4 EXPORT intends to stimulate the use of interdisciplinary apprenticeship as a tool to boost internationalisation, promoting the entrance of young, skilled employees in SMEs who can take care of internationalisation activities through interdisciplinary apprenticeship education. 4 EXPORT wants to provide them with the tools to implement efficient and high-quality interdisciplinary apprenticeship programs that promote internationalisation.Internationalisation is a quite common topic of discussion in nowadays’ education; however, most of the times it refers to the internationalisation of the education, rather than learning about internationalisation. While it is easy to find information about this first topic (e.g. Building knowledge on international cooperation in VET Report, EC), finding courses devoted to assisting the internationalisation of firms becomes rather complicated in VET education.Yet, internationalisation of EU countries accounts for 1/3 of the world’s exports, and especially some of the partner countries (Italy, Spain) account next to FR, UK and GE for around 20% of the world’s exports (and 56% of EU). It is necessary for EU companies (especially SMEs) to find suitable workers who are able to help them go through the internationalisation process effectively. Hence, it is necessary for students to have the possibility to learn about internationalisation before entering the labour market, in order to provide them with tools to help organisations in this task. On other terms, interdisciplinary apprenticeship has been proven to be a key way to add to a company an innovative perspective of the work to be done, as well as to become a benefit because the apprentice learns how to work in the company and becomes a useful employee later on. Entering in a company as an apprentice rises the loyalty when becoming an employee, increasing the efficiency and willingness to work for the company.The purpose of 4 EXPORT is to help the current international position of the EU by providing keys to help students learn how to boost international competitiveness. The partnership will create a MOOC and web platform in which workers with experience in internationalisation and will provide participants the latest innovative capabilities and skills related to interdisciplinary apprenticeship in an international environment.

<< Background >>ContextAs COVID-19 has shed light on business models' reshaping, bringing remote work and hybrid models to the front line, Europe urgently needs to digitize its industries, while a fundamental shift in the skills of corporate trainers is required in order to be successful (Hoojberg & Watkins, 2021). To that end, the European Commission has presented the ‘Shaping Europe’s Digital Future’ strategy, with the view, among others, to invest in digital skills so as to promote new opportunities for businesses (European Commission, 2020, Shaping Europe's Digital Future). In fact, the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) of the EC combines the development of a highly sustainable digital education framework with the increase in digital competences for digital transformation, including digital literacy, data-driven technologies, etc.(European Commission 2020, Digital Education Plan 2021-2027). Rationally, the pandemic has put a dent on businesses' digital transition strategy (Ong, 2020,). However, more than 70% of them are struggling with the lack of staff with digital skills, especially within the rise of hybrid working models (remote/in-office work), while 88% do not have the capacity to invest in the digital upskilling of their employees (European Commission, Digital skills and jobs, 2021).A main challenge is that remote work leads to staff being less productive, with many companies failing to adjust their training culture in order to digitally engage with employees while in a lockdown (Consultancy.eu, 2020). Of course, the digital transformation has also affected corporate training, since new ICTs emerge and occupational profiles need to change increasingly fast to survive (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, 2020) . The share of workers with low or even no digital skills ranges from less than 20%(Bulgaria) to up to 40% in most EU countries (Germany, Ireland), while many countries stand between 20-30% (Greece, Italy, etc.), implying that employees are not yet comfortable with this new remote-work model (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, 2020).As L&D pushes up the corporate agenda,to engage employees in being more productive within hybrid workplaces, effective e-training demands exceptional digital competences and soft skills in order for VET & corporate trainers to efficiently operate in a virtual coordination mode (Hoojberg & Watkins, 2021). Thus, the role of trainers becomes even more vital, as the European labor market will need to replace less qualified or narrowly trained trainers with highly qualified professional experts. Besides, all the actions taken for digital transformation forcing a rapid adoption of e-learning solutions by VET programs has not properly supported the acquisition of practical skills and organization of work-based learning,which are crucial elements for successful VET training (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, 2020).