The value of apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning for students and unemployed people, such as internships and traineeships, has been recognised Europe-wide and is among the policy priorities of European Commission and Member States. Bequal.app project developed, tested and mainstreamed two online benchmarking tools for quality assurance in apprenticeships and work-based learning, one addressing VET providers and one addressing companies, involved in apprenticeships. Bequal.app project promoted the quality of apprenticeship and work-based learning. During project was developed platform bequal.info based on: 1. Quality assurance framework for apprenticeship and work-based learning addressing VET providers and companies (indicators). 2. Self-assessment questionnaires for quality assurance in apprenticeship and work-based learning for VET providers and companies. 3. Online platform on quality assurance in apprenticeship and work-based learning with various resources, documents, links, articles, videos. 4. Two on-line benchmarking tools for quality assurance in apprenticeship and work-based learning, one addressed to VET providers and one addressed to companies. Using the benchmarking tools, users are able to compare their performance to similar organisations in the same country or other European countries, learn from each other and engage in promoting quality in work-based learning. 5. Bequal.app badge for VET providers and companies, engaged in apprenticeships and work-based learning and have scored higher in the benchmarking tools than others. This badge recognizes their engagement to develop quality assurance in apprenticeships and work-based learning in their country as well as in Europe. The badge is valid for one year from the date it is received. Bequal badge was awarded to 28 companies and 50 educational institutions (data from reporting period). The project targets primarily VET schools (upper secondary vocational education and training schools), VET organisations providing post-secondary initial VET, VET organisations providing continuing VET, companies providing apprenticeship and work-based learning. At second level, it targeted VET stakeholders and policy makers, National representatives of European networks as well as VET practitioners and experts. Project applicant: Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (KCCIC) in Lithuania. Partners: Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (ASOO) in Croatia, the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK), Effebi Association in Italy, IDEC in Greece (managing the www.bequal.info portal), the University of Regensburg (UREG) and the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB). The partnership therefore includes employers' associations (KCCIC, HOK, Effebi), national VET organisations (CPI, ASOO), research and quality assurance/technical organisations (UREG, IDEC) and a European network (EVBB). Intellectual outputs of project: − O1 Benchmarking methodology and tools − O2 Online benchmarking tools − O3 Online platform Other results associated with the intellectual outputs: − Quality assurance framework for VET schools and organisations for VET schools and organisations in their quality assurance system, regarding the organisation of apprenticeships and work-based learning. − Quality assurance framework for companies. − Benchmarking questionnaires addressing VET providers and companies (can be used for self-assessment of organisations). − Promotional videos and articles developed and posted in the online platform (for promotion of apprenticeship and work-based learning). - Research on impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Work-based Learning in Europe (12-2020). In online multiplier events (Zagreb, Ljubljana, Rome, Kaunas, Athens, Brussels) in 2020 were participating more than 330 participants.All project results can be found on www.bequal.info, which is friendly to use from mobile devices, already visited by 2639 unique visitors and evaluated by 57 users.

