Influencing careers of VET students

Programme details

  • Programme: Erasmus+
  • Key Action: Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices
  • Action Type: Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training
  • Project Identifier: 2024-1-HR01-KA220-VET-000246935
  • Project Title: Influencing careers of VET students
  • Topics: Media literacy and tackling disinformation; Digital skills and competences; Career guidance
  • Results Platform Project Card: View on Erasmus+ Results Platform
  • Funded by: Agencija za mobilnost i programe Europske unije (AMPEU) — the Croatian National Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes.
  • Project duration: 16 months – from 01/12/2024 till 31/03/2026

Project partners

  • Domas, obrt za poduku, savjetovanje i poslovne usluge, vl. Domagoj Morić (Croatia)
  • Outreach Hannover e.V. (Germany)
  • Centre for Non-formal Education and Lifelong Learning (Serbia)

Summary

Despite the growing economic opportunities and societal impact of influencer careers, there is a significant gap in structured career management education and support for individuals aspiring to succeed in this fast-evolving, non-traditional profession.

Young influencers face numerous challenges, including the lack of formal structures, recognition and the need for strategic planning. When designing this project, our goal was to develop career management programmes specifically tailored to the needs of influencers, to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of this profession. By addressing the unique challenges and requirements of influencer careers, our project also aims to empower VET teachers in developing capacities in their work with young people in building sustainable and successful careers in this rapidly changing industry.

Our project specifically targets teachers and students in vocational education and training (VET) schools, where there is a significant interest in becoming influencers but a lack of specialised career planning and counselling. Our surveys, observations and research indicate that while many VET students are drawn to the idea of influencing as an easy way to earn money, they soon realise the challenges and educational gaps that exist. Furthermore, VET teachers are often not equipped to provide career planning and counselling that aligns with modern technology trends and the realities of the influencer profession.

Our project aims to fill this gap by empowering VET school teachers to organise career planning and counselling for their students, with a focus on the influencer profession and its unique challenges. We also aim to promote the appreciation of social values in careers, encouraging students to use their influence for positive social impact. By providing structured support and education for both teachers and students, our project seeks to ensure that young people are well-prepared to navigate the world of influencing and make informed decisions about their careers.

Finally, the project aims to bridge the gap between vocational education and evolving digital professions by equipping both students and teachers with the tools needed for long-term success and responsible engagement in the influencer industry.

Main goal

To contribute to education of VET students in informed career orientation and empower VET school teachers to provide effective career planning and counselling that aligns with social media trends and promotes social values among students.

Specific objectives

  • To educate VET students in making informed career choices as influencers, understanding the nuances of influencer work in relation to career management, through an innovative toolkit with practical guidance and piloting workshops;
  • To empower VET teachers and associated experts in career management for emerging professions in digital and creative industries through a comprehensive 6-day curriculum with key concepts, educational sessions, and local training courses;
  • To foster partnerships with VET schools and enhance the capacities of partner organisations in career management for influencers through an online project platform, dissemination activities, and networking events at local and national levels.

Activities

  • Online kick-off meeting
  • R1 Toolkit: “Empowerment of VET students on making informed career choices in influencer careers”
  • Piloting workshops of the Toolkit with VET students – in Serbia, Germany, Croatia
  • Online mid-term meeting
  • R2 Curriculum: “Empowering VET teachers and experts on career management in the influencer era”
  • Local training courses of VET teachers and experts – in Serbia, Germany, Croatia
  • R3 Online project platform
  • National conference in Serbia
  • National conference in Germany
  • National conference in Croatia
  • Online evaluation meeting

Results published so far

  • R1 Toolkit: “Empowerment of VET students on making informed career choices in influencer careers”, in 4 languages (EN, HR, DE, RS).

For download please visit project page on our partner’s web site

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.