moVET.europe - Analyzing the occupational mobility of future professionals from Italy and Spain

Professional flexibility and mobility are now more important than ever for the European labor market. In many EU countries, however, the prerequisites for this are not yet in place. Vocational training in particular differs greatly from country to country, and there is a lack of recognition of equivalencies for vocational qualifications. 

BBQ Berufliche Bildung gGmbH's pilot project, funded by the European Commission, aims to promote the occupational mobility of prospective skilled workers from Italy and Spain. 24 vocational school graduates from Catalonia (Spain) and Emilia Romagna (northern Italy) had the opportunity to gain work experience in German companies in the metal, electrical, and IT industries during a six-month internship. The objective of the internship was to strengthen the students' linguistic, professional, interpersonal, and intercultural skills. In addition, the project strives to find practical solutions for creating professional equivalencies among different European countries - not least so that prospective specialists can work throughout Europe in the future.

Fraunhofer IMW's Professional Development and Competence Management Unit scientifically accompanied and evaluated this European Commission-funded project. The team, led by unit head Anzhela Preissler and research fellow Fanny Hösel, analyzed the success criteria and potential actions for future initiatives. Their analysis included qualitative interviews and written surveys, the results of which were analyzed and converted into actionable insights for the program's decision-makers.