The SEPAL PRO project (Supporting Employment Platform for Apprenticeship Learning) is committed to addressing the challenges faced by NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in 5 countries from Europe (Romania, Spain, Lithuania, Greece, and Poland), aiming to empower them to access meaningful employment opportunities.
The 3rdCoach Training, held in Suceava, Romania, was a pivotal 5-day meeting that brought together 15 WISE Experts and coaches from different partner countries. Over these days, participants engaged in a series of immersive activities, workshops, and study visits designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting NEETs effectively.
Let’s delve into the highlights of each day and the overall impact of this training!
Day 1: Building the Foundation
The first day of the training laid the groundwork for participants to familiarize themselves with the Moodle training platform, one of the central elements of the SEPAL PRO project. Guided by WISE Experts, coaches gained hands-on experience and insights into effectively utilizing this platform to gain knowledge and skills to efficiently engage with NEETs. Furthermore, the working session on the SEPAL Platform deepened their understanding of its features and relevance to achieving project goals. In addition, coaches actively registered NEETs into the system and gathered valuable information about their backgrounds to tailor coaching approaches for individual needs. The study visits to “Pe Cai la Mitoc” provided practical examples of social economy initiatives, expanding participants’ horizons, and encouraging them to explore innovative solutions for NEETs’ integration into the workforce.
Day 2: Embracing Technology and Creativity
On the second day, participants ventured into the realm of virtual reality (VR) technology, testing VR glasses and exploring its potential applications in coaching. This activity allowed coaches to envision immersive coaching experiences that could further engage and motivate NEETs. In the working session on coach guidelines and training programs, knowledge sharing among partners enriched their understanding of creating effective coaching guidelines. The highlight of the day was the creative coaching workshop, which inspired coaches to tap into their creativity and experiment with alternative coaching approaches through hands-on handcraft activities. This creative outlet offered new perspectives on enhancing coaching effectiveness and fostering individual growth among NEETs.
Day 3: Exploring Evaluation Practices and Creating Promotional Materials
The day started with evaluation activities of the NEETs’ skills after the work-based training. Coaches assessed the progress and identified any additional training or support needs, enabling them to fine-tune their coaching strategies for an optimal impact. A working session focused on creating promotional materials, including powerful testimonials from coaches, aimed to showcase the transformative effects of coaching on NEETs’ lives. The study visits to a wood workshop, cultural sites, and a monastery pharmacy enriched the participants’ cultural knowledge and highlighted the significance of vocational training and holistic well-being in coaching.
Day 4: Empowering Through Social Enterprises and Inclusivity
The fourth day took participants on a transformative journey through visits to several social enterprises and local food hubs. These enterprises, such as UTILDECO, JOBDIRECT, WISE TRAVEL, and AFIN, demonstrated the power of inclusivity and support in empowering vulnerable individuals to become valuable members of the workforce. Coaches were inspired to consider collaborative efforts and innovative approaches in their coaching practice, ensuring that they cater to the unique needs of diverse groups. Additionally, the visit to the Humanitarian and Social Assistance Center for Refugees shed light on the challenges faced by refugees, spurring coaches to explore ways to contribute to their integration and well-being through coaching.
Day 5: Charting the Path for Sustainable Inclusion
On the final day, the focus shifted to engaging in deep discussions on European-level measures for the inclusion of NEETs and developing a sustainability plan within the SEPAL project. Participants explored cutting-edge strategies to support NEETs in accessing employment, training, and education opportunities. Collaboration emerged as a key theme, with participants recognizing the need for multi-dimensional approaches involving various stakeholders. They emphasized the importance of continuous learning, data collection, and sharing best practices to ensure the long-term impact and success of the SEPAL PRO project.
In conclusion, the SEPAL PRO 3rd Coach Training in Suceava served as a transformative platform for coaches and WISE Experts to enhance their skills in supporting NEETs effectively. Through immersive activities, technology exploration, cultural experiences, and study visits, participants gained valuable insights, fostering empathy and innovation in their coaching approaches. This training strengthened collaboration among partners from different countries, facilitating the exchange of best practices and ideas. Armed with enhanced knowledge and a shared commitment, these coaches are well-equipped to empower NEETs, unlocking their potential and guiding them towards meaningful employment and integration into society. The SEPAL PRO project’s mission to foster inclusion and opportunity for NEETs stands stronger than ever, thanks to the dedication and passion of these inspiring coaches.
