The Laying the Foundations project is designed to address the critical challenges faced by the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in the Eastern Partnership countries, particularly in Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine. The project aims to create a Foundation VET Cycle that will upskill entry-level VET students during their first year of studies, equipping them with the necessary competencies to succeed in the labor market.
The Laying the Foundations project is driven by a shared vision: to transform vocational education into a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation. Our consortium unites VET professionals from Europe and the Eastern Neighbourhood, working together to create a system that prepares students for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
We’re building bridges of collaboration, sharing best practices, and developing cutting-edge solutions. Through the Foundations Semester, we equip students with essential skills and empower teachers with the tools to inspire. Our mission is to create an inclusive, innovative VET system that meets the demands of the modern workforce
Through Laying the Foundations we envision a future where VET empowers students with the skills, inclusivity, and resilience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Our comprehensive approach focuses on:
Equip VET students with entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Foster an inclusive environment that supports diversity and empowers disadvantaged learners.
Enhance digital literacy among students and teachers to prepare them for the modern workforce.
Cultivate a positive and supportive culture within VET institutions to enhance student well-being and academic success.
Implement targeted interventions to support socio-economically disadvantaged students.
“Laying the Foundations” represents a transformative vision for vocational education, one that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment. By addressing critical skills gaps and fostering a supportive learning environment, we aim to unlock the potential of every student and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.
The “Laying the Foundations” consortium is a vibrant community of partners from across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa,
each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in VET.
Co-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.
Coordinator of the Laying the Foundations Project:
European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training
Diana Nitu
Project Manager
diana.nitu@evbb.eu