SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONThe system will then check for the email information with the specified one, if they match an email will be sent for registration validation. When

Funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union.

However, European Commission and Turkish National Agency cannot be held responsible for any use which

may be made of the information contained therein.

S O F T W A R E R E Q U I R E M E N T S S P E C I F I C A T I O N

e V E T ( O N L I N E V O C A T I O N A L E D U C A T I O N A N D T R A I N I N G

P L A T F O R M )

Project Number | 2017-1-TR01-KA202-046541

Project Coordinator

The Governorship of Istanbul

GOI

Partners

Bogazici University

BOUN

Euregio-

Berufsbildung e.V.

EBEV

Universita Degli

Studi Guglielmo

Marconi –

Telematica

MARCONI

Ortakoy Zubeyde

Hanim Mesleki ve

Teknik Anadolu

Lisesi

OZHMTAL

Page | i

Table of Contents

Revision History ....................................................................................................................... ii

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Document Conventions ........................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions ......................................................................... 1 1.4 Product Scope ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.5 References ............................................................................................................................... 2

2. Overall Description ............................................................................................................ 2 2.1 Product Perspective ................................................................................................................. 2 2.2 Product Functions ................................................................................................................... 3 2.3 User Classes and Characteristics ............................................................................................. 4 2.4 Operating Environment ........................................................................................................... 4 2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints ................................................................................. 4 2.6 User Documentation ............................................................................................................... 5 2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies .............................................................................................. 5

3. External Interface Requirements ..................................................................................... 5 3.1 User Interfaces ........................................................................................................................ 5 3.2 Hardware Interfaces ................................................................................................................ 5 3.3 Software Interfaces ................................................................................................................. 5 3.4 Communications Interfaces..................................................................................................... 6

4. System Features ................................................................................................................. 7 4.1 Registration ............................................................................................................................. 8 4.2 Login ....................................................................................................................................... 8 4.3 Edit Profile .............................................................................................................................. 9 4.4 Search ...................................................................................................................................... 9 4.5 Get Help ................................................................................................................................ 10 4.6 Create an Agreement ............................................................................................................. 10 4.7 Accept an Agreement ............................................................................................................ 11 4.8 Follow up an Agreement ....................................................................................................... 11 4.9 Rate an Institution ................................................................................................................. 12 4.10 Create Training Request........................................................................................................ 12 4.11 Manage Users ........................................................................................................................ 13 4.12 Manage Useful Files ............................................................................................................. 13 4.13 Get Report ............................................................................................................................. 14

5. Other Nonfunctional Requirements ............................................................................... 15 5.1 Performance Requirements ................................................................................................... 15 5.2 Safety Requirements ............................................................................................................. 15 5.3 Security Requirements .......................................................................................................... 15 5.4 Software Quality Attributes .................................................................................................. 16

6. Other Requirements ........................................................................................................ 16

Appendix A: Internet Research ............................................................................................ 16

Appendix B1: Interview with Turkish VET Providers ...................................................... 33

Appendix B2: Interview with German VET Providers ...................................................... 51

Appendix B3: Interview with Italian VET Providers ......................................................... 70

Appendix C: Zero level Data Flow Diagram ....................................................................... 73

Appendix D: ER Diagram ..................................................................................................... 74

Page | ii

Revision History

Name Date Reason For Changes Version

Birgul Kutlu

Bayraktar

31.1.2018 Created 1.0

Birgul Kutlu

Bayraktar

30.4.2018 German interviews added 2.0

Birgul Kutlu

Bayraktar, Meltem

Ozturan, Mustafa

Gulsoy, Aysun

Bozanta

20.05.2018 Italian interview added

External interface requirements and system

features extended

3.0

Birgul Kutlu

Bayraktar, Meltem

Ozturan, Aysun

Bozanta

14.06.2018 According to W2 meeting, use cases are

updated.

4.0

Page | 1

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

eVET is an online vocational education and training (VET) platform on which VET providers

(VET schools, workplaces, governmental organizations) can connect and collaboratively

develop KA1 VET projects. It aims to eliminate the barriers in VET mobility projects for VET

learners and staff through providing an environment in which VET schools and workplaces can

develop VET mobility projects in a more effective and efficient way. eVET is a single system.

1.2 Document Conventions

Any standards or typographical conventions are not followed when writing this SRS.

1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions

This document is prepared for the project managers, developers, and testers. In remaining parts

of the document, overall description of the platform, external interface requirements, system

features, and nonfunctional requirements will be explained respectively.

1.4 Product Scope

eVET is an online VET platform on which VET providers (VET schools, workplaces,

governmental organizations) can connect and collaboratively develop KA1 VET projects. The

VET providers will specify their criteria to find the most suitable VET providers to arrange

vocational education and training opportunities for the learners and the staff. This platform is

prepared for the VET providers in any Erasmus+ Programme countries.

In order to determine, product scope, and product functions, detailed Internet research

(Appendix A) was performed and interviews (Appendices B1, B2 and B3) were conducted with

different VET providers. This preliminary investigation have been very helpful to improve this

document and also the requirement analysis.

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For Internet research, similar platforms - eTwinning and ErasmusIntern were searched.

eTwinning platform is for schools only and there are no workplaces involved. On the other

hand, in ErasmusIntern platform there are university students and workplaces. Students try to

find internship opportunities and workplaces try to find interns. However, eVET project will

bring together all VET providers to contact each other and develop KA1 VET projects.

Interviews were conducted with both VET providers which have not developed KA1 projects

and VET providers which have developed KA1 projects. Therefore, their needs and problems

that they encounter before were determined and solutions are included in this project.

1.5 References

Karl E. Wiegers, 2001. Permission is granted to use, modify, and distribute.

https://web.cs.dal.ca/~hawkey/3130/srs_template-ieee.doc

2. Overall Description

2.1 Product Perspective

eVET platform is a new, innovative, and self-contained product. Context level diagram of the

project can be found in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. Context Level DFD

2.2 Product Functions

• Non-registered users may register to the system.

• Non-registered users may search to the system.

• Registered VET Providers may login to the system.

• Registered VET Providers may create a profile over the system.

• Registered VET Providers and non-registered users may search over the system.

• Registered VET Providers and non-registered users may display the list of institutions

over the system.

• Registered VET Providers may display useful tips, project example and contract

example over the system.

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• Registered VET Providers may sign an agreement over the system, accept an agreement

and follow up.

• Registered VET Providers may rate other institutions.

• Registered VET Providers may create a certificate for learners and staff.

• Administrator may add/update/delete the registered VET Providers.

• Administrator may add/update/delete useful tips.

• Administrator may add/update/delete project examples.

• Administrator may add/update/delete contract example.

• Administrator may get reports from the system.

Zero level data flow diagram can be found in Appendix C. ER diagram can be found in

Appendix D.

2.3 User Classes and Characteristics

Registered VET Providers: VET schools, workplaces, governmental organizations. Schools

include students and instructors. VET schools, workplaces, and governmental organizations

may send students or instructors for vocational educational trainings. VET schools,

workplaces, and governmental organizations may also provide vocational educational trainings

for students and instructors.

Non-registered users: Any user who have not registered. Non-registered users may only search

for VET providers via platform.

2.4 Operating Environment

eVET platform will operate on the latest versions of Google Chrome (Chrome 2018), Mozilla

Firefox (version 59.0.1), and Internet Explorer (version 11). Users will be able to use the

platform using desktop and laptop computers, and mobile devices.

2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints

There are no design and implementation constraints.

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2.6 User Documentation

User guide template is prepared (UDD_Evet.doc). User manuals, frequently asked questions

and feedback via e-mail will be provided by the system.

2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies

• All VET Providers have to get PIC number for registration.

• All VET Providers have internet connection and internet browser.

• There will be no server latencies.

• The security attacks will be avoided as soon as possible.

• All governmental regulations will be considered by the system.

• VET Providers will join to the system.

• PIC number authorization API will work without any error and latency. Once the

authorization is attained, the institution will be marked as “authorized” in the database.

3. External Interface Requirements

3.1 User Interfaces

• Inputs will be entered via standard web controls such as combo box, check box, text

box, calendar, etc.

• European Union Logos and the disclosure text should be included in every page.

• Navigation and acceptance will be handled with buttons.

