1 Q-PlaNet the Network for a better Quality of Placements European Conference of Placement Consortia within the ERASMUS Programme 27 October 2010

2 Background Goals Concept Project Network Content

3 Influence of Lisbon strategy Increase of mobility Gain of additional qualification Gain of intercultural competences Transfer of knowledge through mobility

4 Situation in international placements New, unknown companies Distance to the companies Different traditions in placements Most students find placements themselves Misuse of students as cheap labour force

5 Goals Higher quality in student placements Approved quality beforehand Well-defined learning outcome Gain of additional knowledge Better qualifications of graduates

6 The Q-PlaNet concept (I) Prerequisits to improve quality of placements Standardised criteria on European level Integration of placements in the curriculum Quality control of placements in enterprises Assessed by a “Quality Reference Center”

7 The Q-PlaNet concept (II) Tasks of a Quality Reference Center Valorisation of practical placements Evaluation of practical placements Approving enterprise’s quality in placements Following an agreed quality standard and procedure

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9 Framework Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) – Erasmus multilateral projects Partner project of EUE-Net

10 Partners 10 partners from the “old” and “new” European Union: Estonia, Romania, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany Cooperation between universities, economic sector and students: Tallinn University of Technology, University of Bucharest, Transylvania University of Brasov, Leonardo Office Thuringia, ERASMUS-Consortium KOOR/BEST EUE-Net, JEUNE, MyXML, Siemens AIESEC

11 Vision: The Q-PlaNet network shall contribute to the permanent improvement of the quality standard for placements and the further development of quality aspects in mobility

12 Why to become a labelled enterprise? Benefits for host organisations Gaining the image of an attractive employer Unique selling point also in the home region Receiving highly motivated applicants Organisation will be published European wide Getting European wide close contacts to HEI

13 Why to become a QRC partner? Better placements and qualification for own students abroad European wide professional network for quality placements The respective QRC does the quality control (confidence!) No more uncertainty of new host organisations abroad Easy search for placements for students Improving motivation to share experience Permanent improve of quality placements and education Recognition of placements fulfilled abroad becomes easier Improved quality of placements for own students in home region

14 Any HEI or institution being affiliated to an HEI: Having contacts to potential host organizations Being able to carry out the quality control (staff, capacity) Taking over the responsibility of a Q-PlaNet network partner Possibly being a regional ERASMUS-Consortium Being recommended/supported by an existing QRC Who can be a QRC network partner?

15 Discussion! Thank you ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?