AVETE study visit in Slovakia strengthens ErasmusPro mobility through real-world learning experiences

Connecting in-company trainers across Europe through vocational education exchange

From 26-29 April 2026, the AVETE (Alliance for VET Excellence: Advancing ErasmusPro Mobilities) project held a study visit in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, bringing together in-company trainers from Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

The visit focused on strengthening ErasmusPro mobility programmes by improving cooperation between education providers and industry partners, while enhancing the quality of work-based learning in vocational education and training (VET).

More than just a formal programme, the study visit began with connection and exchange, as participants shared first impressions and set the foundation for a week built on collaboration, learning, and cross-border cooperation.

Learning through real environments: where education meets industry

From the very first day, the programme moved beyond theory into real-world application. Participants engaged directly with institutions and companies to better understand how vocational education and apprenticeships function in practice.

The study visit included:

• A visit to J. Selye University, exploring academic perspectives on higher education and vocational training integration
• A visit to Windoo s.r.o., gaining insights into how companies engage with learners and structure work-based learning experiences
• A visit to St. Petrus Vini Winery and Vineyard, where participants explored how traditional industries integrate training and skills development in real production environments
• A visit to Súkromná Stredná Odborná Škola, a private vocational secondary school with a strong focus on media studies and innovative, practice-oriented education approaches, showcasing how creative and digital skills are integrated into modern VET learning environments

These visits provided valuable perspectives on how ErasmusPro mobility programmes are implemented at the intersection of education and industry.

Strengthening ErasmusPro through collaboration and exchange

Throughout the study visit, in-company trainers exchanged practices and explored how different countries approach apprenticeships, dual education systems, and mobility programmes.

Key discussions focused on:

• How companies support and integrate international learners in VET systems
• The role of employers in shaping effective work-based learning pathways
• Improving the quality and consistency of ErasmusPro mobility experiences
• Strengthening collaboration between education institutions and industry partners

The exchange highlighted that successful vocational education and training relies on strong partnerships between all actors involved in the learning process.

Building stronger European VET mobility systems

The AVETE study visit in Slovakia demonstrated the importance of direct engagement between educators, trainers, and industry representatives in improving European VET mobility systems.

By bringing together professionals from multiple countries, the project fosters knowledge exchange, capacity building, and shared understanding of best practices in vocational education.

Through initiatives like AVETE, ErasmusPro mobility programmes continue to evolve into more structured, impactful, and industry-relevant learning experiences.