BLUE KEP

The BLUE KEP project was implemented between 2018 and 2019 in Croatia and Italy. Building on the results of an earlier project (called KEPASS), it sought to deepen cooperation between vocational secondary schools in the Adriatic region. In addition to increasing cross-border mobility for students and teachers, the project aimed to coordinate vocational training systems related to the shipping and maritime sectors, harmonize curricula, and develop mutual recognition of students’ professional qualifications.

A total of 12 accredited schools from the regions/counties of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (IT), Marche (IT), Istria (HR), Split-Dalmatia (HR) and Šibenik-Knin (HR) are involved in the cooperation. The educational institutions adopted cooperation agreements that serve as a basis for new training programs and the cross-border recognition of credits earned. During the project, the partners learned about the differences between the education systems of the two countries and provided internship opportunities for 38 students (+27 teachers), whose qualifications were certified according to EU standards. In addition, 43 teachers had the opportunity to make proposals for the organization of cross-border exchange programs and the development of domestic recognition of qualifications obtained in other countries.

Thanks to the project, the links between the (accredited) vocational secondary schools involved in the cooperation were strengthened, cooperation agreements were adopted for the recognition of curricula and credits acquired, and internship programs were launched at companies related to shipping and maritime affairs. Although the development has so far focused on maritime-related training, the agreement can be extended to other sectors (e.g. tourism, healthcare, hospitality, etc.) by fine-tuning the cooperation.