Four representatives from each country embarked on a journey to the sundrenched city of Valencia, located in the southern part of Spain. This endeavor was necessary due to the undergoing project, VET PACT. As the end of the research phase was approaching, it was time to organize a meeting for the experts who helped us during this period. The experts from our countries worked hard to conduct the necessary interviews and gather valuable data. The results underwent meticulous analysis. The preliminary findings were the main topic of the meeting.

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to fostering acquaintances. This was especially significant given that the assembly of experts convened in person for the first time. Furthermore, we were introduced to our hosts, the Jovesólides organization, which graciously facilitated our programs in Valencia.

Transitioning into the second and third days of the meeting, Sunday and Monday, our emphasis gravitated towards the evaluation and analysis of research findings. Discussions transpired regarding the forthcoming tasks and undertakings that await the expert groups in the aftermath of the end of the research phase. On Tuesday, we indulged in an exploration of the city’s offerings. A guided morning tour unveiled the city’s intriguing history.

Wednesday (technically it was on Monday) witnessed our relocation and subsequent visitation to the partnering vocational school in Spain. This entity serves as a partner within the project. A comprehensive look at the institution’s facilities and a comparison of teaching methods with our own practices followed as a next step. Faculty members at the Spanish institution also shared their proven pedagogical strategies, enriching our collection of best practices.

Overall, the meeting was a success. It allowed us to access a global panorama of the vocational education’s reality. The occasion enabled the exchange of good practices, with our participants were happy to absorb this knowledge. A year and a half remain until the end of the project, and there is a lot more to do. We only closed one phase to move on to the next one. Soon you can read a bit more about the findings.