On June 13-14, 2024, in Warsaw took place the Bilateral Seminar “Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Exploring AI and Future Tech in VET and C-VET”. The Seminar was organized by the Education Programme under the EEA and Norway Grants.
The seminar provided an opportunity to engage in discussions on complex, challenging, yet urgent topics—primarily concerning how education must evolve in response to the challenges posed by new technologies. We heard the voices of representatives of schools, academic communities, industry, as well as policymakers responsible for shaping vocational education from Poland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Together, they explored innovative strategies and tools that help bridge the gap between education and the demands of the future job market.
The event was opened by Alina Prochasek, Member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System:
– In this rapidly evolving technological landscape, vocational education and training (VET) is more critical than ever. Our goal over the next two days is to explore how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can transform these fields, preparing our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
On behalf of the Norwegian partner of the Education Programme, the floor was taken by Margunn Instefjord, representative of the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-DIR).
A special guest at the event was Professor Aleksandra Przegalińska, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and ESR at Kozminski University in Warsaw, who presented the role of artificial intelligence in the VET sector.
The conference featured two panel discussions:
The panelists unanimously agreed on the necessity of partnerships between education and business. In today’s dynamic market, collaboration between educational institutions, industry partners, and government authorities is more crucial than ever.
The panelists also concurred that it is essential to respond promptly to the needs of the changing job market, which often requires employees to handle increasingly new technologies. Katarzyna Kołodziejska, director of ZDZ Schools in Radom, pointed to Centres of Vocational Excellence as a good example of an effective response to this challenge::
– It is an uplifting experience when education connects with business through Centres of Vocational Excellence.
On the second day of the event, participants were divided into three workshop groups. During sessions conducted using the Design Thinking method, they not only collaboratively developed topics on the use of AI in vocational education but also sought ways to strengthen partnerships and cooperation on innovative solutions with the support of the international VET community. They shared the outcomes during the concluding meeting, which closed the Seminar.
Thank you very much for your active participation, questions, and international discussions!
Join our two-day event for an enriching experience as we collectively advance in the realm of modern technologies in VET and C-VET.
In the upcoming seminar, institutions from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Poland will delve into both the systemic and practical aspects of modern technologies. Day one dedicated to panel discussions involve both decision makers and practitioners. Day two is devoted to capacity-building activities aimed at increasing VET providers competences and opportunities for cooperation. This includes presentation of best practice, current and future partnerships, fostering and exploring potential project ideas.
Knowledge: Gain a better understanding of integration and implementation of AI in VET.
Experience: Discover strategies for establishing sustainable VET partnerships.
Example: Learn how the Polish education programme under the EEA and Norway Grants have contributed to modernization of VET sector.
Visibility: Share insights on digital transformation challenges and successes.
Networking: Connect with peers and explore new ideas for cooperation in VET.
CHECK OUR SPEAKERS AND TRAINERS HERE!
The agenda features names such as:
DAY 1
9.00
REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS
10.00-10.15
OPENING REMARKS
10.15-11.30
PANEL SESSION 1: Fostering effective partnerships in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Key strategies for success
This discussion aims to offer a professional forum for understanding, implementing, and harnessing the benefits of strategic collaboration within vocational education and training. The main focus is on exploring strategies for establishing strong partnerships and, more importantly, showcasing exemplary stakeholders who have achieved remarkable success. The panelists will address the essential question of how partnerships between educational institutions, industries, and government bodies can work together.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
11.30-12.00
COFFEE BREAK
12.00-12.45
KEYNOTE: Prof. Aleksandra Przegalińska
12.45-14.15
PANEL SESSION 2: Navigating the Future: AI and other top edtech trends in Vocational Teaching and Learning
In this panel, experts will address the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge digital trends in Vocational Education and Training (VET). As industries evolve rapidly, VET plays a pivotal role in preparing individuals for the workforce of the future. Hear success stories and best practices from institutions that have successfully implemented AI and digital trends in VET. This panel promises a dynamic exploration of the present and future landscape of VET, offering valuable insights for educators, industry professionals, and policymakers alike.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
14.15-15.00
LUNCH
SIDE EVENT (WHOLE DAY): Best-Practice presentation
DAY 2
9.00-15.00
IDEA LAB – WORKSHOP SESSION (three groups simultaneously): developing and sharing project ideas revolving around the notion of AI and EdTech
The aim of the workshop is to connect VET and C-VET professionals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Poland to work on and enable potential opportunities arising with the design of AI and various EdTech. The workshop is structured around the Design Thinking methodology. Participate in the workshop sessions to explore fresh approaches, collaborate on innovative solutions, and tackle challenges with the support of the international VET community!
See you in Warsaw!
On the 5th of October in Lublin the winners of the #EduStories contest organized by the #ProgrammeEducation under the EEA Grants were finally revealed.
The award ceremony held in Lublin was opened on behalf of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System by Liliana Budkowska, the Director of the External and Inter-sectoral Programmes Department at the FRSE.
Marion Kindle-Kuehnis, the representative of the Donor Programme Partner from Liechtenstein greeted the audience with a few words about the worth of storytelling behind the EEA and Norway Grants.
#EduStories competition committee awarded the following finalists (below the photo).
1st PLACE:
Project Promoter: Heroes of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising 69 High School with Integration Classes for film “Finding my Community” by Leon Kunica
2nd PLACE (two winners ex-aequo)
3rd PLACE (two winners ex-aequo)
There would be no #EduStories contest without the dedicated and passionate Project Promoters who never stop inspiring us with their hard work and creative ideas. We thank all the winners for sharing their amazing stories!
Congratulations!
On March 19 and 24 this year an information meeting was held in the form of a webinar intended for the beneficiaries of the 1st Call for proposals in the Education Programme (EEA Grants 2014-2021) – Components III and IV.
The first part of the meeting dealt with a project management – formal and qualitative issues, as well as internet systems for project support and was led by the Education Programme Team. The second part concerned financial issues, which were discussed by the Coordinator of the Settlements and Financial Controls.
We would like to thank all the participants of both meetings for such numerous and active participation and we remind you that we are at your disposal on a regular basis.
Below you can find templates for partnerships contracts – these are not binding templates, while the signed contracts should regulate at least all the issues that are included in the following proposals.
partnership:
Interinstitutional (between universities from Poland and Donor States – present only in Component II, in the case of cooperation with institutions from the same country):
The results of the formal evaluation of the applications submitted in the 1st Call of the Education Programme (EEA FM 2014-2021) have been published! A list of evaluated applications in pdf format is available here.
172 applications received a positive result, 11 – negative.
Applications in Components I, III and IV, which have successfully passed the stage of formal assessment, are successively submitted for a substantive assessment.
We would like to kindly remind you that advance payments to Beneficiaries are ordered for payment within 45 calendar days from the date of entry into force of the Project Contract (i. e. signing the agreement by the Programme Operator).
Please note that according to our regulations (Article XXIV. 2 of the Project Implementation Agreements) the expenditure is eligible if it is incurred during the project implementation period.
At the same time, we would like to remind you that expenses incurred before the initial date of project implementation are ineligible. In such cases, invoking force majeure will not be effective.
If you have any questions, we are at your disposal.