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.
- 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.
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 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
Certificates
Note: The course program can be changed according to participant's profile, local holidays or on the availability of schools to visit.
Primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, school staff and school managers.
- 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 fee: 400,00€ per participant (click for detail)
- 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.
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.
