General Education Reimagined: Connecting Learning with the World of Work

Since January 2023, the FEWL project, funded by the Horizon Europe Twinning program, has advanced research and capacity building on integrating formal education and workplace learning (WPL) for students in basic and secondary schools. This collaborative initiative between Tallinn University School of Educational Sciences, the Finnish Institute for Educational Research (University of Jyväskylä), and the Institute of Educational Sciences (Paderborn University) concludes at the end of 2025.

The world of work and education are evolving rapidly, calling for authentic learning experiences that bridge schools and workplaces. While WPL has traditionally focused on vocational education, FEWL research highlights its critical role in general education, demonstrating benefits such as increased student motivation, agency, and transversal skills. Teachers emerge as essential mediators in connecting workplace experiences with curriculum goals, yet challenges remain in partnership structures and equitable access.

This event presents key FEWL research findings, policy recommendations, and practical insights to strengthen the integration of workplace learning across Europe’s education systems – a crucial step in preparing students for the world of work. 

Key Themes:

• Evidence-based benefits of early workplace learning for all students
• The vital role of teachers and school-employer partnerships
• Addressing equity and access gaps in work-integrated learning
• Ideas for linking curricula and workplace learning through supportive policies

Join policymakers, researchers, educators, and employers in shaping a future where schools foster student’s knowledge, skills and attitudes, including transversal skills and resilience, needed to open the gateway to the world of work.

Date: 19 November
Time: 12:00-17:00 CET
Venue: Permanent representation of Estonia to the EU (Rue Guimard 11/13, 1040, Brussels, Belgium)

Program

Registration is closed.
Entry upon for registered participants with ID card/passport only.

Should you have any inquiries regarding the event program or content, please direct them to:
Merle Pajus, FEWL project member from Tallinn University School of Educational Sciences  merle.pajus@tlu.ee 

For any technical issues or assistance related to registration, kindly contact:
Carmen Kivistik, Liaison Officer, Estonian Research Council in Brussels
carmen.kivistik@etag.ee