<< Objectives >>Project SolutionAmong other fields, COVID-19 has also affected corporate training and team management, making digital transformation along with the adoption of microlearning even more urgent within a world that everything turns online. To increase employees’ productivity and establish efficient team leading, DigiREACT will combine personalized training and gamified learning in an Experience Brewing Engine that will deliver effective skills retention tools for the establishment of an online engaging experience for employees.To that end, the project will develop a full training e-course primarily for corporate trainers of EQF level 3 that are struggling to engage their employees in remote-work or hybrid work business models. In addition, DigiREACT will also create an Employee Experience Platform (EXP) that will be facilitated by artificial intelligence and gamification mechanisms serving as a constant training and skills retention tool for employees. Finally, the project will provide a solid framework and support for the creation of European synergies that can affect the recommendation of new solutions towards sustainable development and viable digital transformation.Project ObjectivesTo normalize virtual/blended training within hybrid workplaces and due to the lack of engaging e-learning platforms and educational resources, DigiREACT aims to increase the professional skills of corporate trainers. This will enrich their profile with efficient e-leadership skills and digital competences enabling them to tackle the challenges of leading hybrid teams. In particular, the project will focus on the development, retention and improvement of the following skills of corporate trainers, always in alignment with the needs of the labour market and the digital vision of the European Commission (Digital Agenda, Digital Competence Framework 2.1, including the integration of AI technologies):-e-leader’s skills and leading virtual teams-organizational skills-data literacy for digital design & data visualization-communication and teamwork skills through ICT tools-creative Digital content creation-problem solving skills-online safetybasics of data-intensive technologies (aligned with the Digital Competence Framework 2.0 and EU legal framework to AI).To support knowledge and skills acquisition, the purpose is also to launch an engaging Employee Experience Platform for corporate training in order to digitally upskill corporate trainers to manage hybrid teams of learners, while supporting employees in retaining their skills. DigiREACT will provide content authoring functionality supported by Artificial Intelligence technologies (xAPI, recommendation engine) for the development of personalized training pathways based on skills mapping and learner’s type. The web-based platform recommended by DigiREACT will utilize social learning tools and gamification elements (Open Badges, stimulating videos, competition leaderboards, interactive quizzes, point system) for business training in order to motivate employees to learn how to achieve their organization’s mission.<< Implementation >>In compliance with the objectives described above, specific activities are going to be implementing in order to meet up the project priorities for digital transformation and VET training establishment:-A needs’ verification report that will act as the foundation for the development of the Corporate Trainer Profile, the training backpack Learning Outcomes and the training methodology. The report will comprise the main findings from the needs analysis conducted at a pre-application level, the feedback derived directly from the project target group in order to validate the conceived needs, and the framework of the competences that corporate trainers need to acquire in order to be successful in new business models.-The development of a solid training methodology to be followed for training delivery during the project implementation and after its completion. The methodology will include also a Memorandum of Learning Agreement as well as the definition of the Corporate Trainer Profile in alignment with a pre-defined ECVET system for validation and accreditation.-The development of a complete training course in the form of a backpack comprising training materials, lesson and training plans, assessment tools and a concrete and yet helpful guide for corporate trainers with the view to increase their e-leadership skills and digital competencies.-The configuration of an online learning environment that will engage trainers into the learning process fostering their skills acquisition and retention in the long term.-The establishment of a wide network inside and outside the partnership for the development of DigiREACT synergies through a common community tailored to the needs of project enthusiasts and to the labour market’s trends-Project Quality Plan, Sharing, Promotion, Piloting and Exploitation plans facilitating the horizontal activities of the project and thus establishing its impact providing top quality results-The elaboration of an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agreement that ensures the exploitation of the project-The organization of 4 multiplier events for raising awareness about the project results and inviting participants to the piloting activities as well as the execution of a final conference serving as an exploitation seminar-The planning and execution of a 3-day Learning, Teaching & Training Activity serving as a training and validation workshop among partner staff members in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to deliver proper training in their countries.<< Results >>With regards to the tangible outcomes of the project, we will develop and validate:- A hands-on training backpack with multimedia resources tailored to the real needs of corporate trainers in alignment with the needs of the labour market with a view to increase their digital skills for efficient digital team management in a post-covid era. All project materials to be developed for the purposes of this result will be freely accessible as Open Educational Resources in the project website.- An Employee Experience Platform as an open software serving as an online learning environment facilitated by artificial intelligence mechanisms and gamification elements. The platform will be customized to the needs of corporate trainers that need to increase their e-leadership and digital competences in order to efficiently manage hybrid teams and employees that are/will be forced to work remotely and are struggling to stay engaged in their activities. The online learning environment will also utilize social learning tools for VET training in order to motivate employees to learn how to achieve their organization’s mission.