An analysis of the individual country study visits took place with the aim of identifying patterns, i.e. collections of success factors that frequently occur together throughout several examples/study visits.
An initial list of highly frequent factors that often appeared together was created on the basis of a quantitative approach. These groups of factors were then discussed by the project experts in the framework of the project conference in Cyprus, and checked for validity. The results of the experts' discussion were then further analysed and consolidated in a VET system model.
The VET system model respected the interrelationships between the success factors that were observed in the study visits. Four patterns were derived from this system model, focusing on the key stakeholder roles. Different groups of stakeholders (e.g. learners, teaching staff, employers) are involved with different parts of the whole system, and consequently only sub-sets of all factors are of relevance to them.
VET Institution Management Pattern
The following issues, linked to the respective factors within the system model, were identified in many of the 28 study visit examples with regard to the role of VET institution managers:
- School leadership
- Managing multidisciplinary teams.
Vocational Education and Training Pattern
The following issues, linked to the respective factors within the system model, were identified in many of the 28 study visit examples with regard to vocational education and training staff:
- Learner centred approaches
- Using individual plans in learning, education, training and transition
- Drop out reduction
- Match between labour market skills requirements and the skills of the learner.
Learners' Pattern
The following issues, linked to the respective factors within the system model, were identified in many of the 28 study visit examples with regard to learners:
- Cooperation structures with local companies for practical training and/or job after graduation
- Focusing on learners‘ capabilities
- Match between work opportunities and learners’ individual wishes and expectations.
Labour Market Pattern
The following issues, linked to the respective factors within the system model, were identified in many of the 28 study visit examples with regard to current or future employers or labour market representatives:
- Safeguarding connections with local employers/companies for practical training and job opportunities based upon trust and past experience
- Supporting learners and employers during the transition phase in the open labour market
- Providing follow-up activities to maintain learners’ employment in companies.