Careers of the Future Final Evaluation

Careers of the Future Final Evaluation Conference Galway Technical Institute 8/5/2013 Evaluation prepared by Sandwell MBC This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Careers of the Future Evaluation Plan 2011-2013 This plan aims to evaluate the Lifelong Learning Funded programme led by Zlínský kraj and involving Galway Technical Institute, Sandwell MBC and Escola Secundaria de Maia. It aims to: • Evaluate the performance of all involved • Gather and analyse participant activities and views • Assess impact • Ensure management is robust • Ensure full partner involvement • Contribute to meeting timescales

Careers of the Future Evaluation Plan 2011-2013

Zlín All strongly agreed that the study was well organised, all strongly agree that the study visit met their expectations, and 8 out of nine agree strongly that they will be able to use what they learnt in their work. One agreed with this. Some comments from participants are listed below: • My experience was very interesting and enjoyable. • I was particularly impressed with the community centre we visited and their approach in engaging young people in activities. • I will use this experience to develop my skills and widen my knowledge and depth within the field. • The Czech Republic use psychometric testing extensively. I am going to explore this area of work and plan a pilot. • I feel the learners on NEET programmes would benefit from the type of Careers Counselling I witnessed in the Czech Republic. • I will be looking to implement the good practice I have seen in Zlín such as utilizing labour market information. Not one negative comment was expressed. All felt from that they had a tremendous and profitable visit. The organisation was faultless with expectations fully met.

Sandwell Most felt they will be able to use what they learnt in their work. All felt that the topics covered were what they hoped for and no suggestions were made in relation to gaps in the programme. The overall evaluation of the project indicated a strong satisfaction by those attending with strong learning and much enthusiasm for developing ideas in participants own countries. The word inspiration was a word used by a number of participants to describe aspects of their visit. Another comment frequently used was that expectations were fully met.

Galway There is no doubt from the evaluations that a great deal of sharing of ideas happened between participants as well as benefitting from the visits themselves. The major comment in reports was onthe use of ICT and Social networking to promote IAG and how participants would like to build on this in some of their own countries. The study visit achieved a great deal in terms of co-operation and the instilling of ideas amongst participants. All reported an experience which exceeded expectations. One or two would have liked to focus more on some topics which they work on in their own institutions although they recognizedit was not possible to fit everything into the timescales. This of course was the third study visit of the programme. The style of visit appears to give greatsatisfaction and more importantly we are now seeing greater collaboration.

Porto The overall evaluation of the project indicated a strong satisfaction by those attending with strong learning and much enthusiasm for developing ideas in participants own countries. The most powerful element of the feedback was a realisation by individual teachers that they could play a significant role in careers guidance with their students. This was alluded to a number of timesby participants. It is impressive that staff have already a few weeks after the visit feedback ideas and examined their own way of working.

Impact Practice by Individual • Use labour market information more in BCTG • Incorporated labour market information into careers guidance practice • Better working relationship with guidance service in the Bridge Centre • Introduced tracking of students after leaving education • Adjusted leaflets/websites and seminars in careers guidance • New approach to careers counselling in Kromeriz • Student mentors for work experience in Valasske Mezirici • Advisers using ICT more in the UK as a result of Galway visit • Enhanced networking in the UK

Impact Practice by Individual • Work with teachers to explore career options in their subject area • Better referral of students for local assistance • Desire to replicate the Albion Foundation programme in Rugby and Gaelic games • Better Links with employers and more work experience • The importance of Guidance for all students

Benefits to Beneficiaries • Certificate in Management Qualifications Portfolio x2 in BCTG • Planned contribution to Level 6 qualification in Advice and Guidance

Benefits to Organisations • Evidence in achieving Matrix standard award in Information Advice and Guidance in UK • Practical advice on how to change the careers service to meet an increased demand for the service. In particular, how to embrace and use new technology and develop electronic forms of guidance – Sandwell College • We assist young people with aspiring to reach their dreams, but also ensure that they have realistic aims too – reinforced by Czech Visit-Future Skills Sandwell

Benefits to Organisations • 7 Sandwell organisations have been involved in Leonardo bids since involvement in this programme. All to date successful • SMBC has run study visits and mobility programmes • Zlínskýkraj is involved in Comenius and TOI partnerships and bids • GTI continues heavy involvement in European projects

Conclusion • Evaluate the performance of all involved√ • Gather and analyse participant activities and views √ • Assess impact √ • Ensure management is robust √ • Ensure full partner involvement √ • Contribute to meeting timescales √

Youtube Link • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LrwncVW-2Y

Careers of the Future Final Evaluation