- A dedicated virtual space serving as a common space of the project network for project practitioners. The web-based community will be created for participants and future participants to communicate, organize trainings, exchange ideas, build synergies of practice, promote and update the project results through content authoring tools, get live and asynchronous support from the experts. The goal is for practitioners to become active members of the community and in the long term promote a common policy recommendation for digital transformation.As for the intangible results that are expected past the project completion, we aim to:- increase the digital skills of corporate trainers in order to enable them cope with the digital transformation of their organizations and thus distant working models- improve employability skills for employees that are forced to work remotely after the pandemic crisis through a ‘Netflix-style’ Learning Experience Platform- support employees to retain their skills long-term in a post-COVID period through skills retention modules- formulate the framework for the creation of common synergies of practice among project practitioners, stakeholders and policy makers with the view to recommend new solutions for digital transformation across the EU- promote the adoption of smart solutions in E&T within the context of VET and corporate training sectors turning to online innovative and sustainable solutions- integration of open educational resources (OERs) and open software in the learning process facilitated by stimulating online learning elements and activities

<< Background >>TrainChain(Blockchain Training for Start-Ups) is a response to the needs of early-stage companies to provide training and development opportunities to their, often young and inexperienced, staff. The number of Start-Ups in Europe is increasing (Start-up Hubs Europe: in 2018 investment was more than €10 billion, vs. €3 billion, 2014), and so is the young people working at them (over a quarter of employees in young firms are under 34). However, there's less job security and the year company survival rate in Europe was lower than 50% in 2018; there are rarely formal qualifications offered, and no plan or budget for professional development and training, which can prevent young people to move jobs and thus, widen the skills gap in the job market (Eurostat). In this context, numerous studies and international initiatives (e.g. Startup Hubs Europe, EC) have stated the need to promote entrepreneurial and business-related competencies in VET centres and companies to address these challenges. This need is also supported by the findings of an initial study carried out by the partner organisations involved in the project, through which members of the target group were consulted SMEs confront several problems in the business economy, many of them face barriers in entering trade markets, transactions, data storage, cash flow and security but also for efficiently protecting IP. When it comes to data storage, many companies use the Internet of Things but don't have enough information. Blockchain technology can offer a solution to these challenges for cheaper data storage and improvement of privacy and security and IP management.The international consortium of TrainChain aims to create a personalized environment that will deliver strategies and actions that need to be adopted by learners to learn how to effectively use this technology. The actions will be focused on two main fields that blockchain technology that could be used; IoT and finances.<< Objectives >>The need for innovative methods for including newly created techniques and training tools is affecting the whole European Union, making necessary a change in the transmission of the information and training of the SMEs in new and trendy topics. In line with the EC objectives and priorities to support digital development and inclusion in the companies and SMEs and integrating blockchain on their procedures (https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/blockchain-strategy), the TrainChain project aims to have an international impact. Building a pan-European public services blockchain, promoting blockchain for sustainability, cybersecurity, legal certainty, interoperability or data protection are some of the core contents of the project, coinciding with the European needs, highly necessary to all the countries equally.TrainChain aims to give a response to the necessities of the target groups in Europe as well as to impact positively in the SMEs and international reality.<< Implementation >>All major expected results are listed & detailed in the Results of the TrainChain project (please refer to the section of Implementation) and are part of: • TrainChain Programme• TrainChain Trainers' Guide• TrainChain Trainers Induction• TrainChain Blockchain Training Tool• A dedicated virtual space (TrainChain Academy) including all of the project's results, and an infrastructure to support synchronous (live help, chat, live video assistance, Skype, go to meeting/webinar) and asynchronous communication (email, online forms channelling tickets to the appropriate persons, forum, FAQ section, integrated Ffora engine), with all those wanting to use the project's outcomes. The infrastructure wills support the sustainability of the project by allowing TrainChain's learners to be informed about the project’s results after the end of its funded life. Additionally, the TrainChain project foresees a set of management, dissemination, monitoring & evaluation and coordination results, namely: 1. Project Management: - Project Roadmap, which will include the partnership agreement, detailed work plan (including information about project meetings, project activities and tasks), detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of each partner involved, and listing of project indicators and impacts to be achieved; - Project Management Handbook which