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THE METHODOLOGIC FRAMEWORK

Collaborating with employers is vital for VET providers – particularly in dual

education programmes. Just as employers need VET providers to have
workforce with the right skills and qualifications, VET providers need employers
to get the skills right, design relevant and up-to-date curricula and place learners
and graduates. Despite, none of those functions are as critical as getting the VET-
business relationship right. For BRIDGES’ participating organisations, this means
working with employers in a variety of settings and activities, over an extended
period, in a manner that builds trust through mutual interests’ cooperation and

leads to mutually successful outcomes.

Engaging employers produces a range of benefits at every stage of the VET
programmes, especially in the design and implementation of WBL paths.
Efficient employer engagement is also vital in todays’ complex and changing
global context. Slow economic recovery, COVID-19 pandemic, digital and green
transformations, higher-skill and qualifications requirements, and skills
mismatches make business and VET partnerships even more crucial. But

initiating such relationships and ensuring their success and sustainability is far
from simple.

For VET programmes to succeed, it is essential to understand the nature of the
skills and occupations demanded by the labour market and prepare well
learners for high-value qualifications in those sectors of activity. Doing so,

requires building VET-business win-win relationships. Indeed, cooperation
between VET providers and employers is very important for both the quality of
education and for making sure future employees have the skills which labour
market needs.

Approaching employers as high-impact partners means looking beyond the
immediate needs of VET providers and curricula and seeking ways to make
local/regional employers and/or industries competitive. It requires building
ongoing opportunities for problem-solving and curricula development. To do so

VET managers and professionals need to take a more active approach and build
excellence in employer engagement.

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