The EQAMOB project was developed within the framework of the Euro Apprenticeship network. A network organized by CMA France. The network was established in 2010 and at its peak hosted 380 organizations from all over Europe (trade chambers, training centers, professional organizations, regional authorities and non-profit associations). The members of the network promoted, facilitated and enhanced learning mobility for apprentices in Europe.
In the first phase from 2010-13, the network developed expertise and partnerships in particular by offering information and tools. Peer-learning events were organized to discuss topics related to the organization of learning mobility. Emphasis on mobilization for companies and their role in the mobility organization became an area of interest. As a result, members started to issue a “label” to companies in the form of a customizable certificate and a sticker. A checklist with some basic criteria was proposed to members to evaluate the participation of companies in learning mobility and increase the visibility of their activities.
In a second phase, the founding partners and most active members applied for ERASMUS+ partnership projects to investigate further quality assurance issues: How can the network strengthen mutual trust and the development of partnerships? As a result, the EQAMOB project, European Quality Assurance for In-company Learning Mobility for Apprentices, started at the end of 2014. EQAMOB focuses on the design, implementation and dissemination of a coherent framework of action for high quality “in-company learning mobility pathways”. With EQAMOB, the network took a step forward in quality assurance, not only as an individual learning process but also as a shared cognition between members of a sustainable community of practice. For this purpose, a concept paper, guidelines, and tools for introducing and implementing quality assurance in “In-company Learning Mobility” were developed:
- A clear and effective definition of “In-company Learning Mobility”, focused on apprenticeships schemes, yet usable in other work-based learning contexts.
- A description of high quality “In-company Learning Mobility” and guidelines.
- A set of checklists for accompanying the labelling process allowing a coherent approach for the establishment of learning mobility pathways. These tools addressed all stakeholders, including hosting and sending companies (that train apprentices).
The label has been implemented on a national level in Austria and Iceland.