Interface designs can be found in UDD document.

3.2 Hardware Interfaces

Web or mobile browsers will be used to access to the platform.

3.3 Software Interfaces

The platform communicates with the PIC number API in order to validate PIC numbers while

registration procedures. The communication between the database and the platform consists of

operation concerning both reading and modifying the data. Frameworks will be used for user

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interfaces. Profile information will be gathered using web forms. PHP will be used to access

the database, to validate the input, and to retrieve/display the results.

3.4 Communications Interfaces

The system will use TCPIP protocol for communication, SMTP protocol for email and HTTP

protocol for website. User form data will be transferred using HTTP-POST method and search

data will be transferred using HTTP-GET method. Password data will be encrypted. PIC

number authorization will be made over PIC number API, which is provided by European

Commission.

Page | 7

4. System Features

Figure 2. Use Case Diagram

Page | 8

4.1 Registration

4.1.1 Description and Priority

Non-registered users are required to register to perform the “login” function. This feature

is high priority.

4.1.2 Stimulus/Response Sequences

“Register” button/link click: Register data form will be displayed.

“Submit” button click: Register data will be validated, error messages will be displayed as

labels or dialog boxes, successful registration will forward the user to user main page.

4.1.3 Functional Requirements

REQ-1: Non-registered user has to enter the PIC number. System will check the PIC

number from its own database. If the PIC number is already registered, system will direct

the user to the “login” module (4.2). If not, system will connect to the PIC number

authorization and check if this PIC number exists. If PIC number is valid, system will ask

for related profile and password information. The system will then check for the email

information with the specified one, if they match an email will be sent for registration

validation. When the email is replied, the registration process will end. If PIC number is

not authorized then the system will display a related message to tell the user to get a PIC

number.

4.2 Login


Registered VET providers are required to login in order to perform functions “create a

profile”, “create a contract”, “rate an institution” and “get help”. This feature is high priority

for registered VET providers and low priority for non-registered users.


“Login” button/link click: Login data form will be displayed.

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“Submit” button click: Login data will be checked for correctness, error messages will be

displayed as labels or dialog boxes, successful login will forward the user to user main

page.


REQ-2: User will enter the PIC number and the password. System will check the PIC

number and the password from its database and according to the result, either and error

message will be displayed or the user will be forwarded to user main page.

4.3 Edit Profile


Registered VET providers may edit their profiles by giving the detailed information about

their institution. This feature is medium priority.


“Edit profile” button/link click: Profile data form will be displayed.

“Save” button click: After data validations the edited profile data will be stored to the

database and a message will be displayed.


REQ-3: User will edit the profile data form. System will check the data for database

constraints such as data length, data type and format. If the data is wrong an error message

will be displayed. If the data is correct, the data will be stored in the database and a message

will be displayed for successful completion of the save operation.

4.4 Search


Registered VET Providers or non-registered users may search over system by entering

filtering criteria. This feature is high priority.


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“Search” button/link click: Entered search text will be used as filter criteria and the result

will be displayed.


REQ-4: User will enter search text into the search textbox and click search button. System

will create an SQL statement using the search text, connect to the database, run the SQL

command and display the result as a list item.

4.5 Get Help


Registered VET providers can get help from the system. This feature is low priority.


“Download” button/link click: The system will download the selected document to user’s

computer.

“Useful tips” button/link click: Useful tips will be displayed.


REQ-5: Registered VET provider will select one of the document types (project example,

contract example, certificate example) and click “download” button. System will download

the selected document to the folder specified by the user on user’s computer.

REQ-6: Registered VET provider will click “useful tips” button. System will display the

useful tips as a list item.

4.6 Create an Agreement


Registered VET providers may create an agreement over system by entering necessary

information. This feature is medium priority.


“Create an Agreement” button/link click: The system will display an agreement data form

for the intending registered VET providers.

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“Submit” button/link click: The system will create and store the agreement in the database.


REQ-7: Registered VET provider will click “Create an Agreement” button. System will

display agreement data form. Registered VET provider will enter the necessary data,

especially intended partner/s information and click “Submit” button. The system will create

the agreement and send an email to get approval from each intended partners in order to

finalize the agreement.

4.7 Accept an Agreement


Registered VET providers may accept an agreement over system. This feature is medium

priority.


“Approve” button/link click: Registered VET providers will approve the agreements that

are listed.


REQ-8: Registered VET provider will click “Accept an Agreement” button. System will

display agreements. Registered VET provider will click “Approve” button.

4.8 Follow up an Agreement


Registered VET providers may follow up on an agreement over system. This feature is

medium priority.


“Project Proposed” button/link click: Registered VET providers will specify that a project

is proposed after the agreement.

“Project Accepted” button/link click: Registered VET providers will specify that a

proposed project is accepted.

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“Project Rejected” button/link click: Registered VET providers will specify that a proposed

project is rejected.


REQ-9: Registered VET provider will click “Follow up an Agreement” button. System will

display agreements. Registered VET provider will click “Project Proposed” button if a

project is proposed. Registered VET provider will click “Accept” button if a project is

accepted. Registered VET provider will click “Reject” button if a project is rejected.

4.9 Rate an Institution


Registered VET providers may rate other providers by giving a score out of 5. This feature

is medium priority.


“Rate provider” button/link click: The system will store the rating for the specific provider

and also calculate the average rating.


REQ-10: Registered VET provider will select the provider to rate, enter rating value (1-5)

and click “Rate provider” button. System will store the rating value and also calculate the

average rating for the specific provider.

4.10 Create Training Request


Registered VET providers may create training requests by filling out their training criteria.

This feature is high priority.


“Create training request” button/link click: Training request data form will be displayed.

“Save” button click: After data validations the training request data will be stored to the

database and a message will be displayed.

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REQ-11: User will edit the training request data form. System will check the data for

database constraints such as data length, data type and format. If the data is wrong an error

message will be displayed. If the data is correct, the data will be stored in the database and

a message will be displayed for successful completion of the save operation.

4.11 Manage Users


Administrator may add and edit the registered VET providers. This feature is low priority.


“Add” button/link click: The system will add a provider into the database.

“List Providers” button/link click: The system will list all providers in the database.

“Edit” button/link click: The system will edit the information of providers in the database.

“Delete” button/link click: The system will delete the information of providers from the

database.

“Submit” button/link click: The system will store the edited information into the database.


REQ-12: Administrator will click “Add” button to register a provider. REQ-1 will follow.

REQ-13: Administrator will click “List providers” button and the system will display all

providers as a list item. Administrator will then select a provider and click “Edit” button.

System will display profile information of the provider as editable list. Administrator will

edit necessary information and then click “Submit” button to store the data into the

database.

REQ-14: Administrator will click “List providers” button and the system will display all

providers as a list item. Administrator will then select a provider and click “Delete” button.

The system will delete the data from the database.

4.12 Manage Useful Files


Page | 14

Administrator may add, delete, and edit documents and useful tips. This feature is low

priority.


“Add document/tips” button/link click: System will store documents and tips into the

database.

“List document/tips” button/link click: The system will display documents or tips.

“Edit document/tips” button/link click: The system will edit selected documents and tips.

“Delete document/tips” button/link click: System will delete selected documents and tips.

“Submit” button/link click: The system will end the add/edit operation.


REQ-15: Administrator will click “Add document/tips” button, select document type or tip

item. If document is selected the system will ask the administrator to select the file from

the computer, administrator will select the file and click “Submit” button. The system will

store the document. If tip item is selected, the system will display a textbox to enter the tip,

when “Submit” button is clicked the system will save the tip information.

REQ-16: Administrator will click “List document/tips” button, select the document type or

tip item. The system will display documents or tips as a list item. Administrator will then

select one of the items and click “Edit document/tips” button. If document is selected then

the system will require the new document (REQ-11). If tip item is selected then the system

will display tip information as editable list. Administrator will edit necessary information

and then click “Submit” button to store the data into the database.

REQ-17: Administrator will click “List document/tips” button. The system will display

documents or tips as a list item. Administrator will then select one of the items and click

“Delete document/tips” button. If document is selected then the system will delete the

document. If tip item is selected then the system will delete the tip item.

4.13 Get Report


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Administrator may request customized reports by providing necessary parameters. These

parameters will be defined later. This feature is medium priority.