will compile all necessary management and reporting tools to be used by the partners, including templates for quarterly reporting, contacts from the Staff team allocated to the project, guidelines for management, administrative work and financial control; - Interim and Final Reports: following the format requested by the Executive Agency, the Interim and Final Reports will be written by the coordinator with the support of all partners and will be submitted to the National Agency.2. Monitoring and Evaluation - Quality Management Plan, which will describe the quality-check procedures that will be implemented to ensure high quality of the project achievements (project results namely) and consistency of the work performed within the project. It will also include a description of the actions that will be taken to guarantee the efficiency and quality of the project outcomes and procedures; - Coordination and Partnership Quality Reports will be tools for assessing and monitoring the quality of the project activities and results according to defined methodology and strategy;3. Dissemination - Dissemination & Communication Strategic Plan: it will outline a set of dissemination activities including (i) Project dissemination strategy addressing the best way to promote the project; (ii) Project dissemination materials inspired in the technical proposal and on the intermediate project results; (iii) Definition of channels for communication and establishment of a differentiated mailing list of target groups of stakeholders and interested parties. All partners will be invited to either contribute to the list or to take care in forwarding project communication to their contacts. The partners will also perform “project networking” on a continuous basis<< Results >>The main objectives are the following: 1. Identify the training and development areas that will deliver the greatest impact 2. Design content for our target group and their organisations, focusing on the blockchain concept 3. Create the infrastructure that will enable and empower start-ups to provide training for their teams 4. Pioneer the in-house training model for start-ups 5. Build, test and release excellent resources that generate real value for the start-ups 6. Assist SMEs to improve their place in the business economy 7. Promote the use of new technologies in SMEs 8. Empower managers/entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge regarding blockchain technology to help them run and manage their businesses successfully 9. Develop strategies and actions that present an innovative approach to blockchain technology education The results will be achieved through the consecution of the intellectual results of the project.

"According to the European Skills, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO), there are a series of group works considered as ""Elementary Occupations"" (EO) (ISCO-88 and ISCO-89: sales/service elementary occupation, agricultural, fishery, mining, construction, manufacturing and transport, cleaners, helpers, street/related sales, services workers…). While EO's relevant areas of work are increasing its demand, with a growth of 8% in 10 years that is expected to continue, most of EU countries is reporting a surplus of workers in EO. It is expected that between 2015 and 2025 around 11.8 million EO job openings will appear on the EU, especially due to retirement (CEDEFOP, 2018). However, most of EO workers hold low or medium level qualifications; one of the main issues in EO is the increasing impact of certain skills in the future of the occupations. The project consortium has studied the context of elementary occupation workers and the needs from that labour sector, reaching the conclusion of the need to provide learning on digital literacy in companies, allowing their workers to improve the employability and give them the opportunity not only to become competitive in their concrete labour market but also access new, higher job positions.DIGITAL GURU intends to provide SMEs, employers and HR managers with innovative methods for an effective workplace learning management. The main objectives of DIGITAL GURU are:- Improve the conditions of effective workplace learning, including voluntary engagement, extensive contact, study time, and sustained formal and informal opportunities for acquiring and improving skills- Improve digital and literacy skills of low qualified adults- Extend the supply of high quality learning opportunities tailored to the needs of low-qualified adults to enhance their literacy and digital competences- Progress towards higher qualifications- Attract adults who would not participate in other forms of learning- Improve job satisfaction on low-qualified positions- Reach people who are not normally involved in continuous education or training- Promote Education and Culture in Lifelong Learning to raise shared values, especially at the European Year of Culture HeritageThe main target of the project will be SMEs, employers and HR Managers who usually deal with Elementary Occupation workers and offer them training. This main target will receive training on how to provide digital skills to the secondary target, which are low qualified adults working on EO (according to ISCO division).All major expected results are listed & detailed in the Intellectual Output and Training activities of the DIGITAL GURU project and are part of:O1. DIGITAL GURU Methodological toolkit for employers/HR managers on how to foster encouragement and motivation for professional and personal development, by using on-the-job activities with low-qualified adults.O2. Curriculum Programme for employers/HR managers digital literacy skills development. O3. Innovative DIGITAL CLASSROOM LAB for PILOTING on digital literacy skills in-company for employee's in low qualified positions/elementary occupation (ISCO).O4. Creation of an online environment and assessment tool used by employers and employees for IO2 and IO3 innovative training programme and IO1 toolkit."

