Dijon, december 2019
The first transnational meeting was organized in Dijon by the GIP-FTLV de Bourgogne, coordinator of the NEAR in Europe project, at the end of December 2019. At that time, France was overwhelmed by a wave of transport strikes, and for this reason the number of participants who could attend the meeting was greatly affected. For example, only two people were able to travel from Lipaja, Latvia, and only one from Guadix, Spain.
Despite this context, the GIP had prepared a carefully detailed programme, alternating meetings, workshops and visits to vocational education centres in the region.
Gathered at the GIP headquarters in Dijon, representatives of the project's partner organizations introduced themselves, both personally and professionally, and then explained the function of each organization in their country and its link to vocational education, the main objective of the project.
After a detailed explanation of the project and its objectives, a series of workshops for the organization of the test mobilities between the different countries was held. Thus, the different partners were able to agree on the specialities of the apprentices participating in the mobility flows, and the approximate dates.
In addition, the partners received information on soft skills and their importance in the training of students, and discussed how to integrate them into the training programs of each organization.
On the second day, the partners had the opportunity to visit Les Marcs d'Or high school, which offers vocational training in various fields such as stone, wood and construction. Finally, they were received at the Stephen Liégeard high School for a visit of its magnificent castle and a farewell reception.
Throughout the meetings and workshops, the objectives of the project and of each of its partners were carefully detailed. This allowed for the definition of a project plan and the implementation of the project.
Before the second transnational meeting in Barcelona, each partner undertook to complete a table detailing the education system in their country, the legislation in force in relation to vocational training studies, their diplomas, the organization of studies and placements, etc. A shared Drive was created, which will allow each partner to consult or add any information relating to the project throughout the two years planned for its implementation.
It is important to underline the huge opportunity that this project represents for the partners involved in it. The transnational meetings and trainee mobilities will help to create long-lasting links at European level between organizations that would otherwise have had no contact with each other. This contact meeting in Dijon motivated everyone to continue to be involved in the project and to devote time and effort to ensure that it is carried out according to schedule.
