From 15–19 December 2025, Čakovec, Croatia, hosted the opening capacity-building event of AI4VET – Transforming Vocational Education Through AI and Future Classroom Labs. Organised by Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec (POU Čakovec), the training brought together 15 vocational education and training professionals from Croatia, Poland, Austria, Romania and Lithuania, including representatives of Asociația Institutul pentru Parteneriat Social Bucovina.
Under the theme “Generative AI and Transformative Educational Content”, the programme connected digital innovation with the everyday work of educators. The focus was on using AI with clear learning objectives, sound professional judgement and appropriate human oversight. Participants explored how these tools could support teaching while keeping educational quality and learners’ needs at the centre of every decision.
Across five days, participants progressed through five structured modules, beginning with AI fundamentals, ethical considerations and effective prompting. They then explored creating teaching resources, planning lessons and developing multimedia materials, quizzes and vocational case studies. Further sessions addressed learner engagement through gamification and simulations, assessment approaches, and inclusion. Particular attention went to accessible resources, including simplified texts and text-to-speech materials, to support learners facing language barriers or learning difficulties.
Responsible use remained a central theme throughout the learning process. Educators examined data protection, bias, inaccurate AI-generated answers and the risks of relying too heavily on automated outputs. These discussions connected practical experimentation with the responsibility to review materials carefully and decide when an AI-supported approach serves a meaningful educational purpose.
The final stage focused on bringing the learning back to participants’ institutions. Each educator developed a personal action plan, identifying practical steps for applying AI in teaching and sharing knowledge with colleagues, while considering the barriers they might encounter locally.
This training reflects the wider ambition of AI4VET: to help vocational education respond to technological change through more inclusive, personalised and engaging learning. Co-funded by the European Union through Erasmus+, the project combines educator development, practical educational resources and the design and piloting of Future Classroom Labs—learning environments that bring together AI applications, digital tools and inclusive teaching approaches.
The experience in Čakovec highlights the value of giving teachers space to experiment, ask critical questions and connect new technology with their own teaching contexts. Building this confidence is an important step towards thoughtful, sustainable innovation in vocational education.
Thank you to POU Čakovec, the trainers and all participating partners for their contribution to this shared learning experience!
