On-site course

Innovative Pathways in Vocational Education

Hospitality, Gastronomy & Sustainability - Take your vocational teaching to the next level with practical insights and hands-on experiences in the Algarve
Innovative Pathways in Vocational Education

This 5-day professional development course, held in the Algarve, is designed for teachers of vocational subjects in hospitality, gastronomy, confectionery, and gardening. The program combines practical insights, experiential learning and language development to strengthen participants’ pedagogical skills and professional knowledge.

Main contents

  • Overview of regional vocational training and exchange with local educators
  • Observation of hotel operations and analysis of case studies
  • Hands-on culinary sessions and reflection on teaching techniques
  • Exploration of sustainable landscaping and transfer strategies for teaching
  • Design of classroom-ready activities, sharing of best practices, and role-play scenarios
  • Learning English for vocational contexts

The course is held in English language. An English A2 (CEFR) level is recommended, but trainers are experienced in helping students with English language difficulties.

Course program

Day 1
Course and participant presentation; icebreaking activities
Introduction to the regional framework of vocational training
School visit: discussion with local educators on methodologies in applied training
English practice: communication strategies for professional contexts

Day 2
Visit at local hotels - observation of organizational structures and professional roles
Examination of integrated management within leisure and wellbeing environments
Area Development: The impact of natural geography and landscape architecture on hotel value
English practice – hospitality and landscape development

Day 3
Market visit – locally sourced fruit and vegetables
Cooking lesson – practicing functional English in real contexts
Reflecting on techniques adaptable for vocational teaching
English vocabulary and expressions in culinary and service contexts

Day 4
Observation of sustainable models in green space management
Strategies for incorporating environmental awareness into vocational training
Lexis for gardening, sustainability and client engagement
Cultural visit – Farol Island

Day 5
Designing digital classroom-ready learning activities
Group reflections on observed practices and their adaptability
Consolidation for vocational teaching scenarios
Course evaluation and Certificate delivery

 

Note: The course program can be changed according to participant's profile, local holidays or on the availability of schools to visit.

 

Target group

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Course methodology
  • Brief introduction to each topic;
  • Participants observe and explore real-world vocational settings, including schools, hotels, and green spaces
  • Participants engage in hands-on modules to practice techniques transferable to teaching
  • Participants share experiences, reflect, and collaborate in group discussions
  • Participants develop vocational English through targeted language workshops
  • Participants design classroom-ready lessons using ICT tools and course insights
 

Course fees

Course fee: 0,00€ per participant (click for detail)

60€ each for the 3 days

35*75=2625 - 105€ = 2520€

3€ por pessoa para escola - 105€ + valor jantar 8€ pessoa (280€)

11 a 13 de outubro

 

 

 

 

Certification
  • All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Declaration of Obtained Competencies, officially recognizing the skills acquired during the course.
  • These competencies can also be validated within the Europass Mobility framework—participants should request their National Agency to issue the Europass. (For more information, see our website: Documents > Europass Mobility).
  • Our courses are aligned with the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu), and the provided documentation can support further recognition of the training.
 

Accommodation and Meals

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. ACJ will guide recommended hotels across a range of prices, but participants are free to choose any hotel or restaurant they prefer. Our staff have lunch daily at a nearby restaurant that offers good quality food at affordable prices—you are welcome to join them.

All accommodation and meal costs are to be paid directly by participants to the respective hotels and restaurants.

During the course, lunches and coffee will also be available on or near the training venue.