From 21–24 May 2024, the HIRE project consortium gathered in Larissa, Greece, for a Joint Staff Training Event hosted at the headquarters of KAINOTOMIA Lifelong Learning Centre. The 3-day face-to-face training marked a significant milestone in the project, bringing together all partners to peer-train each other on the educational material developed and to establish a common ground for the next stages of implementation.

The training was designed to ensure consistency and alignment across the consortium regarding the 10 training modules, interview techniques, and the “Facts and Stats” resources produced during the previous months. Each partner had the opportunity to present and share insights on their contributions, particularly focusing on soft skills needed during job interviews, a cornerstone of the HIRE project’s mission to enhance employability and career readiness.

The staff sessions also served as an opportunity to:

  • resolve discrepancies and clarify open questions related to the material.
  • update deadlines and refine task allocations for the upcoming piloting phase.
  • strengthen cooperation through active peer-to-peer learning and exchange of expertise.

By the end of the event, partners had achieved a shared understanding and practical alignment on how to deliver the training in their respective countries. This joint work will directly feed into the national piloting activities taking place between June and September 2024 at:

Florida Universitària (Spain)

Università degli Studi di Torino (Italy)

Markeut Skills SL (Spain)

KAINOTOMIA Lifelong Learning Centre (Greece)

Importantly, the conclusions drawn from the staff training will also guide the development of the AI Interviewer App led by Cellock, ensuring that the digital tool reflects both the technical and pedagogical dimensions of the project’s training framework.

Looking ahead

The Joint Staff Training in Larissa was not only an essential step in aligning project activities but also an opportunity to deepen collaboration among partners. With the piloting phase ahead, the consortium is well-prepared to test, refine, and further enhance the training materials, contributing to HIRE’s overall goal of empowering individuals with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the labor market.