The aim of the project was to embed and mainstream the innovation of work based delivery models, piloted as part of the Leonardo MOVE IT (2012-1-GB2-LEO05-08040) project, whilst continuing to advance and understand more about pedagogical approaches in the workplace. The project accounted for the economic and political need to provide increased VET workplace opportunities for young people, across all partner countries, by creating a blended learning methodology that incorporated highly effective learning content with efficient methods of delivery. Project objectives:• Develop a flexible blended learning pathway based on learner outcomes for a full qualification / WBL period using the approach and further development of the template produced in the MOVE IT project• Improve the enrolment and induction process to support learners in the early stages of their workplace learning• Select 3 of the learning technologies identified in the MOVE IT project and train trainers in their application to develop quality assured, interactive online learning packages as identified in the learning pathway• Conduct a study on the use of social networking in peer/collaborative learning to improve the pedagogical application and pilot this with learners• Test and adapt the WBL methodology and interactive learning packages and from this produce recommendations to inform other training providers, policy makers and stakeholdersThe project co-ordinator was Myerscough College, a land based and sports college in the Northwest of England delivering work based learning to apprentices throughout England. There were three consortium partners; IPC Groene Ruimte (NL), a training and consulting centre in the area of environmental management, nature conservation, landscape management, forestry, tree care, environmental technology and industrial safety in the Netherlands; The Vocational College of Central Orbothnia (Kpedu, FI), a nationally recognised training provider in Agriculture and Forestry education, providing education for both youth and adults and The Centre of Supercomputing in Galicia ( CESGA, ES), who promote a work environment in the area of high performance computing, communications, and advanced services in the Information and Knowledge Society. A fundamental core aim of the project centred around two distinct aspects which was a blended approach to the delivery of vocational qualifications using an array of different approaches from face-to-face to the use of technology and on-line platforms, to the intrinsic design of a Virtual Learning environment (VLE) - the latter being a key focus of the project. The project had some real gains in terms of not just focussing on the content of the VLE but more so how it was structured and linked to other systems and processes to make it truly a blended approach. Many of the materials developed enabled the learners to be self-directed and select areas of study relating to the seasonality of their working environment, to be self-paced and study a more interactive development of the content. Achievements of the project were:Use of H5P as the software of choice. Reason: Easy to use and intuitive and didn't require high level e-learning developing skills and as such tutors can be trained to use the software. H5P has over 40 plugins ranging from course preparation, interactive videos to Flashcards which can be effectively embedded into various VLE’s. Impact: during the evaluation phase there was strong evidence from learners in terms of knowledge transfer before and after using the interactive video.Design and structure of the VLE.Reason: Easy navigation and set out sequentially so that learners can use effectively and engage with the learning process. In most cases the structure followed the specification in terms of requiring learning outcomes to ensure every aspect was covered. Impact: sites were designed to have a clear introduction showcasing the purpose of each section. Interactive packages either contained a check on learning or led to a quiz at the end so there was real intent and purpose to the structure. Hardware – Use of Microphones that connect to mobile technology. Reason: The quality of video captured is exceptional and improves all the time with advances of technology, however the sound quality can sometimes be a concern, especially in noisy outdoor environments. Impact: A range of Rode microphones were tested. The impact on the partners was a more efficient delivery of Work Based Learning. Efficiencies arose from reduction in face to face training. Throughout the process the partners developed more dynamic and ready to integrate new technology methods and practices to inspire learners.At the end of the project an innovative blended Work Based Delivery model will be embedded in partner organisations (NL, FI, UK) using a student-centred pedagogical approach with assessment based on learning outcomes.

The project has brought together 6 partners from Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania: VIESOJI ISTAIGA VILNIAUS JERUZALES DARBO RINKOS MOKYMO CENTRAS (VJDRMC) – LT; Jyväskylän koulutuskuntayhtymä – FI; European Arboricultural Council – DE; IPC groene ruimte bv – NL; Bulduru Dārzkopības vidusskola – LV; Luua Metsanduskool – EE. 5 of the partners - vocational training schools that already trained or planed to train Arborists in the future. The project aimed to develop Arborist training in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). ARBORICULTURE is an innovative type of the urban tree care which is understood as the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees and other woody plants that grow within the human populated and urban areas. Trees in the city add value to the property, make city streets cozy and beautiful, provide Eco-niches for birds and other species, and generally present the level of environmental sustainability of the city. The innovation of Arboriculture consists in the multiple approach to tree treatment. An ARBORIST must possess the theoretical knowledge of ecology, biology and chemistry such as fertilization, pest and pathogen control, root, trunk and canopy treatment, and in addition - practical techniques such as selection, planting, pruning, shaping, working in heights, and removal of dead trees. The international urban tree care community recommends that the urban tree care must be performed by people who have a qualification of an Arborist, or with equivalent skills and knowledge. In many countries this understanding has been supported, and is now being strongly considered or even supported at some level in the BSR countries. This opinion is grounded in research which reports many tree damages in cities that make City Councils/Municipalities (CCM) to lose significant amounts in their budgets. In order to cover the skill gaps in the urban tree care in the BSR, the project developed the Arborist qualification descriptions, Arborist training instruments for Trainers and trainees, the project experts prepared suggestions for the strategy on the urban tree care which will contribute to the sustainable and high quality performance. The project results offer possibilities to gain relevant skills and competences to the workers of 3-4 EQF in the Arboriculture field.A productive partnership to further strengthen the key competences of Arborists in the BSR - LT, LV, EE and FI with the participation of 2 more experienced countries DE and NL was created. The project was focused to 2 main target groups: 1. Direct target groups: young people and adults who want to gain the profession of an Arborist; 2. Indirect target groups - citizens, VET schools, urban tree care/Arboriculture community, Environmental ministries, City Councils.Target groups inside partnership: staff of partner organizations, trainers of partner organizations, trainees, boards of stakeholders. Target groups outside partnership: member organisations: national organisations in Europe, certification centers in Europe, partner organisations of gardening, urban forestry, urban tree care and landscaping all over Europe, decision making bodies, CCM, local communities, Ministries of environment, education, regional development, Urban forestry workers, Arboriculture companies, other schools, boards and members of national Arboriculture organizations.In the learning, teaching and training activities there were involved more than 70 people. It was piloted 14 Trainers; 24 Arborists; 40 partitcipants of CCM. Also the consortium counts that approximately 1620 persons who didn`t receive a specific grant from the project were targeted by the activities organised by the project. These people were involved in various events and training (the round table discussions, international networks, articles, dissemination events etc.).The project sought to achieve these outcomes: O1 - Producing expert guidelines for arborist training. Developing national/regional/city recommendations O2 - Developing arborist trainer training instrumentsO3 - Developing arborist training instrumentsO4 - Developing textbookThe activities & results that have a significant impact on the urban tree care quality in BSR•4 sets of National/Regional/City Recommendations (LT, LV, EE, FI languages)•10 round table discussions with the decision making bodies and Arboriculture sector organizations•A comparative study of arborist training programmes in the Baltic region•Tree Technician qualification description (LV language) •Arborist qualification description (LT language) •1 set of Arborist Trainer Training programme (in English); 4 adaptations in LT, LV, EE, FI languages; piloted 14 Trainers•4 sets of Arborist training programme (ATP) in LT, LV, EE, FI languages (EQF level 3-4) and piloted 24 Arborists•1 set of textbook (for Trainer and for trainee training) (EN, LT, LV, EE, FI languages)•3 sets of CCM training programme (piloted 40 participants)