“Display parameters” button/link click: System will display parameter information for

reporting.

“Get report” button/link click: System will create necessary reports.


REQ-18: Administrator will click “Display parameters” button. The system will display

parameter list. Administrator will select the parameters and click “Get report” button. The

system will then create the report and display on the screen.

5. Other Nonfunctional Requirements

5.1 Performance Requirements

The system will be available for 7/24 hours.

5.2 Safety Requirements

• The failure of safety critical software functions shall be detected, isolated, and

recovered from such that catastrophic and critical hazardous events are prevented from

occurring.

• Software shall provide error handling to support safety critical functions.

• Software shall provide fault containment mechanisms to prevent error propagation.

• Software termination shall result in a safe system state.

5.3 Security Requirements

5.3.1 Confidentiality

• User will register to the system with using their PIC number and each PIC number

will be validated by the PIC number authorization. PIC numbers (publicly available

Page | 16

at https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/register.html)

will be stored in system database.

• Only registered VET providers may access to the useful documents and sign a

contract.

5.3.2 Accountability

• All account modification events shall be logged.

5.4 Software Quality Attributes

Software quality requirements for this platform are:

• Availability: The system will be 7/24 available. Availability will be reported by

web hosting company.

• Usability: System usability will be measured via user surveys.

• Performance: Performance of functions will be tested for timing adequately.

• Functionality: Functionality will be evaluated via user feedbacks from the system.

• Reliability: Security tests will be performed sufficiently.

6. Other Requirements

There is no additional requirement.

Appendix A: Internet Research

Similar platforms are searched for the internet research of the eVET project. eTwinning and

ErasmusIntern are chosen for this purpose.

eTwinning is a platform for staff (teachers, head teachers, librarians, etc.), working in a school

in one of the European countries involved, to communicate, collaborate, develop projects.

eTwinning promotes school collaboration in Europe through the use of Information and

Communication Technologies (ICT) by providing support, tools and services for schools.

Erasmusintern.org is the place where interns and internships meet. University students that

would like to do an internship abroad can have their profiles online, search for internships and

https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/register.html

Page | 17

apply. On the other hand, Companies and Organizations that are offering internships can post

for free their vacancies, search for interns and see if the applications they received are suitable

for the position that they have opened.

eTwinning platform is for staff and there is no workplaces registered to eTwinning. On the

other hand, in ErasmusIntern platform there are university students and workplaces. Students

try to find internship and workplaces try to find interns. However, eVET project will bring

together vocational education schools and workplaces. Vocational education schools will

provide their criteria for finding the workplaces which are suitable for their teachers and

students for training. In addition, workplaces will specify their criteria for finding the interns

who are suitable for their needs. eVET project will provide an opportunity to meet each other’s

needs by matching right institutions. On the other hand, platform will provide useful documents

and hints for preparing a project to these institutions.

Detailed examination of those platforms are presented below.

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eTwinning

https://www.etwinning.net/tr/pub/index.htm

eTwinning offers a platform for staff (teachers, head teachers, librarians, etc.), working in a

school in one of the European countries involved, to communicate, collaborate, develop

projects, share and, in short, feel and be part of the learning community in Europe.

eTwinning promotes school collaboration in Europe through the use of Information and

Communication Technologies (ICT) by providing support, tools and services for schools.

eTwinning also offers opportunities for free and continuing online Professional Development

for educators.

eTwinning was launched in 2005 as the main action of the European Commission’s eLearning

Program, eTwinning has been firmly integrated in Erasmus+, the European program for

Education, Training, Youth and Sport, since 2014. Its Central Support Service is operated by

European Schoolnet, an international partnership of 31 European Ministries of Education

developing learning for schools, teachers and pupils across Europe. eTwinning is further

supported at national level by 38 National Support Services. There are 559620 teachers and

190952 schools who were registered to eTwinning platform. 72020 projects were created in

eTwinning.

How to use eTwinning

First, a user should register to the system. For registration, the following steps should be

completed. After the user completed the registration part, then from “Twinning Live” tab, s/he

may start to use eTwinning.

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1. Pre-registration

For pre-registration, basic information about the user such as;

• name,

• surname,

• country,

• e-mail address,

• username, and

• password is necessary.

2. Complete Registration

After pre-registration, the user should approve its registration by clicking the link coming to

his/her e-mail address. Then, system directs the user to the “complete registration” screen.

There are four section in this screen:

• About Your School

• About Yourself

• Twinning Preferences

• Preview & Validation

2.1 About Your School

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In this part, user chooses country, region, and town, then all registered schools are listed

below and then user choose his/hers. If the school is not in the list, then user can register

a new school.

2.2 About Yourself

After choosing one of the school, then the system directs user to the “about yourself”

part. In this part, you have to answer the following four question:

• What is your role in your school?

• In this school, in which level(s) do you mainly teach (you can select up to two

options)?

• What do you teach?

• Would you like to subscribe to the eTwinning Newsletter?

2.3 Twinning Preferences

In this part there are three mandatory, and one optional question:

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• Briefly describe yourself (interests, why you registered in eTwinning, etc.). This

information will be displayed on your profile for other eTwinners to see. Once

registered, we encourage you to enrich your profile further by clicking on edit

profile when logged in.

• Are you interested in collaborating with teachers from the 7 eTwinning Plus

countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, Republic of Moldova,

Tunisia, Ukraine)?

• Which language(s) do you want to use for communication with other eTwinners

(this might be the language of a potential project)?

• If you are teaching please enter the age range of your pupils. (This question is

optional)

2.4 Preview & Validation

In “Preview & Validation” part, all data that the user was entered will be previewed by

the user and submitted to the system.

After the user completed the full registration, then again s/he confirm the registration by

clicking the link the e-mail coming to his/her e-mail address.

3. eTwinning Live

After registration, from “eTwinning Live” tab, user may start to use the system. There 6 parts

in “eTwinning Live” tab:

• People

• Events

• Projects

• Groups

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• Partner Forum

• Professional Development

3.1 People

The user may use basic search (by typing only keyword, name, place etc.) or extended

search to find people or schools on eTwinning. Extended search criteria are listed

below:

• Role

• Subject

• Type of User

• Vocational Subject

• Country

• Region

• Age Range

• Language

• Interests

If you want, you may send a contact request to the people.

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3.2 Events

Events on eTwinning may be searched by basic search or extended search. Extended

search criteria are listed below:

• Type

• Start Date

• End Date

3.3 Projects

Projects on eTwinning may be searched by basic search or extended search. Extended


• Subject

Page | 24


• Language

• Age Range

• Choosing eTwinning Plus partnership option

After choosing a project, you may display the properties of the project.

3.4 Groups

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Projects on eTwinning may be searched by basic search or extended search. In

addition, users can create a group. Extended search criteria are listed below:

• Subject


• Language

After choosing a group, the user may join group.

3.5 Partner Forums

The user may search related subjects from the partner forums section. Extended


• Subject


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• Forum

• Language

3.6 Professional Development

In this section the user will find all Online Professional development opportunities

eTwinning offers at European level.

• Learning Events are short intense and enjoyable courses that give you an

introduction to a topic, stimulate ideas, helps develop your skills and do not

require a long-term commitment in terms of your time.

• Online Seminars are live video-communication sessions of one hour where

you have the chance to learn, talk and discuss about several themes.

To apply and participate in each of these events click on the name of the event and

follow the instructions.

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ErasmusIntern

https://erasmusintern.org/

Erasmusintern.org is the place where interns and internships meet. Here university students

that would like to do an internship abroad can have their profiles online, search for internships

and apply. On the other hand, companies and organizations that are offering internships can

post for free their vacancies, search for interns and see if the applications they received are

suitable for the position that they have opened.

ErasmusIntern is looking for partners that are international in their outlook, scope and

operations. ErasmusIntern project would like to cooperate with companies and organizations

that see value in having international, multicultural and multilingual teams working together.

Furthermore, ErasmusIntern project is looking for partners that wish to support international

training mobility and educational exchange.

