From August 27-29, the AgriNext partners convened in Karlovac to advance a more flexible education system in agriculture, tailored to learners' interests and abilities while addressing the evolving needs of the labour market. The event featured a pilot training session for VET (Vocational Education and Training) teachers, designed to empower them to inspire and prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals.

As the new school year approaches, it's crucial for educational policymakers to invest in teaching staff, upgrade equipment and technology, strengthen institutional partnerships, and develop more engaging programs for students. This pilot training is a key component of the project’s work package on "Flexibilization of School Systems," which builds on previous results, including an overview of existing flexibilization options in participating schools from Croatia, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain, proposals for national level flexibilization of VET, and the development of curricula for VET teachers focusing on flexible learning processes.

The training concentrated on four newly developed modules: Flexible Teacher, Innovative Teacher, Up-to-Date Teacher, and Collaborative Teacher. These modules cover a range of topics from fostering local and international collaboration to embracing blended learning, gamification, agritourism, and renewable energies and much more. Each module presentation was followed by evaluations and discussions for further adaptation on on-line form.

In collaboration with the local entrepreneurs, the pilot training included sessions on Economics and Marketing in Multifunctional Agriculture, Integration of Digital Technologies in Agriculture, Flexible Education, and the Job Market.

The program also featured a tour of a local farm and showcased regional agricultural products such as oil, juice, rakija, and organic hazelnut cream. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Upper Course of the Mrežnica River.

The training concluded with dynamic discussions on how teachers can further enhance their competences to meet the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.