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We aimed to increase the flexibility of opportunities in vocational education and training by taking the first steps towards developing a new profession by implementing new approaches to motivate ...

We aimed to increase the flexibility of opportunities in vocational education and training by taking the first steps towards developing a new profession by implementing new approaches to motivate the long-term unemployed and contribute to the strategic goal of social responsibility. Our activities focused on laying the groundwork for a new profession, 'Motivator for Self-Sufficiency,' which could be recognized through non-formal learning and experience. Specifically we wanted to empower adult volunteers to start-up with self-sufficiency through gaining practical skills based on their active participation in project activities. Special emphasis was placed on promoting social inclusion to improve access to opportunities for individuals with fewer resources, ensuring diversity among participants. Through an inclusive approach, we aimed to create an environment that meets the needs of the broader community, especially during the current crises. We also wanted to support the development of green skills and strengthen the social responsibility of educational institutions, fostering the mindset that self-sufficiency is not only vital for the agricultural sector but also for society as a whole.

We trained adult volunteers for the role of 'Motivator for Self-Sufficiency.' The training was conducted through practical work in agriculture—gardening; theoretical lectures on self-sufficiency, gardening, and communication; guided independent research on self-sufficiency; active participation in creating a website by preparing and publishing educational materials. Volunteers were also actively involved in developing the foundations for the new professional profile. We provided them with individual counseling throughout and monitored their progress. We explored best practices in motivating people toward food self-sufficiency and on the working meeting in Italy selected 31 examples, which we presented to the wider public in the brochure. Brochure was made by volunteers. We created project website, which serves as an open, online space for all interested in agriculture. Additionally, we examined the possibilities for establishing the new profession of ' Self-Sufficiency Motivator' by implementation of two national conferences – working meetings where we discussed the introduction of a new profession with stakeholders and prepared a proposal for its implementation. The proposal was presented at the project's final online conference.

20 volunteers were trained for the role of Motivator for Self-Sufficiency. 4 of them found employment, others are engaged in volunteer work in various organizations. All volunteers showed progress in self-sufficiency skills, in soft and digital skills. They motivated people in their close social circles and shared their newly acquired knowledge about self-sufficiency. This contributed to improving their employment prospects, which themselves confirmed. A publication and video featuring 31 selected Best Practices in self-sufficiency in Slovenia and Italia was created. Practices were carefully identified and later selected at a working meeting in Italy. We established the website, which includes information about the project, self-sufficiency tips, educational materials, and a Counselling Corner. We prepared recommendations for the development of a new professional profile and its integration at the system level. Organizations involved in the project expressed that new profession contributes to promoting social responsibility in education, enhancing green skills, and increasing the inclusion of the long-term unemployed. They support proposal of the new job profile.