Examples of collaboration possibilities

• If you have a project that you think complements ErasmusIntern and which would

benefit from collaboration

• If you, through advertisement space, look to promote your brands, products and services

to our targeted audience

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• If you’re interested in supporting the project through a donation in exchange of

promotion or other type of acknowledgement in our promotional material, including

publications

• Help ErasmusIntern testing and improving ErasmusIntern

How to use ErasmusIntern

1. Sign Up

For signing up, basic information about the user such as;

• Option to choose looking for an internship or offering an internship

• E-mail

• password

• captcha should be provided.

After that, profile information of the student is entered to the system. Student may enter the

following information:

• Education and Training

• Work Experience

• Languages

• Skills

• Interests

• Projects

• Group and Associations

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• Attachment

2. Internship Search

Advanced search criteria are listed below:

• Degree

• Field of Studies

• Duration

• Compensation

• Commitment

• Language

• Quality Assurance

Page | 31

After the student find the suitable internship, then s/he may display its details and apply to it.

3. Intern Search

Advanced search criteria are listed below:

• Degree

• Sector/Industry

• Field of Study

• Language

• Duration

• Currently Available

• ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Activities

Page | 32

Page | 33

Appendix B1: Interview with Turkish VET Providers

Interview Date : March 6, 2018

Interview Time : 14:30

Interview Place : Cevat Kocak Vocational School

Interviewers : Birgul Kutlu Bayraktar, Meltem Ozturan, Aysun Bozanta

Interviewee : Murat Bulut, Sema Yalcinkaya, neighborhood officer

1. Can you tell us about your school?

This is a mixed school. We have four categories: accounting/finance, office management,

marketing/retail, transportation. Our training program is in the 12th year, 2 days theory – 3

days on the job training per week.

2. What do you think about Erasmus+ mobility program?

It is very important. Especially for cultural exchange. These trips change their visions. %80

of students either entered international companies (such as Google) or are working in other

countries. There is even a student who has performed master’s degree study.

3. Have you prepared any Erasmus+ mobility projects? Did you get any support?

We are preparing for 2018 with a new experienced teacher. We are getting support from a

private company for the writing process.

4. Have you personally were in a mobility project? How did you select students?

Yes, I was involved in a Comenius project that we have traveled to three Europe countries

with 35 students. We had a limited budget of 30.000 EUR. We got support from the

municipality for the airplane tickets. We taught our students English during weekends.

Students are selected by the principal and families were notified, there was not any problem

or complaints. Language translation is performed by teachers.

5. eVET project aims to create a portal for K1 projects. What would you think about that?

Page | 34

• Some countries have prejudice about Turkey. The match should consider this issue. If

we can have a sense of their interest then we would be more willing to create

partnerships.

• It would be valuabe if they can have on-the-job training.

• Logistics is important.

• We can send students for summer training with family approvals but we can not show

these officially and enter into e-school portal.

• Ministry of education has added a functionality on e-school portal that schools enter the

training companies into the system. If there is a negative feedback the company is

banned.

• We select new schools with the audit of department heads.

• If there would be a list of categories and matching companies this would be helpful.

• Government organizations have training budgets and can enter the system (3308

vocational education law, for in country training).

• Municipalities can be included in the system.

Page | 35



Interview Place : Etiler Vocational School


Interviewee : Kazim Sener, Pelin Bella Abolafya

1. We know that you have partnered in 16 Erasmus+ projects. Can you tell us about the project

process?

We are connected to Chase network which is a network of tourism schools. Our students

go to training for periods of 90 days during February-June. This training is accepted by the

Ministry due to special situation of tourism schools. We apply a make-up education

program during winter break. Also students of 10th and 11th grades go to training during

summer. We get parent’s permissions and we do not send any teacher with them. The

schools share the news related to the students traveling.

2. Did you get any support?

Yes, we got support from a private company for the first projects.

3. What are the difficulties that you have encountered?

We had hard time to get long duration visas. Norway asked for working permit and required

for the students to be over 18. Sometimes we used service passports.

4. What do the other countries give as a service?

They give one week of orientation including language, city tours and classes in the schools.

Afterwards, they go to restaurants or hotels.


We work with companies that schools recommend. If the portal has the same operation,

then trust will occur.

Especially hair dressers benefit from this mobility programs.

Page | 36



Interview Place : Levent Vocational School

Interviewers : Birgul Kutlu Bayraktar, Aysun Bozanta

Interviewee : Sevgi Deniz, Sibel Ozyildiz, Ersin Zengin

1. What do you think about Erasmus mobility projects?

We have prepared 3 projects in 2011, 2013 and 2014. Our projects proposals were found

to be successful but were declined due to budget constraints.

2. Did you get any support for the application?

Yes, we got support from a private company for the first project and then we wrote

ourselves. We would continue apllying for more projects.

3. Can you talk a little about your school?

This is a girl’s school that has 3 categories; clothing production, children development,

beauty and hair care. Our training program is in the 12th year, 2 days theory – 3 days on the

job training per week. Most of the parent’s would not accept international travel without a

teacher.


• We only get 20% performance from the trainings. Each category has its own criteria

and work ethics. It would be nice to create these criteria and share from the portal.

• Creating protocols with companies would help.

• Associations and clubs would be beneficial for the portal.

• We would like to make partnerships with related schools and companies.

Page | 37

• Job should be appropriate to the objectives.

• Reliability is important. We would like to know the number of years they have been

giving trainings. We would like to see survey results or ratings if possible.

• Jobs should provide accomodation and language support via translators.

• For the schools asking for job replacement ratio is not a good idea since they either go

to university or do not work at their graduated jobs.

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Interview Date : February 2, 2018


Interview Place : Boğaziçi University

Interviewee : Mustafa Coşkun (Ex VET school teacher – Bahçelievler Osman Yıldız

VET school)

1. Have you written any Erasmus+ projects?

Yes, I have written in 2010, but it was not accepted by Turkish agency. Our partners

continued the project. The aim of the project was for the students to see different laboraties

and educational methods.

2. Why did not you write other Erasmus+ projects?

The system was complicated and we did not go through with that. But I believe it has

changed and got better now.


Not then. But now the City Directorate of Education has a Research Unit consisting of

Erasmus+ experts giving seminars and helping schools to write projects.


Is this for schools since there is a portal called Etwining

(https://www.etwinning.net/tr/pub/index.htm) for collaboration of schools. There is also

Turna (https://turna.ua.gov.tr/turna/Giris.jsp) for electronic project management. And Ecas

(https://ec.europa.eu/sfc/en/tags/ecas) system for fund management. (erasmusintern.org)

5. eVET is not a portal for schools only. This portal will be helping schools and companies

to write common projects. Do you think this would be helpful?

https://www.etwinning.net/tr/pub/index.htm

https://turna.ua.gov.tr/turna/Giris.jsp

https://ec.europa.eu/sfc/en/tags/ecas

Page | 39

Then it will be highly helpful since there is no support for that. In that case my

recommendations for the portal would be:

• A form for requirements analysis including: area, branch, sector, workplace info

(office, field, plant), company type, training type (office, field, plant, etc.), duration

of mobility, time period, number of students/instructors, payment amount, country,

city, age group, gender, language

• School information

• Company information

• Link for support institutions and supporting documents

• Tips for the program (such as language translation support tahat can be added to

projects)

• Two schools can get together and send students to a company therefore the system

should support this

• Using PIC numbers is a good idea and increases the trust for the portal

• Contract examples would be helpful

• Mayorship type rating for companies would be helpful for schools to select

• If in country training places would be included then it would be more beneficiary

• Students may search the companies but it may affect the system speed, maybe it can

be handled by limiting the number of simultaneous unauthorized users

• Google analytics type analytics would help to understand who is using the system

and for which reason

Page | 40



Interview Place : Ortakoy Zubeyde Hanim Vocational School

Interviewers : Birgul Kutlu Bayraktar, Meltem Ozturan, Aysun Bozanta, Mustafa

Gulsoy

Interviewee : Gulden Cevahir, Volkan Ozcan, Zuhal Avcı

1. Can you tell us about your school?

This is a girl’s school. We have four categories: travel/accomodation, graphics/photograph,

clothing production technology, food & beverage. Our training program is in the 12th year,

2 days theory – 3 days on the job training per week. We can not change this program since

different program gradings are not accepted in electonic school system (e-okul).

2. Have you prepared any Erasmus+ mobility projects? Did you get any support?

We have partnership in an Erasmus+ project. We have prepared another one this year and

got support from a private company.

