Poland: support for future and current vocational teachers

The Educational Research Institute (IBE) is developing the project ‘Preparing solutions to support the educational process of future and current vocational teachers’. The solutions developed by the project will form the basis for the Ministry of National Education to launch (in a competitive mode) selected postgraduate studies and practical training preparing for the profession of a vocational teacher. The recommendations on in-service teacher training will inform updates to the offer of professional teacher development programmes provided, among others, within vocational teacher training centres and higher education institutions.

This project aligns with the ‘Integrated Skills Strategy 2030’ and the ‘Vocational Education and Training Action Plan 2022-25’ – two of the major policy documents steering vocational education and training (VET) – and aims to provide and develop human resources for vocational education and training (VET), particularly on preparing and training VET teachers.

The project has a total budget close to PLN 5.2 million (EUR 1.2 million), cofinanced by the European Fund for Social Development (FERS) (around EUR 1 million).

Project objectives and description

Running from September 2023 to June 2025, the project aims to develop comprehensive concepts for postgraduate studies and practical training tailored to future VET teachers, i.e. students, recent graduates, and professionals already working in the sector, to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles in education.

The project also aims to establish a solid framework for in-service training support specifically designed for active VET teachers. This initiative will provide them with the continuous professional development they need to improve their skills and adapt effectively to the evolving demands of VET.

The project encompasses three interrelated activities:

• assessment of current workforce: this involves constructing a comprehensive profile of VET teachers and a pilot forecast of future demand;
• investigation of influencing factors: this includes qualitative studies on non-financial factors affecting the supply of VET staff, analysis of VET teachers’ skillsets, and review of existing in-service training provisions;
• development of solutions: this phase focuses on creating specific postgraduate programmes and practical training courses, alongside recommendations to improve in-service training for current VET teachers.

Stakeholder involvement to ensure success

The project places particular emphasis on including the voice of representatives of the education community and school governing bodies. As part of the qualitative studies, interviews were conducted with representatives of VET school governing bodies, VET teachers, school directors, methodology advisors and other key stakeholders.

This provided a direct understanding of their day-to-day challenges, identified real needs, and ensured that the project's actions were grounded in reality and responded precisely to the expectations of VET teachers and staff. The project's priority is to support vocational teachers in developing their motivation and skills, which can directly impact improving the quality of vocational education in Poland.

Outputs

Various project products are available on the project website, including a report on the motivations, resources, needs, and barriers for vocational education staff, along with an analysis of training options for current VET teachers.

Read more

• Project description: 'Preparing solutions to support the educational process of future and current vocational teachers'.
• Project website: 'Preparing solutions to support the educational process of future and current vocational teachers'