"<< Background >>‘The European Green Deal is our new growth strategy. It will help us cut emissions while creating jobs.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EC. It is an integral part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). It urges for the ‘Proactive re-skilling and upskilling’ of citizens which is necessary ‘to reap the benefits of the ecological transition’.The GREENWAVE project is in inline with the above, as well as addressing the dramatic consequences of Covid-19 in relation to youth unemployment and potential job creation. It opens up completely new routes for youth to explore the fight for the environment while engaging the young people in an interactive manner, customized to their generational preferences. At the same time creates the needed setting so youth to be able to view the labour market in a new, greener manner. Green jobs and green entrepreneurship are one of the key aspects which will define the success of the Green Deal and the EU environmental goals. Having this common understanding all 6 partners have an essential role for the project, united by the idea to create a GREENWAVE of new, entrepreneurial-oriented and environmentally responsible young people. The consortium strives to maximize the impact via innovation and geographical coverage and to design all that is needed for the young people and youth workers so they can create a green future.<< Objectives >>The GREENWAVE is a 24 monthly’ project under the Youth Sector in which 6 organisation representing 5 different European Countries Bulgaria, France, Latvia, Sweden, Ireland and Cyprus are joining forces in order to address the issue of youth unemployment and support young people opening new routes for them in the green economy.The project is in line with the priority for tackling environmental and climate changes (SDG 2030) as well as promoting the EU GREEN DEAL SCHEME. The GREENWAVE project does not only raise the awareness of environmental challenges, but it also promotes the acquisition of green competences, knowledge and attitudes based on the development of a GREEN COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK which is an urgent need as referred to in the EU GREEN DEAL. Eco-friendly responsible YP will adopt green habits, practices and practices that will support them in their life with an impact on their families, the community they live in and the economy.The project aims at addressing youth unemployment as a consequence of the economic crisis through engaging YP in entrepreneurship education combined with responsibility towards the environment. Data has shown that entrepreneurship and self-employment could help YP to develop key competences to respond to emerging social/environmental needs and to fully participate in society and sustainable development. Entrepreneurial skills are regarded as building blocks for the development of ""hard"" skills and competences, which guarantee a successful professional life. Consequently, the same skills are considered to contribute significantly to increasing employability, personal and professional well-being, financial growth and security.Entrepreneurs play an important role in developing innovative solutions for addressing climate change. In order to secure a future for YP, it will be necessary to promote business models which take into account ethical and social considerations. This means that traditional business teaching, which still very much revolves around the idea of profit maximization, needs to be complemented by teaching about how to combine entrepreneurship with environmental challenges. The GREENWAVE project aims to develop entrepreneurs who are at the same time eco-citizens, committed to healthier communities for a more sustainable world. All the above will be promoted through the development of innovative practices in the digital world of online learning and business.<< Implementation >>The project will be implemented in 4 phases and the consortium committed to produce the following project results:1. GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK: MAPPING GREEN ENTERPRISES AND DEFINING PROFILES FOR YOUNG GREEN-PRENEURS (Project Result 1)2. MULTIMEDIA PACK FOR BLENDED CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING AND APPLICATION WITH AUGMENTED REALITY FEATURES FOR GREEN ENTEPRENEURS (Project Result 2)3. OPEN INTERACTIVE PORTAL E-LEARNING (Project Result 3)4. RECRUITMENT TOOL FOR GREEN-PRENEURS (Project Result 3)5. GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP YOUTH HUBS TOOL KIT (Project Result 4)Furthermore, the consortium will organise 4 Multiplier Events in order to achieve well-rounded dissemination, 4 transnational