3. Have you personally were in a mobility project? How did you select students?

Yes, I have traveled to Europe for radio and TV program. Because of the budget cuts after

the flight to Portugal we had to travel 11 hours by bus. At first it was only a cultural tour.

When I asked to see companies they took us to a local newspaper. The program should

have a specified agenda.

Students are selected according to their grades. But once an internal exam including

language exam was performed. Families were notified before and there was not any

problem or complaints.

Language translation was from Porteguese to English, there was no Turkish translation.

Page | 41


• Trust is the most important issue. If the schools give refence for the companies it woud

be nice.

• Company should be transparent, we should be able to get necessary information.

• List of model companies related to categories would be helpful.

• The right of the students should be clarified.

• Rating according to the programs would help.

• Language school will be beneficial. Maybe universities or language education

companies can be taken as partners.

• There can be regional audit schools.

• Associations, clubs, or societies can give limited help.

• Teachers can enter the system using school passwords. It is better if students do not

enter the portal.

• For companies or schools number of Erasmus+ projects would be helpful.

We can give you the details of a contact person from Adil Isik. They are open to projects

and training.

AISEC can be investigated for the payments done by Turkish companies to the students

from other countries.

Government organizations may be added to the system.

There is a VET charter.

Companies for training can be found through e-okul.

We can give you our training school criteria that can be used for matching.

School Match Criteria:

Properties that schools look for workplaces

• Corporate identity

• Prestige in the sector and good references

• Personnel experience level for the specific program

• Workplaces with all departments where students can have the necessary

professional competence specified in modular education

• Workplaces that will add to the students’ professional and personal development

• Responsible workplaces that would not see students as pro bono workers and

respect the student and their education

• Workplaces that care for employee benefits and facilitate transportation, work

hours, meals, etc.

• Workplaces easy to access

Student profile that workplaces require

• Ambitious students

• Students with high grades, minimum absenteeism and work responsibility

• Students with advanced communication skills, fit for teamwork and adaptive to

company rules

• Students that are friendly, practical, gives importance to their dressing and

completes the tasks on time

Page | 42



Interview Place : Rustu Akin Vocational School


Interviewee : Meral Benli, Vedat Tufekci, Serhan Kilicak

1. Have you applied for and Erasmus+ mobility project?

We applied for two projects related to photography. For one project they said that the

project was successful but they chose projects with more partners.


Yes, for the second one.

3. What are the difficulties that you have encountered?

Budget cuts are problem. They are letting 1 teacher for 8 students, it was 3 teachers for 15

students before.

4. Did you go to other trainings with other programs?

We went to Germany with Leonardo project for textile production. We visited different

facilities. We have seen that our technology was similar to them. But mobility is very

important for cultural awareness.

5. What are the programs in your school?

Computer technology, arts and design, clothing technology, child development, graph,cs

and photograph. This is a girl’s school. We teach students English. Our training program is

in the 12th year, 2 days theory – 3 days on the job training per week. Students get paid for

12 days with %30 minimum wage (~435 TL).


• Hardest part is to find suitable partners, in that sense this portal would be beneficial.

Page | 43

• Countries and/or companies can be ranked according to categories, such as Germany-

IT or Italy-Arts.

• Country, category, company and gender search would be good.

• Some companies would not like to have students from specific countries, is this is added

onto the system then these companies may not be seen in the search results.

• For the selection of school partners work placement ratio would help.

• Accomodation, translator and guidance is needed.

• Selection of students is hard maybe portal can help with that.

• We can give a list of companies that we send our students for training.

• Travel can be done with the guidance of teachers.

Page | 44

Interview Date : April 6, 2018


Interview Place : Otokoc Automotive Industries

Interviewers : Birgul Kutlu Bayraktar, Meltem Ozturan

Interviewee : Erdal Kemikli

6. Will you briefly introduce your company to us?

Otokoc is an automotive industries company. This company is one of the leaders in Turkey

in automobile retailing, car rental (Avis, Budget and Zipcar), second hand, service and

insurance.

We have students from universities in summer and from high school in winter for training.

We also have part-time students working for us. These interns mostly find us, some via

personal relations. We do not use online career websites.

7. What do you think about Erasmus+ mobility programs?

We have not applied for an Erasmus+ program. But I think it would be beneficial to have

international trainees.

8. Would you plan to apply for a project?

There are 7-8 European countries that we have offices. This program can help us to train

those students and/or people in Turkey and then give them jobs in their home countries.

9. Would you apply for an Erasmus+ project if you get support for partner finding and

writing process?

Page | 45

Since we are not familiar with those programs, it would be difficult to apply for it without

any help or support, so if we can find the support, we may try to apply.

10. eVET project aims to create a portal for schools and workplaces to find partners and

prepare K1 projects.

a. What would you think about this portal? Do you think it may be helpful for you to

write a project?

This portal would make it easy for us to find partners. And also it would be

helpful for preparing the project application.

b. What would you like to see in this portal?

Definitely search for schools and workplaces. Project templates would help

writing process.

c. How would you like to search for a school?

Country, city, expertise area, high school/university.

d. What would help you to select a school that will suit you?

School’s rating in the country may help.

• Logistics is a problem. Partnering with high schools or universities may help to get

accommodation for the visitors.

• We only take responsibility of the students inside the company borders. During off

work hours there may be a need for chaperone teachers.

• For the students under 18 years old we need to check human resources regulations.

Page | 46



Interview Place : Sariyer Municipality


Interviewee : Meltem Gursoy Yangoz, Sevinc Yildirim

(Picture not taken)


As a municipality we work with European schools through sister municipalities. These

schools may be high schools or universities.


We had mobility projects before and highly satisfied. For these projects we would like to

be partners. We take care of all logistic issues. We use our Kilyos social facility for

accomodation. We reserve buses for airport transfers and city tours. We also reserve our

meetings rooms if needed. We communicate with the companies for the placement of the

trainees. For the last project we had trainees for hospital, international relations and

production.

Some of the students had some prejudice about Turkey, but this changed at the end of the

training period. Trainees stayed at student houses, some of them still have communication.

Outgoing trainees had tremendous impact for their vision, 4 of them are receiving education

in Aachen Technical University.

They had travel insurances. We as a government office could not give them any money but

the companies have provided allowances.

The communication language was English. All the units provided English speaking

personnel. The trainees coming to Turkey had Turkish lessons an hour per week.

13. We know that you have partnered in an Erasmus+ project.

a. Can you tell us about the project preparation process?

We did not prepare the project, we entered into the project as a partner.

b. Did you face any problems during this process? If yes, what are they?

N/A

c. Did you get any professional support for the Erasmus+ project application?

N/A

14. If your application was accepted, what were the difficulties that you have encountered

during the mobility project?

We did not have problems. We have been a bridge for companies and schools.

15. Are you planning to write other Erasmus+ projects? If not, why?

We decided to be partners in Erasmus+ projects.



Page | 47


write a project?

This portal would make it easy for us to find partners. And also it would be

helpful for preparing the project application.


Search for schools and workplaces.


Country, city, municipality, high school/university.


Their willingness is important. Partnering organizations can do the rating of the

training companies and/or participants. We did not have trust issues since all of

the trainees were over 18 years old. But normally for participants under 18 years

old family consents are required.

• Train the trainer events should be encouraged.

• Communication with high schools is not easy because this requires permissions

from city/municipality national education directorate.

Page | 48



Interview Place : Polat Renaissance Hotel


Interviewee : Aytekin Karayaka

(Picture not taken)


We are a 5-star hotel with 213 rooms. We take national and international trainees all around

the year. Trainees work in 3 areas; front office, service and kitchen. They usually come in

March and stay for 4 months. We have offered full time jobs to some of them. We normally

get 18+ trainees. For national trainees we pay 2/3 of minimum wage but we pay around

750 EUR/month for international trainees.


We have not applied for an Erasmus+ program. We have participated in some projects,

such as Leonardo, as training bodies. We worked with Etiler Vocational High School and

they took care of accommodation. We were very happy with the program and interaction

was amazing.

19. Would you plan to apply for a project?

We may think about it, but entering to a project as a partner would suit us better.

20. Would you apply for an Erasmus+ project if you get support for partner finding and

writing process?

If we can find the support, we may try to apply for it.




write a project?

This portal would be very beneficial for companies.


