The Partnership
Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre (PVEC) - Estonia
Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre (PVEC) is an innovative vocational training centre in the southwest of Estonia, in Pärnu. The organization’s mission is “In close cooperation with employers providing competitive vocational competence,knowledge and skills for working life and further studies.” The organization’s vision is to have a high reputation as a school with an acknowledged learning environment, training professionals competitive in the local and international labour market. In addition to vocational studies for students, the school has an Adult Education Service, which offers adults a wide range of courses. One of PVEC’s priorities is to develop and encourage lifelong learning, as reskilling is essential. In cooperation with local companies, the school provides short or long-term courses for the employees of the companies.PVEC is a well-known provider of formal and informal education. The school pays attention to students with special educational needs, receiving support from educational specialists and career counselors; with the additional option of personalized curriculum. PVEC is an innovative vocational school open to cooperating at any level, including internationally, as international cooperation and learning from each other’s best practices, culture, and traditions are one of the most important ways of acquiring new competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) to improve the participant’s personal development and the organization’s development.
Mediterráneo Culinary Center (MCC) - Spain
Mediterráneo Culinary Center (MCC) is a VET school specialized in Cooking, Gastronomy, Dietetics and Nutrition, with more than 20 years of experience and a clear international vocation, recognised by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Valencian Community. The main activities undertaken in the center are the training of students, experts and companies in the Hospitality, Gastronomic and Nutrition sector. The center offers a wide range of educational programmes and official qualifications (from EQF level 3 to level 5, and EQF level 7) concerning Intermediate and Higher Education Vocational Training, and also master’s degrees and postgraduate courses. MCC also issues diplomas, monographs and certificates of professionalism.One of MCC main pillars is sustainability. The center has a sustainability plan with specific actions in areas such as energy saving, water consumption and waste management. Mediterráneo Culinary Center is located in Valencia (Spain) and its International Department deals with Erasmus+ projects and welcomes students from all over Europe. We believe that participating in international projects is a great opportunity for the organization and also for all members of the school: teachers and students included. These exchanges represent professional and personal growth for the staff and it offers new opportunities to improve the educational system through the sharing of knowledge and good practices.
Center for Education and Innovation (InnovED) - Greece
INNOVED is a newly established educational and consulting organization in Greece which focuses on knowledge and innovation transfer in the broader fields of education, lifelong learning and training; entrepreneurship and employment aspects; non formal learning and training methods with the usage of modern technologies. The main mission of INNOVED is the promotion of knowledge, educational practices and opportunities to the cultural and economic development of the local community and wider society. In order to accomplish its mission, INNOVED is operating in order to achieve to encourage, support and promote the innovative spirit in various areas such as:
– Education and Training
– Social inclusion and intercultural dialogue
– Innovative methodologies and practices around the entrepreneurial mindset
– Disabilities and empowerment
– Non formal practices in education and training provision.
InnovED emphasizes on the social inclusion of disadvantaged and marginalized groups and the overall empowerment of individuals through the provision of innovative and integrated educational solutions tailored to meet the explicit needs of the various groups. More particularly the organization focuses on the activating participation of interested parties with different backgrounds on initiatives that entitle people to a better future (whether professionally or at a personal level) through self-empowerment. InnovED aims at being known for its devotion and professional commitment to excellence. The organizational focal point is to strengthen its cooperation, increase human resources, upgrade and utilize existing human resources, attract parties that who are in need of support and guidance as well as structure and increase participation in initiatives to the end users’ best interest.
TOPCOACH - Slovakia
Topcoach is an SME specializing in adult education, with a focus on delivering trainings, workshops, and keynotes to both individual clients (B2C segment) and companies (B2B segment). With a wealth of experience in designing and implementing educational programs for adults and youth, Topcoach prides itself on its ability to deliver impactful learning experiences. The company has developed its own flagship products, including the NewLeaders Academy—an academy tailored for future leaders—and leTalks, a keynote concept addressing various soft-skills topics. Notably, Topcoach has collaborated with universities, including a partnership with a university to execute a leadership project for MBA students.Furthermore, Topcoach has forged partnerships with organizations such as the Tomas Bata Foundation from Czech Republic to introduce the renowned Bata philosophy and seminars to the Slovak audience.In the realm of international cooperation, Topcoach boasts extensive experience with Erasmus Plus projects, having participated as both a partner (in 21 projects) and a leading partner (in 2 projects).
MIRAS - Belgium
MIRAS is a Center for Adult Education, officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, boasting over 20 departments, catering to approximately 10,000 students, and employing a staff of 500 individuals. The institution offers a diverse range of training programs tailored to meet the needs of a heterogeneous group of adult learners. With a target audience encompassing both young individuals and seniors, as well as highly educated trainees seeking to further their education or obtain diplomas, MIRAS emphasizes contemporary and competency-based education. Collaboration with professionals in various fields is integral to their educational approach, aiming to cultivate a learning and working environment that empowers and enriches individuals. MIRAS is structured around several key areas of interest, aligning closely with the preferences and goals of their student body. These areas include Accounting, Secondary Education Diploma, Computer Science, Cooking, Fashion & Creation, Dutch for Foreigners, Languages, Technology & Interior, and Care & Welfare. A significant portion of MIRAS’s VET 16+ students, particularly those enrolled in programs such as Horeca, Hair and Beauty, and Child Care, exhibit a strong inclination towards pursuing independent business ventures. Many already demonstrate entrepreneurial attitudes, prompting the institution to seek ways to further nurture and validate their entrepreneurial competencies.
Handwerkskammer Flensburg - Germany
The Chamber’s tasks include representing the interests of the skilled crafts sector as a whole vis-à-vis EU, federal, and state policy-makers, society, and the public, federal and state politics, society, and the public.
Furthermore, the Chamber is also responsible for performing sovereign tasks in the course of self-administration. This includes the maintenance of an information system for all craft enterprises and all apprentices. The chamber also offers technical, business management, and legal advice. It assumes numerous tasks in connection with vocational training in the skilled crafts sector.
These include the supervision of the entire vocational training and the examination of the training companies, as well as the apprenticeship contracts drawn up. The chamber offers training counseling to solve problems between the company and the apprentice during training. Skilled worker counseling is offered to meet the ever-increasing to counteract the ever-increasing shortage of skilled workers. In addition, the chamber is responsible for the entire examination system. One part of the chamber is the training center. This is where the inter-company apprenticeship training takes place, which is a part of vocational training alongside practical work in the company and theory in the vocational school.