Page 4 - BRIDGES_O1_Framework_EN

investment in vocational training; lack of information about benefits of VET; and
restricted participation due to a lower attractiveness of VET in comparison to
alternative pathways. In response, BRIDGES’ partners have collaborated on this
cross-jurisdiction project to share strategic insight and to scope and develop a
bespoke framework, blended CPD programme and digital resources to support
VET providers and professionals in improving WBL through effective employer

engagement.

The BRIDGES partnership presents this methodologic framework as part of a
strategic partnership for a VET project entitled “BRIDGES – Improving work-based
learning through employers links”. This project is funded by the Erasmus+
programme, and provides a bespoke framework, a blended continuing
professional development programme, and digital resources to support VET
providers in improving work-based learning provision through effective
employer engagement, and thus promoting the excellence and attractiveness of
VET and WBL pathways for key stakeholders. The project delivers a compact
framework to help VET providers fully realise the value of strategic, long-term,
and sustainable cooperation with employers. This is achieved through a 4-level
pathway:
1. Building educational capacity
2. Co-designing curricula and career pathways
3. Leading and networking
4. Enhancing internationalisation

The BRIDGES Employer Engagement Framework comprises a pathway of 4-level

for employer engagement, each level representing a higher degree of
engagement and deeper integration of employers in VET providers’ activities to
provide a methodical and practical strategic and implementable framework for
engagement. The report and the framework set out the rationale for the
imperative to orchestrate an ecosystem of co-innovation, collaboration and co-
investment to create the conditions that support effective employer engagement
in VET. In addition, the report states the requirement for partners to forge a
pathway for innovation and growth and help to shape and deliver increased VET
Provider-Employer capacity and capability. Finally, the report determines that
VET Providers must create a meaningful employer partner strategy at the
strategic core, supported by leadership capacity, capability and expertise to
deliver effective employer engagement.

Aidan Sloane, Interim Director of Development & Infrastructure – Belfast Met

3