Integrating Logistics Processes in Practice Enterprises
The project aimed to develop a very practical learning program for European VET students, preparing them for advanced logistics education or employment in logistics companies. The project involved inventorying key logistics competencies and enhancing the relevance of skills for a changing labor market.
By extending the existing Practice Enterprise (PE) methodology to logistics, we offer training that aligns seamlessly with logistics internships and future job roles. The goal was to provide real-world work experience, exposure to international aspects, and opportunities for engagement with other PEs, creating a transnational logistics experience that also helps trainers guide students in study choices and job targets.
The ultimate objective was to reduce the mismatch between the skills people are taught and the skills needed by the sector and to bridge the gap between the classroom and workplace, providing young people with better qualifications and sustainable employment perspectives.
Target groups
- Trainees and Trainers from VET institutions offering logistics educational programmes
- Trainees and Trainers from HE institutions offering logistics educational programmes
- Worldwide Practice Enterprise Network
Project objectives
- Research on professional qualifications and attainable job targets.
Our goal was to identify which logistics career goals are attainable after completing either an education in “International Trade and Logistics” in a secondary VET school (ISCED 3-4) or with a diploma in higher education in the logistics field (ISCED 5-6).
- Definition of skills required by higher education and the labour market
By comparing educational and professional qualifications frameworks for these specific logistics profiles in different countries and by comparing the key competencies and skills from these qualifications to the real needs of the national labour markets, we created a list of skills that should definitely be taught within the logistics PE. This was done through consultation with HE professionals, real companies in the logistics sector and a thorough job vacancy analysis.
- Creation of a model Practice Enterprise for logistics + integration of software & tools
The consortium has set-up a common curriculum using the PE methodology for logistics profiles in VET in the different countries and created a future proof model for logistics PEs. Relevant logistics software and tools have been integrated in this model.
- Set-up of pilot Practice Enterprises
Once the model was defined, we have set-up pilot PEs in VET schools offering logistics training programmes in the different countries, paying attention to the technical and transversal skills required by the labour market. They had solid partnerships with commercial PEs (purchases and sales) within the global PE network, but we also created partnerships between the different logistics on a national and international level.
- Training in for teachers
Our final goal was to create a train the trainer and accompanying manual to make sure the teacher masters this new methodology, taking into account the management of the PE, the evaluation of students and the necessary adjustments in the learning path of each individual.
Project results
All of the materials are freely downloadable from the Project Results page on this website.
- Benchmarking and Analysis Report
The Benchmarking and Analysis Report produced a document reporting a general overview of the main outcomes and findings of benchmarking and best practices for currently used practical logistics training in partner countries and across the current Practice Enterprise (PE) networks. The main aim of the analysis consisted in determining and defining indications for the most demanded logistic profiles and developing a common training methodology to implement logistics training in the PE approach in partner countries, also having in mind a EU perspective. During the analysis we not only focused on the professional qualifications and attainable job targets in the logistics sector, but also on the skills required by higher education as well as the labour market.
- Implementation Guide and Materials
The guide is conceived as an operating tool supporting VET schools providing logistics training within the Practice Enterprise (PE), to cooperate in arranging and implementing the methodology within a school context. The guide consists of general indications and describes the methodological framework for the implementation of logistics training in the PE, in terms of ICT and vocational skills delivered and acquired, characteristics of technical staff within schools that will manage the PE logistics programme, the learning environment, connection with relevant guidance and training paths to foster ICT and logistics skills, connection between the PE and logistics programmes. The second part concerns the specific settings where the PE logistics learning methodology is realised within each partner country, taking into account the specific needs and characteristics of target students and their didactic background.
- Trainers Training
The training manual and video are designed to provide trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement a Practice Enterprise (PE) in the field of logistics. The manual covers various aspects of setting up and operating a PE, including the choice of activity, market research, financials, and infrastructure. It also delves into specific elements such as the staff structure, launching and promoting the PE, partnerships, materials, ethics, social responsibility, and the evaluation process.
- Practice Enterprise Piloting Experience
Pilot experiences have been realised within the Belgian and Spanish VET schools involved as project partners. A testing report served as the basis for evaluating the pilot, with online questionnaires gathering feedback from students and school staff on the program’s effectiveness and feasibility. The report highlights key findings, providing insights for program improvement and scalability. The Logistics Practice Enterprise is described as a comprehensive program preparing VET students for logistics education and careers. The LOGIPRO model focuses on specific roles in logistics, incorporating realism, specialised software, partnerships, and international aspects. The methodology aims to enhance the workforce’s skills and readiness for the logistics industry. A presentation on the LOGIPRO project covers findings, challenges, education, and the Practice Enterprise network. The video showcases the program’s benefits for stakeholders and interested schools. The LOGIPRO timeline visually represents sequential activities, aiding student understanding and teacher monitoring. A flexible framework for teachers categorizes steps as ‘mandatory’ or ‘optional,’ allowing adaptation to each school’s curriculum for effective PE program implementation.
- Piloting Evaluation and Report
The Piloting Evaluation and Report contains the key findings and recommendations, including general and comparative conclusions. The report offers comprehensive conclusions on the results of testing as carried out in the piloting schools, providing insights into the effectiveness of the Practice Enterprise (PE) approach and its potential for improvement. The report also outlines suggestions for enhancing the learning methodology and strategies for the sustainable implementation of the PE approach within school programs and other educational contexts.