Content of the module
3.1 Meaning of policy and governance in the integration of green elements in VET training provision
Policy and governance in the management of green elements in VET training provision refers to the design, implementation and regulation of policies and management structures that promote the integration of green or sustainable elements within VET training programmes.
In a world increasingly oriented towards environmental sustainability, educational institutions and vocational training programmes are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of providing skills related to sustainability and the environment. Policies and governance in this context are the key tools to ensure that these competences are effectively and consistently integrated into training curricula.
Resource: Freepik
In summary, policies and governance in the management of 'green' elements in vocational training are key to ensuring that future professionals are adequately prepared to face the challenges related to sustainability and the environment in their field of work.
3.2 Policy and Governance Components in the Introduction of Green Elements in VET Institutions
POLICY
- Strategic Planning
VET institutions are required to develop a clear and defined policy for the integration of green elements into their programmes. This may include specific targets for sustainability education and training in sustainable technologies and practices.
- Inter-institutional collaboration
Policies should foster collaboration between training institutions, companies, environmental organisations and other stakeholders in order to arrive at more comprehensive training programmes relevant to the needs of the sector.
- Incentives and funding
Policies should include incentives for VET training institutions that develop green-oriented programmes, through public funding or tax breaks.
Resource: Freepik
GOVERNANCE
- Curriculum development
VET training institutions need to review and adapt their curricula to include skills related to sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy and other green practices.
- Teacher training
Teachers should be trained to transfer the skills and knowledge needed for a sustainable economy.
- Infrastructure and resources
Institutions must invest in the necessary infrastructure and resources to support green education, including workshops for hands-on learning of sustainable technologies and digital resources for distance learning.
- Monitoring and evaluation
An effective governance system must include monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness of green education programmes with a view to continuous improvement and updating to changing needs.
- Stakeholder involvement
Governance must involve stakeholders, such as businesses and environmental organisations, in the design of training programmes to ensure programmes are aligned with industry needs and labour market realities.
3.3 E-governance policies and management of green elements
The combination of e-governance policies and management of green elements in VET provision is an innovative and sustainable approach to address the challenges related to the environment and VET.
E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the efficiency, transparency, participation and accountability of an organisation's management. In the context of VET training, e-governance can be used to streamline administrative processes, increase access to online training materials, facilitate communication between students and instructors, and monitor outcomes by collecting and analysing data on training and student performance.
Source: Unsplash
3.4 Benefits of incorporating e-governance policies in the management of green elements in VET training provision
The incorporation of e-governance policies in the management of "green" elements in VET provision has the following advantages:
- Access and Flexibility
as digital technologies allow learners to access training materials from anywhere and at any time, promoting flexibility in studying and learning.
- Reduced environmental impact
as the adoption of 'green' practices in vocational training helps to develop skills and environmental awareness among students for a more sustainable future.
- Traceability and Monitoring
since the use of digital tools allows the collection and analysis of training participation data and students' performance and involvement in environmental issues.
- Participation and Involvement
as online platforms facilitate student participation in discussions, collaborative projects and activities related to the environment, encouraging active involvement.
- Administrative Efficiency
as administrative processes such as student registration, assessment management and distribution of teaching materials can be simplified and automated.
Resource: Freepik
VET educational institutions and government authorities must engage in the implementation of e-governance processes by adopting online learning platforms, designing training programmes with a focus on sustainability and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility.
To successfully address this crucial step, it is crucial to allocate resources and training to teachers and staff to adapt to this new mode of teaching and management.