Master craftsman occupations are highly regarded and acknowledged in the EU and project countries. Master craftsman exams enable the career progression, opening craft business and taking apprentices. Also, by becoming the master craftsman one gets the competitive advantage because it emphasizes the excellence and quality of products and services. Croatia and Slovenia have a long tradition of organising master craftsman exams and are facing the challenge of mismatch between exam questions and contemporary trends and technologies. On the other hand, North Macedonia and Montenegro have to develop master craftsman exam programmes and questions yet, since they have master craftsman exams only for one occupation each.In order to ensure standardization of master craftsman exam questions, the methodological framework with guidelines for the development of master craftsman exam questions will be designed. Together, partners will design questions for general parts of exam – parts for economy, law and pedagogy. Each partner will design questions related to the occupational theoretical part of the exam for occupations which have been chosen for the project.Furthermore, in order to improve the quality of exams and simplify the organisation of exam, the online platform for the preparation and organisation of master craftsman exam will be developed. The part of online platform will be open to the public so that everyone could get the opportunity how master craftsman exam looks like and how to prepare for taking the exam. All partners will introduce the online platform in their countries and pilot it during the project.General aim of Master 4.0 project is to increase the usage of innovative approaches and digital technologies for teaching and learning as well as to promote the lifelong learning.Specific aim of the project is to improve preparation and organisation of master craftsman exam by improving exam questions and programmes in accordance with labour market needs and contemporary technological trends and introducing ICT for preparation and organisation of master craftsman exams.Project target groups will be following: master craftsman exam candidates, potential craftsmen and entrepreneurs candidates, continuous vocational education institutions, expert and general public.Master 4.0 project includes 6 partners from 4 countries and 1 associated partner. One partner from each country is included in master craftsman exam organisation. Remaining partners were chosen based on their experience in the development and preparation of education programmes, exam preparation materials and exam questions. Also, a partner with the experience, knowledge and skills to develop online platform for preparation and organisation of master craftsman exam is included.Project coordinator is the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK) from Croatia. Partners are Algebra College from Croatia, Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia (OZS), Chamber of Crafts Skopje and „Sreken Zhivot“ organisation from North Macedonia and NGO Chamber of Crafts and Entrepreneurship of Montenegro (ZanaPredaK). The associated partner is Chamber of Crafts of Montenegro.Master 4.0 project results are following: the improvement of master craftsman exam questions and programmes, the development of online platform for preparation and organisation of master craftsman exams and piloting of online platform. Other intellectual outputs results which will be possible to use after the project ends: the methodological framework with guidelines to develop master craftsman exam questions – it will be used to develop questions from general parts as well as from professional theory part for selected occupations during the project and for other master craftsman occupations after the end of project; the manual for administration of online platform, which will be used by staff responsible for organisation of master craftsman exams in project countries.Project partnership will enable future exchange of information and knowledge in the area of preparation and organisation of master craftsman exams in partner countries and will make the recognition process for master craftsman occupations in partner countries. Project partners will continue to finance the online platform for preparation and organisation of master craftsman exams with their own funds, national funds or from master craftsman exam expenses. After the end of project, partners will continue to search for synergies with other relevant projects, networks and initiatives in order to secure the connectivity and sustainability and to increase available resources. All partners will use every opportunity to disseminate project results after its end at conferences, publications, partner web sites and networks, etc.

<< Objectives >>Relevant EU documents call for improvement of VET, emphasizing the importance of WBL and including the use of digital tools. The general objective of the project is to improve the quality of VET in partner countries. Specific objectives are to improve the cooperation between different VET stakeholders (primarily schools and employers, but also students, VET supporting organisations, etc.), and the pedagogical skills of company mentors to better transfer their knowledge and skills to students.<< Implementation >>The partners will organise a series of thematic meetings and seminars in project countries to bring together VET stakeholders. An e-platform will be designed, developed and implemented as a promotional, educational and communication tool for schools, companies and other relevant VET stakeholders. A special e-logbook and e-portfolio for students will be designed and developed within the platform. Finally, e-learning modules for mentors in companies will be designed, developed and implemented.<< Results >>Partnerships for Quality VET will be formed through Memoranda of Understanding signing. Systematic Guidelines with Good Practices Handbook and educational video will be developed and promoted. The e-platform and e-modules will be successfully implemented in collaboration with target groups. This comprehensive approach will significantly improve cooperation between different stakeholders in VET. Together with the e-modules for mentors, both will contribute to the general objective of the project.

<< Objectives >>The project Master 4.1: Enhancing quality assurance and promotion of the master craftsman exam will improve master craftsman exams. The project will be managed to ensure it meets the objectives outlined in the planning phase. The overall objectives of the project: 1)To improve programs and quality assurance processes in the master craftsman exam;2)To raise awareness for master craftsman exams. Our main beneficiaries are assessing committee with 150 representatives, VET students, 100 crafts etc.<< Implementation >>The project will implement activities in: the WP2Master craftsman exam program, catalogs development and digitalization; WP3 Enhancing master craftsman exam quality assurance and evaluation; WP4 Enhancing chambers of craft's digital marketing competencies. Within activities will be developing programs, evaluation, questions, methodology, educative video, “Code of Conduct”, webinars/trainings, educational curricula; online trainings and marketing campaign and national conferences<< Results >>This result will be achieved with the delivery of the following output: Enhanced programs and evaluation questions for master craftsman exam; 1 methodology for developing programs and catalogs; 1 program for master craftsman exam for confectioner; 1 set of questions for master craftsman exams; Update 2 catalogs; 1 video;1 “Quality Assurance Methodology” and 1 video;1 “Code of Conduct”,4 webinars/trainings; 3 National conferences; 1 educational curriculum; 6 online trainings and marketing.

