The social inclusion of the immigrant population in Europe through the development of new teaching and learning methods in vocational training

Introduction: In this paper, some of the results of a European Erasmus+ project - involving participation by Spanish (University of Huelva and University of Jaen), French, Italian and Greek institutions - are presented; its purpose is to conduct research into the skills needed for the education, employability and social inclusion of the immigrant population in Europe. Its aim is to develop new methods and interactive teaching tools, focusing on teaching and learning processes to facilitate the sociocultural and economic integration of the immigrant population in Europe. Objectives: Identify the factors that hinder the social and professional integration of the immigrant population and analyze the policies implemented and the responses implemented by organizations whose purposes the training and integration of immigrants. Methodology: We used a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews and surveys with key informants. It has interviewed immigrants, trainers, technical administration, host organizations and local authorities with experience in the employment of immigrants. This article presents the results of semi-structured interviews in four European countries: Spain, Greece, Italy and France Results and conclusions: The results have been grouped into two large groups. In the first categories that foresee the brakes to training and inclusion and that lie within the social context, training practices and profiles and casuistry of the immigrant population are located. The second group of categories are those that provide an opportunity for improvement and effectiveness of training practices that rely on the use of prior knowledge and skills in their countries of origin, in the processes of social and family organization of immigrants and good practices by trainers and social partners. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.