We would like to search for schools and workplaces. Governmental accreditation

will make it easier for us to decide.


School type and expertise is a must. Other than that country and city would be

useful.


Feedbacks from previous projects would help us.

• Accommodation is very important for us since we can not give them

accommodation. Partnering for accommodation should be available.

• Working permit is very easy to get from Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social

Security e-portal. The only issue is what happens when trainees coming with

working permits but do not work? A solution should be found for this.

Page | 49



Interview Place : Schenker Arkas Nakliyat ve Tic. A.Ş.


Interviewee : Cigdem Capa Karahaliloglu

(Picture not taken)


DB Schenker which has been established in 1872 in Vienna entered the Turkish market in

1889, and became partners with Arkas in 1995. Schenker Arkas currently operates in many

different fields, including logistics services integrating sea, land, rail and air transportation,

as well as agency services, ship operations, port operations, bunkering, automotive,

insurance services, information systems and cruise tourism. Schenker Arkas Holding

currently has 60 offices, 14 in Turkey and 22 in other countries. Schenker Arkas employs

6,500 people in Turkey and outside of Turkey in 64 different companies.

We have trainee agreements with mostly universities and some high schools. We look for

trainess from several departments such as, human resources, logistics, accounting, etc.

Trainees from West Africa has been the most fruitful ones and after trainings we hired

them.

We would like to get 18+ trainees, getting them working permit is hard for us.


We had mobility projects before and happy about the cultural interaction.


d. Can you tell us about the project preparation process?

We did not prepare the project, we entered into the project as a partner.

e. Did you face any problems during this process? If yes, what are they?

N/A

f. Did you get any professional support for the Erasmus+ project application?

N/A



We did not have problems.


We may plan for high school trainees that we would like to hire in specific countries.




write a project?

I believe it would be helpful for finding partners and correct trainees.


Page | 50

Search function and project preparation documents availability.


Firstly, according to sectoral compatibility. Secondly, city and high

school/university/company. Lastly, previous project references.


We would prefer 18+ and university students because of the trust issues.

Page | 51

Appendix B2: Interview with German VET Providers

Interview questions for schools

that have applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (Berufskolleg Jülich)

1. Will you please briefly introduce your school and give the list of the programs in your

school?

The Berufskolleg Jülich is one of the vocational colleges of the Düren district and cooperates

with around 430 training companies, including the Forschungszentrum Jülich and the

Mechatronics Center of the German Armee. The Berufskolleg Jülich has about 1600 pupils,

who are taught by about 80 teachers. Organizationally, it is divided into a full-time and a

part-time school. In the full-time area the following qualifications can be achieved:

• Middle school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) • Academic part of the

Fachhochschulreife • General higher education entrance qualification - focus on business

administration.

In the part-time area (dual system) the following training courses are offered: • Automotive

merchants • Office management merchants • merchants in wholesale and foreign trade •

dental assistant • Specialist in the food industry / bakery • Plant mechanic for sanitary,

heating and air conditioning technology • Industrial mechanic • Automotive mechatronics •

Machine and plant operators • Agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics and

Carpenter.

The students of the add-on qualification Euregio Competence in the Höhere Handelsschule

(Higher Commercial School) complete their three-week Euregio Competence work

placement in various companies in Maastricht (NL). Students having opted for this additional

qualification have Dutch lessons every week during the two-year course. The lessons focus

on everyday situations and customer contact. Moreover, lessons on politics and economics let

them become familiar with living and working conditions in the neighbouring countries.

After all, the Euregio is a potential labour market. The work placement during the pre-Xmas

season, which is supported by Erasmus+, certainly is the highlight of the students’ time at

Berufskolleg Jülich. Most companies offering placements come from the retail trade where

there are ample speaking opportunies, so that a fast improvement of language skills is

guaranteed.

Page | 52

In their Spanish host country, the group of automotive mechatronics technicians will be able

to experience the local job training first-hand. The Spanish vocational-school lessons and the

work at a Spanish car dealer’s will give the students a valuable insight into the job

environment of an automotive mechatronics technician in the host country.


Good opportunity for schools with sufficient funding, long lead, determination on number

of mobilities two years earlier impractical, user-friendly mobility tool.

3. We know that you have managed/partnered an Erasmus+ project application;

a. Can you tell us about the project preparation process

Project application;

Preparation of the students (Linguistic / Intercultural);

Information from parents, students;

Search for hosting organizations, job interviews, booking accommodation.


The willingness of companies to take on one or more trainees is the basic requirement;

Here is a lot of persuasion necessary because three weeks are very short. In addition,

the low level of language proficiency of students (A1-A2) makes it difficult to use

them in the company.


Yes, EU office of the district government Cologne.

4. If your application was accepted;

a. How did you select the students and/or the staff for the mobility project?

-For NL by registering the pupils who have chosen the additional qualification. In

addition, the students must also have the appropriate basic knowledge of the language.

-For Spain: After performance and lot.

-Staff: The Netherlands: Students are accompanied by the Dutch language teachers.

Spain: a tandem of automotive mechatronics teacher and Spanish teacher visit

the students in the companies at half time.

Page | 53

b. What are the difficulties that you have encountered during your mobility project

travel?

Intensive accompaniment of students necessary, partly high grand of independence.

c. What were the services that were given to you during your mobility project travel?

?

5. Have you personally been in a mobility project and/or gone to other trainings with other

programs? If yes, can you tell us about your experiences/opinions about them?

I have accompanied the students to Maastricht and also visited them there during their

stay.


Definitely.



a. What would you think about this portal? Do you think it may be helpful?

Yes, but I'm not sure if companies agree. This is especially true for small businesses

with high employee turnover. The administrative burden must be reduced to a

minimum for the companies.

b. What would like to see in this portal? (search function, project templates, etc.

Sorted by sectors, periods.

c. How would you like to search for a workplace? (country based, job area based,

rating based, etc.)

Here the personal contact between teacher and employees is the basis for creating

trust.

d. What would help you to select a workplace that will suit you? (Credentials, trust,

references, etc.)

Existing positive experiences of other schools, interns

An experienced internship supervisor at the company as a permanent contact person.

Page | 54


that have not applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project


school?

Our Vocational College for Business and Administration is both a school partner in the

dual vocational training system as well as provider of various full-time school forms

and a technical school for economics with different emphases.


We know the program very well, but we have focused our work on international support

classes, which are mostly refugees or asylum seekers. This work claims a lot.

We carry out activities outside the school (local museums, city library, town hall,

shopping together on the market, etc.). Classes are full-time, five days a week.

3. Are you planning to write Erasmus+ projects? If not, why?

No, for reasons mentioned under point 2, because our teacher resources are fully

utilized.

4. Would you apply for an Erasmus+ project if you get support for the partnership finding

and writing process?

Not even because there are no more teachers' capacities for projects and other activities.

5. Do you think student and/or staff selection, or parent approval would be a problem for

the mobility project?

We cannot judge.

6. Have you personally been in a mobility project? Did you go to other trainings with

other programs? If yes, “What are the difficulties that you have encountered during

Page | 55

your mobility project travel?” and “What were the services that were given to you

during your mobility project travel?”

No




write a project?

For most VET schools this is certainly very helpful.

b. What would like to see in this portal? (search function, project templates, etc.)

We would like project proposals to be broadly worded.


rating based, etc.)

Job area based.


references, etc.)

Trust and references.

Page | 56

Interview questions for companies

that have applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (Dachser)

2. Will you please briefly introduce your company to us?

The DACHSER business model includes transport logistics, warehousing and customized

services within two business segments: DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Air

& Sea Logistics. Cross-business services such as DACHSER Contract Logistics and

consulting as well as industry-specific solutions for the chemical and DIY industries

complete the offering. DACHSER Food Logistics also offers efficient transport logistics for

the food industry.


Vocational training is a high priority for us. As the logistics industry demands

committed employees with in-depth expertise and social skills, we have created a large

number of skilled apprenticeship positions in each of these areas. As a family business

with more than 24,900 employees worldwide, we offer a professional preparation for a

diverse professional world and be able to insist on the European labor market. That is

why we practice international exchange and thus the

Erasmus + Program.



Regardless of whether the land transport by truck, warehousing, air and sea freight

or IT interest - with us everyone has the opportunity, depending on their talents and

skills, to find a suitable mobility.

