Project Title: Qualified Vocational High School through My European Internship
Project Number: 2020-1-TR01-KA102-085477
Project Owner: Batman Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School
Project Partner (Germany): ARDA Beratung & Bildung GmbH
Number of Participants: 12
 

Project Overview

The Erasmus+ project "Qualified Vocational High School through My European Internship" was designed to address the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the field of chemical technology and related industries in Turkey. Its primary goal was to equip students and teachers from Batman Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School (Batman MTAL) with the practical experience and technical competencies necessary to meet international standards.

Through internships and professional training programs in Germany, students and teachers had the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories and industrial facilities, gaining direct exposure to European work standards, technological advancements, and best practices in the field.

ARDA’s Role in the Project

As the project’s German partner, ARDA Beratung & Bildung GmbH was responsible for organizing and managing the German segment. With extensive experience in international vocational training programs, ARDA played a crucial role in facilitating:

1. Coordination of Student Internships in Germany

A key component of the project was hands-on training in Germany, enabling students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a professional industrial setting.

• Internship at TÜV Rheinland, Berlin
  • From May 16 to June 5, 2021, five students completed an internship at TÜV Rheinland in Berlin.
  • The focus was on water analysis parameters and techniques, including:
    • Sensory, physical, chemical, radiological, and microbiological water analysis.
    • Using advanced laboratory equipment under the supervision of industry professionals.
  • The internship allowed students to develop technical expertise and gain valuable insight into quality control and environmental analysis at an international level.

2. Professional Development for Teachers in Germany

To ensure long-term benefits for vocational education, teachers participated in specialized training programs to modernize their teaching methodologies.

• Training Providers in Germany:

  • Bayer - Schering AG
  • Berlin Chemie AG
  • Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM)

• Training Topics Included:

  • Introduction to innovative chemical and environmental analysis technologies.
  • Modern teaching methodologies for vocational and technical education.
  • Best practices in European vocational training for curriculum development.
  • Quality assurance in vocational education and industry collaboration.

Teachers gained firsthand experience in high-tech industrial environments, allowing them to incorporate European standards and new teaching approaches into their school’s curriculum.

3. Cultural and Language Integration

In addition to technical training, the program emphasized cultural and linguistic preparation to ensure smooth adaptation to the international work environment.

• Language support and intercultural communication workshops
• Seminars on workplace adaptation and European business culture
• Cultural excursions to deepen understanding of professional and social environments in Germany

These activities enhanced the soft skills of students and teachers, strengthening their adaptability, teamwork, and intercultural awareness.

Key Outcomes and Impact

With ARDA’s coordination in Germany, the project achieved significant and lasting results:

• Enhanced Technical Skills for Students

  • Students gained practical knowledge in advanced water analysis techniques, significantly improving their job prospects and professional competencies.
  • Exposure to international standards and working environments helped prepare them for careers in both local and global industries.

• Professional Development for Teachers

  • Teachers incorporated modernized teaching methods based on European best practices.
  • The quality of vocational training at Batman MTAL was elevated through updated course content and new laboratory practices.

• Stronger Employability and Global Readiness

  • Students returned with highly competitive qualifications, enhancing their opportunities in the national and international labor markets.
  • Their ability to work within international industrial standards was significantly improved.

• Increased Awareness of European Values and Intercultural Competence

  • Participants developed a stronger understanding of European vocational education, multilingualism, and workplace diversity.
  • The experience fostered greater confidence, adaptability, and motivation among students and teachers alike.

• Strengthened Local and International Partnerships

  • The project facilitated stronger collaborations between vocational schools, industries, and research institutions in Turkey and Germany.
  • These partnerships laid the groundwork for future training programs and joint educational initiatives.
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Sustainability and Future Prospects

The project established a robust foundation for ongoing international vocational training programs. ARDA remains committed to enhancing vocational education in Turkey and Europe, ensuring that the knowledge gained through this initiative continues to benefit future students and educators.

Planned Future Actions:

• Expansion of internship opportunities to additional technical disciplines.
• Establishment of a mentoring program to support vocational students and educators.
• Development of a digital platform for international knowledge-sharing.
• Implementation of follow-up Erasmus+ projects with extended scope and participation.

Through the successful execution of this project, a major step has been taken toward modernizing vocational education in Turkey, aligning it more closely with European quality standards and industry needs.