<< Background >>Crafts Youth Future Engagement targets youngsters between 13 and 18 years old and aims to reconnect them with the sector of professional craftsmanship. The analysis made through two surveys among craftsmen and young people highlights that there is on one side a problem of transmission of know-how to new generations and on the other side a lack of awareness about what crafts professions are and which business areas they cover. A large percentage of craftsmen is aging and will be retired within 10 to 20 years. Most of them do not have any succession plan and their skills may be lost, together with their precious experience in the profession. Craftsmanship professions are covering sectors such as interior design, fashion, cultural heritage preservation, traditional building, and tourism. All these areas are essential to European richness and diversity. Furthermore, since youngsters agree there is a need to put more sustainability and responsible consumption in our lifestyle, the project’s goal is to demonstrate how craftsmanship can contribute to reach this objective. The partners’ expertise in both the crafts sector and education will be supported by high level skills in digital technologies to co-produce tools which will highlight the main values represented by craftsmanship: strong knowhow and expertise, entrepreneurship, high quality, long-lasting production, low waste, local sourcing, self-accomplishment, creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage safeguard. They will also highlight the diversity of opportunities offered by the sector.<< Objectives >>The project aims at changing the mindset of European citizens about the place and role of crafts professions and to highlight how, in the global market, crafts represent a responsible and sustainable option. Young people are the primary target group.. The project aims at educating young from 13 to 18 years old and set the basis for a more responsible future generation.Youth workers will be the secondary target group which will include any type of professional working with young people, such as teachers, career counsellors, as well as any adult in charge of education or orientation.<< Implementation >>CYFE will use field-based developmnet, by consultation with craftsmen in interviews and detailed description of their profession, mapping the scenario acorsso participating countries, and will build upon interactivity to make the materials appealing for young people. Partners will develop materials based on the principles of gamification and graphic design, as well production of high-technological features - the virtual reality tours. To compensate for the high-digital tools, partners will also build a physical toolkit with samples of raw materials to provide a sensorial experience. In order to test everything, partners will implement a joint staff training for youth workers to be prepared on the utilization of all the materials to further test them with young people. Multiplier events will serve to support the dissemination of the project and to increase awareness on the importance of crafts for a brighter future.<< Results >>During the project, CYFE partners expect to produce 3 specific results that aim to contribute to increase craft visibility and share experience in learning programs that makes craft atrractive future job for young people.These are:PR1 - Youth workers guidebook that will produce specific information about what it is crafts profesisons, the links with real markets and respurces for youth workers to better support young people in knowing more about crafts and choose their profession;PR2 - Youth toolkit that will provide interactive, didactic and engaging materials for young people to get acquaintaced with selected crafts professions in an attractive way, this will increase their knowledge aobut these professions;PR3 - Virtual tours of workshops that will provide a radical innovation in crafts presentation to youth and that be used by youth workers to present them these professions.Results from project activities:24 craftsmen interviewed in the different professions and areas1 interactive map to be published in mad'in europe website1 guidebook for youth workers about crafstmen in 7 languages1 short funny guide - from PR1 and adapted to young people1 set of gamified materials to promote the knowledge of crafts professions (at least 3)1 toolkit produced with samples of raw materials in all partners languages1 pack of virtual reality tours to some crafts workshops20 youth workers trained on the outputs produced during C1 activity20 young people using the materials producedThe outcomes are:Improved materials to disseminate crafts professions, based on sustainability, innovation and comtemporaneity Increased capacity of youth workers to promote crafts as a future professionIncreased awareness of young people about crafts and how it represents sustainability and green economyIncreased knowledge of young people about the different professions and where to go for vocational training