From October 8-10, Kuressaare Ametikool hosted the Staff Week for the Erasmus+ VET Schools Doing Green project, where educators and staff gathered to explore sustainability through a hands-on, skills-focused approach.
The program was designed not only to deepen understanding of sustainable development and its complexity but also to enhance essential soft skills — such as adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration — needed to effectively teach these concepts to the next generation. These skills align closely with the goals of the VET to Sustain project, where attracting Generation Z to vocational education and training (VET) requires educators to connect in meaningful, innovative ways with students who prioritize sustainability.
At the heart of the VET Schools Doing Green project is the commitment to equip both teachers and students with skills that make sustainable development relatable and actionable. This focus parallels VET to Sustain’s efforts to redefine VET’s appeal by emphasizing its role in sustainability. As a partner in both initiatives, ENAC brings insights from each project to strengthen the impact of VET for young people.
During Staff Week, educators engaged in activities and discussions that underscored the relevance of soft skills like communication, flexibility, and teamwork. For instance, through small group exercises and nature walks, participants practiced critical observation and environmental awareness—key abilities that are instrumental in making sustainability an engaging topic for students. Such skills are particularly valuable when reaching Generation Z, who respond well to learning experiences that are hands-on, visually stimulating, and connected to real-world issues.
The group sessions and project showcases also provided educators with an opportunity to strengthen their adaptability and creativity. Kuressaare Ametikool’s students demonstrated their Insectcalyptic fashion collection, made from recycled materials, inspiring educators with an innovative approach to eco-friendly practices. This experience highlighted the importance of creative problem-solving and allowed educators to see firsthand how young people are energized by visually compelling, sustainable projects. These insights are directly applicable to VET2Sustain’s mission to attract young learners who are passionate about making a difference in their communities through practical, vocational paths.
Additionally, collaborative sessions during the Staff Week encouraged educators to embrace teamwork and empathy — two essential skills when working with the diverse needs of Generation Z. VET to Sustain aims to attract young people by ensuring that VET programs are not only relevant but also responsive to their unique interests and values. By practicing empathy and effective communication, educators learn how to adapt their teaching styles to create an inclusive environment where each student feels understood and engaged in their educational journey.
The activities and discussions of the Staff Week reinforced that the key to both VET Schools Doing Green and VET to Sustain’s success lies in the ability of educators to inspire students with real, actionable examples of sustainability. Educators left the Staff Week equipped with new techniques to make sustainability a practical, exciting part of VET curricula, ultimately helping the VET2Sustain project create a more compelling narrative for the next generation.
As VET Schools Doing Green and VET2Sustain continue to evolve, these soft skills will remain essential. Both projects demonstrate how a responsive, student-centered approach in vocational education can transform VET into a powerful platform for sustainable action and an attractive option for Generation Z. The next Staff Week, scheduled for late November in Trento at Centromoda Canossa, will continue building on these collaborative efforts, further exploring how VET can meet the educational and environmental needs of today’s young people.
