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Vocational education modernization in Małopolska region
Policy Instrument
Vocational education modernization in Małopolska region

Description
Timespan
1st edition: 2010-2015 and 2nd edition: 2016-2021
Stage
Focus area
Foundations
Policy area
The project is focused on (1) support for internships, apprenticeships and study visits to foreign education centres; (2) education sector industry cooperation (internships and traineeships); (3) modernization of the didactic base; (4) acquisition of additional qualifications to enhance the employability (specialist courses and training).
Policy goal
Comprehensive support for vocational education in the Małopolska region, aimed at improving its quality. The Strategy prepared by Małopolska Voivodesip (Malopolska Voivodship is a regional government unit/regional public authority) is aimed at comprehensive support for the vocational education system in the region, with the use of instruments available in the Human Capital OP and in the Regional Operational Programme. The emphasis is especially put on co-operation between schools and enterprises, as well as organising internships.
Mismatch
The main aim includes modernization of the vocational education system and the creation of a positive image of the vocational school.
Aim of policy instrument
To improve education industry partnership, to create a positive image of vocational training and improve the quality of education.
Legal basis
Administrative level
Main responsible body
Marshal's Office of the Malopolska Region
Stakeholders
The project is implemented in partnership and co-operation with the regional VET institutions (about 33 institutions are involved, including private and public entities conducting vocational schools in the Małopolska region, higher institutes and universities), which guarantees a wide range and impact in the region. The Malopolska Region coordinates actions, monitors, controls and evaluates. Governing bodies of vocational schools and universities implement the actions, purchase equipment. Employers organize internships and apprenticeships.
Funding
PLN 154m in the years 2010-2015, coming from the Human Capital Operational Programme. In the years 2016-2021, PLN 54m for the 2nd edition of the project managed regionally and PLN 300m for Vocational Centres of Competences created by authorities conducting vocational schools in the Małopolska region.
Intended beneficiaries
Students gain new skills and qualifications.
Schools are equipped with proper infrastructure and didactic base.
Teachers can improve their competences.
Enterprises have qualified workers that meet the requirements of the job market.
Processes
Use of labour market intelligence
They were used to support internships, apprenticeships and study visits to foreign education centres. The school career guidance points were founded and new career guidance counsellors were trained. Regional professional councils were established, consisting of vocational schools, employers and other educational organisations.
Financial schemes
Additional courses and practical trainings are organised and financed (from the project) by the conducting authorities of schools. Only willingly students can join them without financial contribution.
Paid internships are organised directly in companies, and students receive scholarships financed from the project (about €420 per 150 hours).
Frequency of updates
When the need arises instruments are updated. Each partner can propose a problem and the need for change.
Development
There has been no development.
Success factors
Compliance with norms and rules of the partnership.
Various types of actors involved.
Monitoring
Management teams prepare progress reports and evaluate planned indicators 4 times a year: the number of pupils benefited from support for internships, traineeships, vocational courses and study visits to foreign education centres; the number of entrepreneurs involved in organizing internships and traineeships; the number of pupils under career guidance; and the number of pupils benefited from innovative courses.
Innovativeness
Connecting private and public institutions (from different fields) in the process of staff training. Engaging actors from different educational levels ranging from primary to higher education.
Sustainability
Evidence of effectiveness
In the first phase of the project (2010-2015), 77,000 pupils benefited from support for internships, traineeships, vocational courses and study visits to foreign education centres, and over 1,000 entrepreneurs organised internships. The second edition of the project has been operational since 2016.
Engagement of stakeholders
Decision of the Marshal's Office of the Malopolska Region.
Transferability
Vital for the transferability of the project are: (i) well-tailored scope and structure of planned activities to the needs of specific target groups; (ii) the development of fruitful synergies with the business community and private and public schools/universities for establishing an innovative approach, customised to the particularities of the educational system and model of teaching and learning; (iii) strong support and involvement of regional stakeholders.
Sustainability
The involvement of the regional government can guarantee the sustainability of introduced changes in the VET system in the region.
Project based activity.