DOMAS

Programme: Erasmus+
Key Action: Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices
Action Type: Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training
Project Identifier: 2024-1-HR01-KA220-VET-000246935
Project Title: Influencing careers of VET students
Topics: Media literacy and tackling disinformation; Digital skills and competences; Career guidance.
Results Platform Project Card: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2024-1-HR01-KA220-VET-000246935 
Funded by: Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMEUP)

Summary:

Despite the growing economic opportunities and societal impact of influencer careers, there is a significant gap in structured career management education and support for individuals aspiring to succeed in this fast-evolving, non-traditional profession.

Young influencers face numerous challenges, including the lack of formal structures, recognition and the need for strategic planning. When designing this project, our goal was to develop career management programmes specifically tailored to the needs of influencers, thus to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of this profession. By addressing the unique challenges and requirements of influencer careers, our project also aims to empower VET teachers in developing capacities in their work with young people in building sustainable and successful careers in this rapidly changing industry.

Our project specifically targets teachers and students in vocational education and training (VET) schools, where there is a significant interest in becoming influencers but a lack of specialised career planning and counselling. Our surveys, observations and research indicate that while many VET students are drawn to the idea of influencing as an easy way to earn money, they soon realise the challenges and educational gaps that exist. Furthermore, VET teachers are often not equipped to provide career planning and counselling that aligns with modern technology trends and the realities of the influencer profession.

Our project aims to fill this gap by empowering VET school teachers to organise career planning and counselling for their students, with a focus on the influencer profession and its unique challenges. We also aim to promote the appreciation of social values in careers, encouraging students to use their influence for positive social impact. By providing structured support and education for both teachers and students, our project seeks to ensure that young people are well-prepared to navigate the world of influencing and make informed decisions about their careers.

Finally, the project aims to bridge the gap between vocational education and evolving digital professions by equipping both students and teachers with the tools needed for long-term success and responsible engagement in the influencer industry.

The main goal of the project is:

To contribute to education of VET students in informed career orientation and empower VET school teachers to provide effective career planning and counselling that aligns with social media trends and promotes social values among students.