meetings aligned with the different stages of the development of the results and 1 blended learning mobility of young people accompanied by their youth workers and mentors which plays a key role for the achievement of the project's impact.The consortium aims to reach out and disseminate the project to a large number of people, through various actions, events, activities etc., such as, social media (FB, Twitter, press releases), official and partner’s websites, petition, events (infodays-infodesks), 'Ambassadors' lists of supporters, fairs, participation in conferences etc.It is estimated that each partner will disseminate the aims, products and expected impact to around 9500 people during the life time of the project.<< Results >>The project is expected to have a great impact on Young People who want to explore the benefits that social and green entrepreneurship offers for opening up new routes for them. Similarly, Youth Workers who have an interest in social entrepreneurship and green-thinking will also have an impact, both in the strengthening of their profiles but also with the upgrade of the quality of YW offered. In addition, environmental organizations/eco-enterprises will benefit through the recruitment program to be offered and the creation of a new network with aspiring eco-preneurs and already established green entrepreneurs. All participating organizations ar expected to benefit from the project establishing their role in the promotion of the 2019 EU GREEN DEAL of the European Commission.IMPACT ON YOUNG PEOPLE (YP) who will:-Acquire or improve their green skills and competences in order and be in a better position to address environmental challenges in their communities.-Be more informed and aware of how humans can impact on the environment which can lead to enhancing active citizenship skills; promote green thinking and raising their social responsibility while becoming eco-conscious active citizens.-Better understanding alternative ways of addressing environmental challenges through social entrepreneurship; while gaining an increased awareness of the need to shape a sustainable circular economy taking into account entrepreneurial as well as consumer patterns of behaviour -Better equipped and empowered with green entrepreneurial competences and increased career orientation options to explore new routes and ease their transition from education to work.-Benefit not only from accessing information to a new set of green jobs but they will be provided with recruitment, internships and job shadowing opportunities thus acquiring work experience highly needed to enter the labour market. IMPACT ON YOUTH WORKERS – YOUTH ORGANISATIONS who will:-Strengthen their professional profiles with the acquisition of green entrepreneurial skills, but not only as YWs, but also as members of the community catering for the community, the environment and the society in general.-Upgrade Youth Work and non-formal learning, whereas NFL activities, workshops, training etc., will be enhanced through the provision of new targeted tools and resources supporting the promotion of the new recommendations of the European Commission as stated in the EU GREEN DEAL.-Enrich their contribution and role in the promotion of sustainable development as social innovators and creators of social change through the mentoring of YP and the provision of new routes for exploring green entrepreneurship.-Extend their EU dimension and links whereas their network and capacity for new collaborations IMPACT ON STAKEHOLDERS-Gain recognition, visibility and acknowledgement of their organization or their green enterprise/initiatives while opening up new networks for collaboration within the EU network of green entrepreneurs.-Improve their position in the labour market, education and youth work by offering internships, job shadowing and work-based training opportunities to YP, while at the same time having contact with the new generation of eco-preneurs and understanding the benefits of the first-hand experience.-Increase their green and professional competences as Mentors as they will learn new tools and resources to support YP to motivate and aspire young green-preneurs while providing their support and guidance.The GREENWAVE project is expected to have a direct impact on young people, their youth works and green organisations. Young people will be empowered and equipped to explore the opportunities opening up for them in the social and green entrepreneurship field thus promoting sustainable development and social change through a circular economy. They will have a diverse set of tools, aligned with their needs and actual environment where they can develop their own green future."