The regular monitoring session for the Erasmus+ WBL4JOB programme took place at State University of Shirak

On May 18, the Erasmus+ WBL4JOB programme’s monitoring was held at State University of Shirak. The session included an external assessment expert from Portugal, the programme coordinator from the French University in Armenia, the university staff, as well as faculty and students participating in the programme.
The objective of the WBL4JOB programme is to develop and implement a work-based education model. It is worth noting that, apart from the coordinating French university, Shirak State University is the only higher educational institution in Armenia participating in this programme. Within the framework of the programme, the university collaborates with Gyumri branches of ACBA Bank, Inecobank, and ID Bank where fourth-year students of “Management” specialisation conducted their work-based learning.
As a matter of fact, this programme represents a remarkable and effective format for the university – employer collaboration. Within its framework, partner banks, as employers, participated in the review and processing of the educational programme for the aforementioned specialisation. By the end of the work-based learning, two students from Shirak State University were offered jobs, and discussions were held regarding future employment opportunities for the other students.
At the beginning of the meeting, external assessment expert Mrs. Alexandra Kostan and programme coordinator Mrs. Gohar Ghalachyan met with the Rector of Shirak State University, Mr. Yervand Serobyan, and Mrs. Nazeli Avetisyan. They discussed both the completed activities and the upcoming plans related to the programme.
During the second stage of the monitoring activities, the guests held a working meeting with the staff, participating faculty, and students of Shirak State University. The participants particularly emphasized that the programme provided a valuable opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge gained at the university over the past four months in partner banks, as well as to develop new skills and abilities in both personal and professional spheres.
The programme activities will continue until 2024, during the period when it is planned to revise the work-based learning guidelines based on the suggestions and observations of the participating faculty and students. This aims to involve new students in their final year, who are studying relevant subjects in work-based learning starting in September.