Oure experts advise all apprentices during their entire training.


no

Page | 57


yes , of the IHK Aachen (Chamber of Comerce and Industry) and their mobility

advisor



There are always very few difficulties, as every year we send apprentices for

exchange to countries where we have our branches, which in turn cooperate with

the state-owned companies


As always every year, on a voluntary basis



a. What would you think about this portal ? Do you think it may be helpful?

certainly very helpful for companies that have little or no experience with

exchange projects. We do not have the problems.


to see who is looking for partners and which training profile do the partners offer

c. How would you like to search for a school? (country based, job area based, rating

based, etc.)

look for countries where we have our business relations

d. What would help you to select a school that will suit you? (Credentials, trust,

references, etc.)

We would rely more on references, especially from our partners they we know

Page | 58


that have applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (Ericsson)


L. M. Ericsson (Ericsson) is a Swedish company based in Stockholm. Mobile

technology, Internet and multimedia communications and telecommunications are the core

business. Developments in these areas are primarily aimed at companies, network operators

and service providers.

Ericsson has been present in Germany since 1950. In 1955 they settled in Dusseldorf, where

the headquarters of Ericsson is still in Germany today. Furthermore, a research and

development center in Herzogenrath has belonged to the group since 1991; this in turn had

until the end of 2010 an offshoot directly in neighboring Aachen.


The company offers an exciting international environment in which one gets the

opportunity to develop freely. As a global company, we provide the right foundation

for the foundation to operate internationally. The multitude of nationalities

represented at Ericsson help to develop and expand intercultural experiences by

offering the company the Erasmus + program as an additional supporting measure.



we give only the informations about the Erasmus+ on our apprentices, the rest of

the preparation make the mobility adviser from the IHK Aachen.

We have not the time to do the preparations in our company. We use support

and do that by the IHK Aachen (Chamber of Commerce and Industry),


no


yes , from the IHK Aachen and their mobility advisor

Page | 59



Writing correspondence with national agencies, reports and justifications, finding

evidence of financial outlay, a proper selection of partners in other countries, etc.


Only if we find suitable and motivated people and appropriate partners who are

also motivated




very useful.


Project templates, references from partners


based, etc.)

job area based


references, etc.)

trust and references

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that have not applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (Handwerkskammer Aachen)


The Handwerkskammer Aachen (Chamber of skilled Crafts and Trades Aachen) is a

corporation of puplic law representing the interests of its local member companies in the

crafts and trades sector on all levels of economic, political and social life. The Chamber of

skilled crafts and trades holds contacts with relevant public bodies, institutions and

associations to fulfill the representation of the interest of the local craft sector and it plays an

important part in the process of legislation and rules regarding the craft sector and its

companies. The mission of the Chamber of skilled crafts and trades is to set a framework for

a successful economic activity for its member companies enableing a continous increase of

performance. The Chamber of skilled crafts and trades was furthermore given numerous

sovereign tasks by the state to fulfill such as administrating the register of craftsmen or the

index of trainee conditions, establishing regulations for the vocational training, monitoring

trainee workshops or handling examinations for master craftmen certificates. Besides the

Chamber of skilled crafts and trades is a modern service center offering a broad range of

services and consultance and also training in contionous and further education to its member

companies. Since 2009 a mobility coach completes the range of the service center promoting

mobility among trainees and companies of the local craft sector offering consultance and

support in the field of mobility within the vocational education and training.


The Erasmus+ mobility program offers very interesting opportunities within the sector of

vocational education and training. Providing financial support enables a majority of

apprentices to participate in European mobility within or after vocational education and

training. Nevertheless participants depend not only on financial grants to be able to realize a

mobility period but they also need support in finding a suitable placement company.

Intermediate bodies such as the vocational collages or mobility coaches working in

institutions like the chambers or others are important contact persons to realize a mobility

project. Especially in the vocational education and training sector such contact points are very

Page | 61

important. Compared to students at university normally apprentices are younger, less

autonomous and less experienced in European mobility therefore a local contact person is a

very important aspect to realize the mobility project/period.


Speaking for the crafts and trades sector I would like to point out that it is mainly about small

and medium-sized companies with only a few employees each. These companies cannot be

the target group to make an application for mobility projects within the Erasmus+ program.

They do not have the necessary ressources to realize mobility projects within their company

on their own and to make an application. For this target group the so called “Pool-Projekte”

in Germany are an ideal offer enableing an easy and uncomplicated access to European

mobility projects. Most companies in the crafts and trades sector do only have a few

apprentices and not every apprentice wishes to participate in a mobility period. Therefore

participation in mobility can be very unregular. The effort to plan, write and implement a

proper Erasmus+ project would be disproportionate to its use and advantages for a small and

medium sized company.



This might be an interesting option for bigger companies that would like to get more involved

in mobility projects. For the small and medium sized companies of the crafts and trades

sector I would not see an advantage considering the situation stated above.




write a project?

It is a very good approach to bring together potential partners. Still for the crafts

and trades sector I do not see a participation of companies in K1 projects. This

will be an absolute excemption. Thus, such a structure would be interesting for

intermediate bodies such as vocational colleges, chambers or other institutions

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giving consultance and providing support to the crafts and trades sector regarding

the preparation and implementation of mobility projects.


Definitely search functions should be contained and the possibility to network and

find contacts. General information or links about how to apply for a project and

project templates could be helpful as well.


based, etc.)

I think the portal should contain different search options such as country based,

sector or job-based and also topic-based.


references, etc.)

Most important is to find a common denominator for potential future projects so

information about the institution/school is needed first. In a second step references

or credentials could help to build up trust and to finally chose the project partner.

Page | 63


that have applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (HergozenRath)


school?

Vocational college Herzogenrath for business and adminstration is located near the

Dutch-Belgium border. Being certified „Europa-Schule“, our main goal is to prepare

our students for this euregional and international labour market. We participate in

exchange programs, internships and meetings with partners from Great Britain, Ireland,

Spain, France, Poland, Netherlands and Belgium.

- Since 2004 full-time students can obtain the certificate „Euregiokompetenz“ in their

French and Dutch courses

- Full-time students engage in exchange programs with schools in Antwerpen,

Belgium (etwinning project) and Paris, France

- We cooperate closely with partners from the Belgium „Deutschsprachige

Gemeinschaft“ and the Dutch province „Limburg“ in projects for retail apprentices

- For commercial management assistants in wholesale and foreign trade, office and

industrial clerks we offer internships in Great Britain, Ireland, Spain and France

- Colleagues working in the international office engage in individual projects on a

yearly basis


We use the program and are very satisfied because it makes it easy for us to support

students mobility financially

3. We know that you have managed/partnered an Erasmus+ project application;


Preparing and filing for an Erasmus+ application is not problematic at all. Our

experience with applications in the past and the new procedure made it easier for

us.


No!

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If you need support you can get it easily by the NA

4. If your application was accepted;

a. How did you select the students and/or the staff for the mobility project?

For full-time students, it depends on the language course they enroll in. They do it

on a obligatory basis. Apprentinces choose their internship based upon their

individual interests. The teacher and the team from the international office

supports this proces. Not only their language competence but also (inter-)personal

and emotional competences influences their choice. The company which they

work for also has an influence.

b. What are the difficulties that you have encountered during your mobility project

travel?

We never had any problems so far

c. What were the services that were given to you during your mobility project travel?

We never used these

5. Have you personally been in a mobility project and/or gone to other trainings with other

programs? If yes, can you tell us about your experiences/opinions about them?

In 2017 a teacher of Dutch and English participated in a Erasmus+ project. Visiting

Valencia, Spain and participating in seminars in Belgium and in the Netherlands the

group was concerned with topic of early school leavers, also known as „Dropouts“ in

different educational systems.



a. What would you think about this portal? Do you think it may be helpful?

Throughout the years there were several attemps but they failed because schools

systems differ from each other and certain partners do not want to share their

contacts with members of the project teams.

What would like to see in this portal? (search function, project templates, etc.)

Page | 65

We think that a portal might be an inappropriate medium as these conatcs are

highly personal and based on individual needs of the educational system and

company.

b. How would you like to search for a workplace? (country based, job area based,

rating based, etc.)

