Resources and tools for VET and work-based training practitioners As a practitioner of vocational education and training (VET) or work-based training, you are at the forefront of preparing young people for the world of work. In this article, we'll explore some practical tools and useful resources that can help you enhance your teaching practice and create a more engaging and effective learning experience for your students. Useful resources The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) EAfA is a multi-stakeholder platform aiming at strengthening the quality, supply and image of apprenticeships in Europe; and promoting the mobility of apprentices. Join the Alliance for sharing experiences and learning from best practices, find partners, develop new ideas and initiatives, and access the latest news and tools on apprenticeships. Within EAfA’s High-Level event on 26-27 June in Brussels, there will be a signing ceremony for new members hosted by Commissioner Nicolas Schmit. EAfA’s online library and activities hub The online library is a single-point of access to quality materials, practical tools and guidance on apprenticeship to help the EAfA members and key stakeholders in designing and delivering quality and effective apprenticeships. In the hub you can find various activities (live discussions, podcasts, webinars). How to support teachers and trainers in high-performance apprenticeships and work-based learning In apprenticeships and work-based learning, teachers and trainers collaborate with students throughout the whole learning process. For apprenticeships and work-based learning to be of the highest caliber, their dedication, competence, and cooperation are essential. Additionally, they perform their duties in an environment marked by innovation, globalization, and quickening societal and technical development. Models and practices regarding teachers and trainers in work-based learning/apprenticeships This is a study that provided the ET 2020 Working Group on VET (2016-2018) with findings on three key areas: 1) governance arrangements in place for professionals involved in WBL; 2) professionalisation arrangements for those professionals; and finally, 3) in what way cooperation between schools and companies is arranged, focusing on the quality of the professionals involved. Tools for preparing staff to train and mentor apprentices The International Labour Organization has compiled a rich collection of international resources for training and mentoring apprentices. It includes tools as well as knowledge-sharing and support services for in-company trainers and VET providers. Country reports: Teachers and trainers in a changing world These reports present approaches to professional development of VET teachers and trainers in school and work-based settings. They cover 29 European countries, and each report includes a dedicated section for national and EU-funded initiatives. Mobility for learners and staff in VET Erasmus+ is the biggest EU programme for education, training and youth. VET staff can apply for Erasmus+ funding for a wide variety of professional development activities across Europe, such as job shadowing, professional courses and more. Professional development opportunities for in-company trainers This document, compiled by Cedefop, presents a selection of initiatives that support the recognition, training and professional development of in-company trainers in 13 European countries. Self-assessment tools SOLITY SOLITY allows VET providers to assess their social impact and performance. The tool allows you to understand how and where to act to enhance your impact on students. You can also compare your results to those of your peers across the EU. WEDEVET This tool, developed by the Erasmus+ project WEDEVET, allows VET practitioners to evaluate and improve their leadership skills. TUTOR TUTOR is an EU-funded project (through Erasmus+ Teacher Academies) that aims to improve teachers’ ability to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment. Erasmus+ Teacher Academies create European partnerships and promote cooperation between teacher education institutions and training providers.