schools involved in the Challenger project, including the Šolski Center Nova Gorica, will continue to work together to expand the project. Plans include lobbying for legislative changes to support applied research in VET, strengthening partnerships with industry and improving teacher training in innovative methodologies.
As leaders in the field, these schools are committed to ensuring that vocational education and training evolve to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce and equip students with the skills they need to face future challenges.
