B-WISE Consortium Releases Pilot Implementation Report

The B-WISE consortium is pleased to announce the release of the Pilot Implementation Report for the newly developed EU Curriculum tailored for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs). This comprehensive report provides an in-depth evaluation of the pilot implementation conducted across 13 European countries, offering valuable insights into the curriculum's effectiveness and impact on the WISE sector.

WISEs are pivotal in addressing unemployment and promoting social inclusion across the European Union. Operating in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, services, and agriculture, WISEs contribute significantly to both economic and social objectives. However, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly in bridging skills gaps, with a notable emphasis on digital competencies.

To address these challenges, the B-WISE project has developed a strategic approach (Blueprint) for sectoral cooperation on skills. Central to this strategy is the newly designed EU Curriculum, which aims to provide an upskilling and career pathway for three key categories of WISE stakeholders: Enablers, Supporters, and Workers with Support Needs. This curriculum aligns with the Bologna Declaration, the Lisbon Strategy for Employment, and the European credit system for vocational education and training (ECVET), ensuring a standardized and recognized framework for skills development across Europe.

The Pilot Implementation Report offers a detailed analysis of the curriculum's deployment, capturing the experiences and feedback of trainers and participants. The evaluation methodology incorporated both qualitative and quantitative data, collected through national reports from the 13 participating countries. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the curriculum's impact on three main groups:

• Supporters: Individuals such as job coaches who provide direct support to disadvantaged workers.
• Enablers: Managers and leaders who create and sustain an inclusive working environment.
• Workers with Support Needs: Disadvantaged employees who benefit directly from tailored training and support.

The curriculum was structured around three core modules:

1. WISE Identity, Strategy, and Transformation
2. Networking & Communication
3. Supporting Work and Employability

Each module was evaluated based on thematic units and sub-units, with feedback collected from participants and trainers through evaluation forms.

The pilot implementation has demonstrated the curriculum’s potential to significantly enhance the skill sets of WISE stakeholders, particularly in addressing digital skills gaps that are increasingly critical across all job profiles. The report highlights the curriculum’s flexibility and its alignment with ECVET principles, which support the recognition of non-formal and informal learning. This flexibility allows for the personalization of vocational education and training (VET) paths based on competence recognition, facilitating clearer career pathways and enhancing international mobility within the WISE sector.

The findings from this report will inform the final refinement of the curriculum and its broader implementation across Europe, ensuring that WISEs continue to play a vital role in fostering inclusive and sustainable employment solutions.

Access the Pilot Implementation Report