Transfer, configuration and development of intercultural competencies model and guide for Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners working with people from different countries and diverse cultures

The aim of the project was to develop a guide for VET practitioners (including teachers and tutors, staff working in Information, Advice and Guidance and career counselling practitioners, and staff recruiting individuals onto vocational learning programmes or into employment) to enable them engage and work effectively with people from different countries and diverse cultures. 

The following partners were involved in the work:

• 2000 Foundation, Bulgaria
• Aedipe, Spain (lead partner)
• berami, Germany
• The Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia
• DVV International, the Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association, Germany
• Institute of Machine Tools, Spain
• NIACE, England and Wales

In the process of developing the guide, the partners:

• Analysed the experiences of groups from different countries and diverse cultures in specific sectors within their given countries. 
• Identified existing models of intercultural learning that can be adapted for the VET sector. Based on this work, the partners have identified the need to develop intercultural competencies in the following key areas:

Self awareness

Challenging stereotypes

Communication

Flexibility

Networking

Intercultural team management

Change management

Service orientation

• Produced a draft guide for VET practitioners to enable them to develop their intercultural competencies. The draft guide will be tested with VET practitioners and intercultural competencies experts in all partner countries before being finalised and disseminated.

The aim of the project was to develop a guide for VET practitioners. Ultimately, we are working to develop and improve the experiences of people from different countires and diverse cultures engaged with VET services in Europe.

This work raised awareness of the need for, and support the development of, intercultural competencies of VET practitioners across Europe, to ensure people from different countries and diverse cultures receive education, training, advice and support that is effective and tailored to their needs.

Jane Watts
NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE
0116 204 5854
jane.watts@niace.org.uk