Presentation held by Cedefop expert Irene Psifidou at the The 2nd Peer Learning Activity (PLA) of the TEACHER acquisition project that took place in Lisbon on 8-9 October 2024. Conference information The 2nd Peer Learning Activity (PLA) of the TEACHER acquisition project took place in Lisbon on 8-9 October 2024, focusing on enabling alternative pathways to the teaching profession in vocational education and training (VET) across the EU. The first day of the event kicked-off with Søren Kristensen, Expert Researcher for the TEACHERacquisition project, pointing out the lack of research in this field and therefore highlighting how challenging yet crucial this initiative is. He presented findings from two surveys highlighting the importance of secondcareer and hybrid teachers in addressing teacher shortages. Rena Psifidou from CEDEFOP provided additional context by expanding on the wider implications of teacher shortages in VET systems in Europe. On the second day, participants visited the Escola Profissional de Imagem (EPI), an innovative VET school that mainly integrates hybrid teachers and secondcareer teachers from the industry into its curriculum. José Pacifico, EPI’s pedagogic director, led a roundtable discussion showcasing the school’s approach to bridging the gap between education and industry. This model not only enhances the learning experience for students but also prepares them for real-world industry needs. The visit to EPI provided attendees with a hands-on example of how hybrid teachers can strengthen the connection between education and industry, offering valuable insights for other EU member states facing similar challenges. Related publications Cedefop. (2022). Empowering teachers and trainers to manage change. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note, October 2022. DOI: 10.2801/378686 Cedefop. (2022). Teachers and trainers in a changing world: building up competences for inclusive, green and digitalised vocational education and training (VET): synthesis report. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 86. DOI: 10.2801/53769 Cedefop. (2023). Stemming the tide: tackling early leaving from vocational education and training in times of crises: synthesis report of Cedefop/ReferNet survey. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. DOI: 10.2801/757603 Related online tools VET toolkit for empowering NEETs. Source of support to young people not in employment, education or training. VET toolkit for tackling early leaving. Source of support to policy makers and education and training providers. Related projects European Vocational Teacher Survey (EVTS)
Psifidou et al. (Tue,) studied this question.