Job area based.

c. What would help you to select a workplace that will suit you? (Credentials, trust,

references, etc.)

Trust and good experiences of colleagues.

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that have not applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project (Arcus)


school?

Arcus is a Regional Centre for Vocational Education and Adult Educarion in Heerlen, the

Nethetlands with about 6500 students. Arcus College offers mainly full time courses but also

parttime education (dual system). Next to these couses Arcus College offers a lot of couses

for adults and immigrants.

In our centre we offer several courses in:

- Actor ; - Administration; - Bakery and Food; - Trade; - Events Organisation; -

FaciltyServices; - Finance; - Photography; - Social Welfare; - catering; - ICT; -

Hair dressing; - Pop musician; - Marketing and Communication; - Media design; -

Order and Safety; - Secretary; - Signmaking; - Technology; - tavel and Leisure; -

Audiovisual Production; - Health Care; - Care assistant.


Internationalisation is not our core business so we don’t use this European fund. We have a

lot of other priorities.


No, see 2..



In our organisation we don’t have a staff member for international cooperation. So, perhaps

we will copperate in the next future. Now we don’t’t heave any experience.

5. Do you think student and/or staff selection, or parent approval would be a problem for

the mobility project?

No I don’t ythink so but is is not oppertune for our organisation in this moment.

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6. Have you personally been in a mobility project? Did you go to other trainings with

other programs? If yes, “What are the difficulties that you have encountered during

your mobility project travel?” and “What were the services that were given to you

during your mobility project travel?”

I don’t have any experience.




write a project?

Perhaps it can help our organisation to make a point of start for mobility of

students and staff.


To find partners for internationalcoperatin in the field of innovation of VET and

enterprices for the students to realize a part of their practical training abroad.


rating based, etc.)

Branche oriented.


references, etc.)

Positive experiences of other institutes, mutual trust and reciproque exchanges if

possible.

Page | 68


that have not applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project


Wir sind ein mittelständischer Innungsfachbetrieb im Maler- und Lackierer-Handwerk,

der 1988 von Einzelunternehmen gegründet worden ist. Dieses Unternehmen wurde dann

1998 zu einer GmbH umgewandelt. Seit Gründung des Betriebes vor 25 Jahren ist die

Mitarbeiterzahl auf zwölf hochqualifizierte Fachleute angestiegen. Die hochwertige und

wirtschaftliche Erfüllung der Kundenwünsche gekoppelt mit kundenfreundlicher

Terminplanung und fachgerechter Beratung im Vorfeld steht bei uns stets im

Vordergrund. Jedes Jahr stellen wir 1 bis 2 Auszubildende ein, die am Ende der Lehre

meistens auch bei uns bleiben.

We are a medium-sized guild specialist in painting and varnishing, founded in 1988 by

sole proprietors. This company was then converted in 1998 to a GmbH. Since the

company was founded 25 years ago, the number of employees has increased to twelve

highly qualified professionals. The high-quality and economic fulfillment of customer

requirements coupled with customer-friendly scheduling and expert advice in advance is

always in the foreground with us. Every year we hire 1 to 2 apprentices who usually stay

with us at the end of the apprenticeship.


Habe davon schon mal gehört, im Einzelnen kenne ich das Programm nicht

Have heard of it before, in detail I do not know the program


Nein, das erlaubt unsere Firmenstruktur nicht. Wir sind auf die Auszubildenden

angewiesen. Sie fehlen ja schon jetzt 2 Tage pro Woche, weil sie zur Berufsschule

gehen müssen. Dann sind sie jedes Jahr noch 6 Wochen in einer einer überbetrieblichen

Ausbildung. Wenn ich dann noch meine Auszubildenden für ein paar Wochen ins

Ausland schicken will, hätte ich vom Lehrling nichts mehr. Wann soll ich mir dann

noch die Zeit nehmen, den Auszubildenden für meinen Betrieb speziell auszubilden.

No, that does not allow our company structure. We depend on the trainees. They are

already missing 2 days a week, because they have to go to vocational school. Then

every year for six weeks they are in an inter-company training. If I want to send my

apprentices abroad for a few weeks, I would not have anything from my apprentice.

When should I take the time to train the apprentice for my company?

Page | 69



Nein, ich kann es mir nicht leisten auf eine Arbeitskraft zu verzichten, auch wenn es

sich dabei um einen Auszubildenden handelt. Wer bezahlt mir die

Ausbildungsvergütung von monatlich 500,00 € und habe keinen Ersatz an Arbeitskraft.

No, I can not afford to give up a worker, even if it is a trainee. Who pays me the

training allowance of € 500.00 per month ? Also I have no replacement for labor.




write a project?

sicherliche, aber für mich ohne Bedeutung

safe, but without meaning to me


keine Idee

no idea


based, etc.)

kann ich auch nichts zu sagen

I can not say anything


references, etc.)

helfen würde mir nur, wenn ich für die Zeit, wo mein Auszubildender abwesend

ist, ich finanzielle Unterstützung bekäme

I would only help if I received financial support for the time when my apprentice

is away

Page | 70

Appendix B3: Interview with Italian VET Providers


that have applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility Project


Ce.S.F.Or. (Centro Studi Formazione Orientamento) is a non profit Training Institution:

it is involved in the fields of Guidance, Work Placement, Self-employment and

Mobility for young people and adult citizens. Ce.S.F.Or. is an Employment Agency and

takes part to the Youth Guarantee Programme activities. Moreover Cesfor works for the

development of the organizations through innovative methodologies, training activities,

counselling and research.

• As European mobility agency, Ce.S.F.Or. realizes more than 200 mobility per year

(incoming and outgoing) and it has been awarded, in 2015, with the VET mobility

charter by the Erasmus+ National Agency INAPP;

The organization has created an Italian and European network, present in 23 countries

of the European Union, which works for the integration of younger people and adults in

the labour market and in training paths.

It developed a network of enterprises and firms offering mobility work placements in

the following fields: Culture, Arts, Tourism, Organization of cultural Events,

Enhancement of the artistic and environmental heritage, Communication and New

Media, Alternative Energies, Health and Social Care.


It is a useful tool to let people get a mobility work placement in Europe, enhance a

foreign language, boost their sector-skills and fostering the European belonging.

The quality of the final certification of the competences acquired set up by the

Programme should be enhanced in order to make participants able to better exploit them

in the labour market.

Page | 71



Having a wide experience in the planning of mobility projects, we know that it is very

important to find a reliable partnership that can assure you to be able to reach the goals

of your project. Sharing the activities and the objectives with your partners is

fundamental to build a mutual trust and to be able to realize the activities planned, in

the implementations stage of the project.


We did not face particular problems in the project preparation stage, also thanks to the

awarding of the VET Mobility Charter, in 2015, as aknowledgment of our quality job

in the mobility projects.


We have attended National Seminar led by the Italian National Agency and Ce.S.F.Or.

realizes European Project courses led by experts in European Projects.



In the implementation stage of the project it’s important to have a good organization

and planning of the activities to be developed and sharing the objectives.

In order to minimize the risk of problems coming up, sharing the development of the

activities with the partnership, Ce.S.F.Or. uses and shares the Memorandum of

Understanding with all the partners. We have not encountered particular difficulties

during the mobility project, thanks to the long experience and the good relationship

with the partners involved.


Yes, we are. Having been awarded with the VET Mobility Charter will be planning to

keep writing Erasmus+ mobility projects in the entire framework of the Erasmus+

Programme.

Page | 72




The portal might surely be an interesting and helpful tool for any organization

participating in the planning of a mobility project, in order to get in contact with partners

having the same goals, and to broaden its network.


It would be good to have in the portal search function, including also advanced search

function, in order to better meet each organization needs, or also, for example, a

breakdown of the organization accoding to their specific field.


based, etc.)

We would most likely look for a partner organization according to its fields of activity,

but also according to its experience in mobility projects and the added value that could

give to the project.


references, etc.)

It would be helpful, for the selection of a partner organization, to have information

about the previous activities and reference, in order to be able to check if it would be

suitable for our needs.

Page | 73

Appendix C: Zero level Data Flow Diagram

Page | 74

Appendix D: ER Diagram

Documents

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONThe system will then check for the email information with the specified one, if they match an email will be sent for registration validation. When