Fostering Autonomy and Connection: A Tutor’s Notes on Inclusive VET Mobility

Learning mobility can be a truly life-changing experience for Vocational Education and Training (VET) students. Recently, I had the privilege of accompanying five VET learners from Engim Torino, aged 16 to 18, on a 20-day study and work experience in Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

As a tutor, I wanted to use this opportunity to see how the core principles of the IDEAS project come alive in practice. My goal was to observe how these young learners naturally interact with digital tools and how we can best support their unique needs abroad.

AI and Accessibility: Why Human Engagement Still Matters

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people with disabilities learn, work and travel. Screen readers now describe photos, apps translate speech in real time, and chatbots rewrite complex texts in plain language. For vocational education and training (VET), AI and accessibility have become a central topic. However, the latest research sends a clear message: technology alone does not make learning inclusive. In this article, we look at what AI can already do, where it falls short and what VET staff can do about it.

IDEAS Project EU Survey

Are you a Vocational Education and Training educator?

The IDEAS Project is developing a specialized e-learning course to help you support disadvantaged learners in international mobility programs.

Led by ENGIM and SIC Ljubljana, we are designing “learning pills” – short, practical training units – to guide you through every stage of the mobility process: Preparation, Implementation, and Follow-up.

Help us prioritize the good practices, digital, and AI tools that will make your work more impactful. Your feedback ensures our course meets your real-world needs.

Together, we can unlock the full potential of every learner.

IDEAS Project kickoff meeting in Zagreb

Zagreb, 25-26 November 2025 – The IDEAS project has officially launched its operational phase.

We held our kickoff meeting in Zagreb, hosted by the project leading Partner Obrtničko Učilište. During this gathering, we confirmed our comprehensive project management framework and finalized initial planning to achieve our strategic objective: driving systemic change within the European Vocational Education and Training sector by addressing critical barriers faced by disadvantaged learners and expanding their access to international mobility opportunities.

Welcome to IDEAS: Our Journey Begins Here

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the “Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality in the VET System” (IDEAS) project and our brand-new digital platform.

The journey has officially started. From September 1, 2025, our consortium of six European partners has united with a single, ambitious goal: to fundamentally improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Led by Obrtničko Učilište (Croatia) and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the IDEAS project is a 24-month initiative designed to help VET organizations meet the needs of disadvantaged learners, specifically by expanding their opportunities for international mobility.