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only enhances their knowledge but it is also a way to obtain their validation or
corrections, and consequently it also helps to anchor and build a reciprocal
relationship. Providing data also shows to employers that VET providers are

prepared for an enriched and rigorous discussion, offering value to the
employer.

At this first level, building educational capacity also requires a deeper
engagement, as both VET providers and employers are gaining know-how and
capacity to innovate on WBL strategies, placement services, and career pathway
programmes. For employers, the biggest advantage certainly is to support VET
providers and their learners' training and career in identifying, interviewing, and

hiring potential employees who successfully complete a VET path or are
finalising their WBL experience. After hiring former learners, employers can also
rely on VET providers to coach and support retention and career advancement
corporate programme.

Summarising, the following activities can help to establish a trustfully and

credible VET-business relationship:

▪ Meet the employers at their own place
▪ Use a variety of methods to collect information from employers (e.g.,
individual interviews, focus groups, online surveys, presentations)

▪ Promote joint meetings of employers, planning time to network and
discuss non-taskforce topics of interest to participants, such as digital
transformation or green economy

▪ Work with employers to develop different formats of WBL, placement
services, and career pathway programmes (e.g., apprenticeships,
internships, production workshops, on-the-job training, job shadowing,
job site tours, guest speakers, mock interviews, assess and screen

candidates)

Next are presented examples of other activities that are already taking place in
the eight partner countries of BRIDGES project regarding building educational
capacity between VET providers and employers.

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