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New STEM-Driven Vocational Curriculum Developed Under the DRUPWB Project

August 23, 2024
A new comprehensive curriculum has been developed as part of the Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans (DRUPWB) project, a collaborative initiative involving institutions from across Europe. This curriculum aims to equip learners with essential skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), teleworking, and soft skills, preparing them for the modern labor market.
About the DRUPWB Project
The DRUPWB project, funded by the European Union, addresses critical challenges of unemployment and skill mismatches, particularly in the Western Balkans. Economic changes, technological advancements, and globalization have altered labor markets, leaving many traditional skills obsolete. The project tackles these challenges by developing a modular vocational education curriculum, focusing on STEM, soft skills, and teleworking competencies.
The curriculum has been designed to be adaptable across multiple learning environments, including schools, universities, and online platforms. Additionally, the project supports the creation of an innovative digital hub platform, offering e-learning programs and links to potential employers, aiming to benefit unemployed individuals and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth and adults in the region.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is divided into four modules, each targeting a specific area of vocational education:
  1. Virtual Assistance Program – Comprehensive training on virtual assistant roles, focusing on client management, data security, and the use of digital collaboration tools.
  2. Self-Employment Program – Tailored for freelancers, this module offers guidance on starting and managing a freelance career, including client acquisition, branding, and business management.
  3. No-Code Programming Program – This module introduces learners to no-code tools, enabling them to create applications without traditional coding skills.
  4. Small Business Development Program – Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, this module covers key aspects of starting and managing a small business, from business planning to financial management.
In-Depth Look at the Curriculum
The curriculum was specifically designed to address the challenges brought about by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic models. By focusing on essential STEM skills and teleworking competencies, this curriculum aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the evolving demands of today's job market. The Erasmus+ supported program is developed to equip learners with the adaptability and knowledge needed to succeed in a modern, technology-driven workforce.
The curriculum is targeted at several learner groups: NEET individuals (18-29) who face barriers to workforce entry, adult learners looking to upgrade their skills or change careers, aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance, and VET students who need both theoretical and practical training to succeed. The curriculum is structured into four separate, comprehensive parts, each designed to be used individually as standalone training modules, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications for learners.The curriculum will be soon available on the project's website. 
Project Partners
The curriculum development was a collaborative effort among the following partners:
  • Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
  • Association SPIN (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
  • Outside Media and Knowledge GmbH (Germany)
  • Pannonia Consulting d.o.o. (Croatia)
  • Child Rights Centre Albania (Albania)
  • Engineer Marko Radevic Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Geodesy (Montenegro)
These institutions have worked closely to create a curriculum that addresses the specific needs of learners in the Western Balkans, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance employability in key sectors of the digital economy.
The project also focuses on strengthening vocational education and training (VET) providers' capacities and improving alignment with labor market needs, contributing to the social and economic development of the region.


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