Recent European studies and partners experience have shown a shortage of soft skills among the students entering the labour market. The current labour market needs require new approaches and methods to get the necessary qualified work force. The aim of the project is to reinforce these skills through the direct application of the innovation model and tool, JOPAPP (job placement app), in the implementation of the module called “job placement”, in which students spend a training period working in a company abroad.
Nowadays, students do not seek their own work practices, it is the center who looks for, manages and develops the whole process. The student should lead the development of this process, they should be the driving engine of their own learning process, which would develop their soft skills such as a positive attitude, good communication skills, time management abilities, strong work ethic, problem solving skills, self-confidence, flexibility and adaptability, working well under pressure, competences for innovation in VET students.
This JOPAPP model implements the contents and best practices of the RAINOVA model, previous European project, adapting it to a learning environment and creating a Manual of Implementation for teachers and counselors and creating an innovative app to guide students through the process of finding their work placement.
Much attention has been directed to enhancing innovation activities related to business management. Innovation, however, has to reach the company workers and their training. In particular, teaching VET students how to be innovative in their workplace.
Educational institutions need to lead the way in developing these innovative techniques and teach necessary skills to their own students. Our primary target group are VET teachers and counselors involved in the job training placements, and VET students. The use of this model and its application has to be transnational as the current labour market is.