Idea:  

MEM: Ideas to Actions is an Erasmus+ programme project. In particular, it is a Strategic Partnership in the field of vocational education and training, involving organizations from 4 different EU countries.

Project addresses the problem of insufficient education for entrepreneurship in European vocational schools. Entrepreneurship is included in the national curricula for vocational education in a majority of European countries, at least to some extent. However, programs and activities included in those figures may differ greatly in intensity and effectiveness. In any case, there is in general a perception that there is still a gap to be filled. 

The partners of the project to a larger or smaller extent observe this gap in their curricula as well, especially in relation to the technically-oriented programs.

Project developers consider that education for entrepreneurship can be particularly effective in initial vocational training, as students are close to entering working life and self-employment through running a business may be a valuable option for them.

Activities:

The partners join their forces to commonly develop the main product – an educational online platform, which includes an introductory course about starting a business aimed at secondary-level VET learners. This educational platform and the online course incorporated within it eventually serve as a useful guide and starter-pack to creating a business. It covers a progression of topics necessary for successful business creation.

To achieve the above stated, the project also involved several learning activities:

1. Short-term joint staff training event in Cyprus on online course development.

2. Short-term exchanges and blended mobilities of groups of pupils between the partner institutions – these involved learning through real experiences with young businesses and business supporting organizations.

3. International conference – VET Education for Entrepreneurship.

Aims:

The aims of the project, amongst others, are developing those personal attributes and generally applicable skills that form the basis of an entrepreneurial mindset and behavior, raising students’ awareness of self-employment and entrepreneurship as possible career options, boosting entrepreneurship in education through creation of an attractive teaching and learning tool, and providing specific business skills and knowledge of how to start and successfully run a business. The partners hoped to increase the sense of initiative and entrepreneurship among the players of the VET sector and promote education for entrepreneurship bringing positive change and long-lasting effects in the educational system at local, regional, national and EU level.