INOVA+ led the European report on work-based learning (WBL) policies in higher education
As part of the European WBL Champion project, INOVA+ was responsible for drafting the ‘Report on National and EU WBL Policies, including Best Practices‘, which analyses policies, practices, challenges and opportunities related to work-based learning in higher education in Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Malta.
The WBL Champion project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aims to promote Work-Based Learning (WBL) as a transformative approach in higher education. It seeks to strengthen the digital skills of higher education professionals, develop accessible tools to support students, lecturers, companies and mentors, and redesign courses to integrate practical experience in real-world work contexts.
This report is one of the main outputs of Work Package 2 – Regulatory Analysis & Curriculum Redesign, and it aims to contribute to the better integration of WBL in European higher education institutions. The analysis carried out will serve as the basis for the next phases of the project, namely the creation of strategies, digital tools, and proposals for curriculum redesign that better meet the needs of students, teachers, educational institutions, and employers.
A report based on desk research and direct data collection
The report produced by INOVA+ combined desk research and field research. The desk research included an analysis of relevant literature, academic articles, government documents, case studies, public policies and publications from national bodies responsible for regulating Work-Based Learning practices in the four partner countries.
The field research component involved the administration of an online questionnaire aimed at key groups, including representatives from higher education, businesses, research organisations, education and training professionals, and students. Interviews were also conducted with experts, enabling the data collected to be supplemented and the analysis of the programmes, policies and bodies involved in the implementation and quality assurance of Work-Based Learning to be deepened. In total, 125 responses were collected across the four countries analysed, exceeding the target initially set by the consortium.
Portugal has made progress, but challenges remain in raising awareness and engaging businesses
Among Portuguese participants, 56% stated that they were familiar with national and European policies on work-based learning. Nevertheless, the results show that this familiarity is not sufficient to ensure effective and widespread implementation. Limited employer involvement was identified as the main challenge by 64% of Portuguese respondents, followed by a lack of knowledge about WBL opportunities, cited by 56%, and a lack of dissemination and funding, both highlighted by 48% of participants.
These results highlight the need to strengthen communication with educational institutions, students and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, which can play a key role in creating practical learning experiences aligned with market needs.
Digitalisation as a key factor in improving the quality of work-based learning
The report also highlights the importance of digitalisation in making Work-Based Learning programmes more effective, accessible and aligned with current challenges. Digital skills were considered essential for employability, for preparing students and for improving monitoring, assessment and communication processes between educational institutions and employers.
Despite this positive perception, only 28% of Portuguese participants stated that they were aware of digital tools supporting Work-Based Learning in their institutions or at national level. Among the main obstacles identified are implementation costs, resistance to change, digital illiteracy, limited technological infrastructure and administrative complexity.
Recommendations to enhance the impact of Work-Based Learning
Based on the findings, the report sets out several recommendations to improve the implementation of Work-Based Learning in Portugal and the other countries analysed. These include, in particular, the need to:
- Diversify opportunities;
- Strengthen links between educational institutions and businesses;
- Increase financial support;
- Reduce the administrative burden;
- Promote greater awareness of existing opportunities.
Participants also emphasised the importance of integrating digital tools into learning, monitoring and assessment processes, as well as developing more flexible experiences, including part-time placements or remote opportunities, where appropriate.
The role of INOVA+
By leading the preparation of this report, INOVA+ is making a direct contribution to the creation of a European knowledge base on Work-Based Learning, supporting the development of solutions that are more structured, digital and aligned with the needs of higher education and the labour market.
In the WBL Champion project, INOVA+ plays a central role in analysing national and European policies related to Work-Based Learning, identifying good practices and developing quality assurance tools. This contribution reinforces INOVA+’s expertise in linking education, innovation, employability and digital transformation – key areas for bringing higher education closer to the real needs of the labour market.
Next Steps for the Project
As the WBL Champion project progresses, it will continue to work towards developing a structured framework that not only raises awareness but also improves the overall quality and accessibility of VET programmes across Europe. By embracing digital transformation and increasing employer engagement, VET can more effectively address the skills gap and drive long-term economic growth.
Find out more about the project via the link!