Digital skills required for the implementation of the apprenticeships

Digital skills required for the implementation of the apprenticeships

1. Digital skills required for the
implementation of the
apprenticeships
Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mārtiņš Riekstiņš

2. Session plan
Part I
•Digital Competencies for Remote Apprenticeship Success
•MārtiņšRiekstiņš, LCCI
Part II
•Edy365.com PlatformDemonstration
•Oskars Putniņš, Edy365.com

3. Digital Competencies for Remote
Apprenticeship Success
Goal of the session -to explore and understand the essential digital
skills needed to efficiently run and participate in virtual
apprenticeships, tailored to enhance the online learning and
management from the perspectives of interns, host organizations, and
educational institutions
Keep in mind! A successful apprenticeship comprises three key
components: interns, the organization offering the apprenticeship,
and educational institutions

4. *Few disclaimers
•The conditions and requirementsfor apprentices, organizations, and
educational institutions cansignificantly differ depending on various
factors, including industry-specific needs and the chosen format of the
apprenticeship (remote or hybrid)
•National/local legislation may greatly influence the structure and
execution of apprenticeships. which may vary by location
•The choice of tools and solutions should align with the existing
organizational structure and the ecosystemof tools and software already
in place. It is crucial that these tools not only integrate seamlessly but also
add substantive value beyond mere compliance or checking boxes
•The effectivenessof an apprenticeship program also depends on the
appropriatenessof the selected digital tools for the specific industry and
the technological capabilities of the participants and providers

5. (Digital) communication
Digital communication involves conveying, sharing, and understanding
information through digital platforms and tools
Key functions:
•Ensures effective collaboration across geographic barriers
•Facilitates the exchange of ideas, provides feedback, and maintains
continuous dialogue

6. (Digital) communication: Challenges
For apprentices:
•Digital literacy: Apprentices may vary in their familiarity and proficiency with
digital tools
•Overwhelming communication: The volume of digital communication can be
overwhelming
•Lack of personal interaction: Limited face-to-face interactioncan reduce the
sense of connection and engagement
For hosting organizations:
•Effective training and support: Ensuring all apprentices are equipped with the
necessary digital skills
•Monitoring and feedback: It's challenging to monitor progress and provide timely
feedback through digital channels
•Data security: Handling sensitive information requires robust data security
measures

7. (Digital) communication: What to do?
Interactive exercises:
•Implement role-play scenarios to simulate online communication challenges,
showing good and bad examples
•Organize peer review sessions for apprentices to exchange feedback on emails,
proposals, and presentations –to foster organization culture
Practice projects:
•Encourage regular digital interactions among apprentices and mentors,
incorporating clear communication protocols
•Maintain a practical journal to document effective practices and areas for
improvement in digital communication
Key tools and technologies:
•Email, Slack, WhatsApp, Telegram, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom

8. Core digital tools and technologies
Core digital skills refer to the essential abilities required to effectively use
technology and digital tools, such as creating and managing documents,
handling data in spreadsheets, making presentations etc. These skills are
fundamental for navigating and succeeding in modern digital environments.
Key functions:
•Core digital skills enable apprentices to perform tasks efficiently, reducing
training needs and increasing productivity
•Proficiency in digital tools facilitates quick integration into teams and
improves communication, enhancing collaboration

9. Core digital tools and technologies:
Challenges
For apprentices:
•Technology access: Limited access to necessary hardware and software can
hinder learning and performance
•Skill disparities: Varying levels of digital literacy. Impact on overall training
efficiency
•Remote tools: Difficulty in adapting to remote collaboration tools
For hosting organizations:
•Training consistency: Providing consistent and effective trainingacross
diverse digital tools can be resource-intensive
•Support infrastructure: Establishing a robust support system for digital
tools can be challenging

10. Core digital tools and technologies: What to
do?
Regular training sessions: Schedule periodic workshops to introduce
new tools and update skills on existing ones. Create instructions and
guidelines
Feedback and support: Implement a feedback system where
apprentices can receive constructive criticism and support on their use
of digital tools
Key tools and technologies:
•MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Google Workspace
(Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail); WPS Office; Open Office

11. Time management
Time management in a digital environment involves effectively organizing
and planning how to allocate your time between specific activities online,
crucial for productivity and efficiency in online apprenticeships.
Key functions:
•Goal setting and prioritization: Identifying objectives and arranging tasks
in order of importance to ensure focus and direction
•Scheduling and tracking: Utilizing digital tools to plan and monitor when to
complete tasks and meet deadlines
•Avoiding digital distractions: Implementing strategies to minimize
interruptions from digital media, enhancing focus and efficiency

12. Timemanagement: Challenges
For apprentices:
•Self-discipline and motivation: Staying motivatedand disciplined without the
physical presence of a structured workplace can be difficult
•Overlapping responsibilities: Balancingapprenticeship tasks with personal life
•Distraction management: Navigating the distractions online/home
For hosting organizations:
•Monitoring workload: Ensuring apprentices are neither overwhelmed nor under-
challenged
•Consistency in training: Delivering consistent training and support remotely,
which can vary widely in effectiveness depending on the apprentice's time
management skills and home environment
•Technology dependency: Reliance on digital platforms can lead to issues if there
is inadequate support for technical problems

13. Timemanagement: What to do?
Utilise digital project management tools and execute small personal
projects. Set clear deadlines and milestones to monitor progress
Regular reviews: Implement a routine of weekly reviewsusing digital
journals or note-taking apps to assess tasks and achievements
Collaborative learning: Groups, tasks, challenges and practices to enhance
discipline and motivation
Key tools and technologies:
Management: Trello, Asana
Scheduling: Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook
Time tracking/Focused work: Desktime, Pomodoro timer

14. Online engagement and collaboration
Online engagement and collaboration encompass the ability to effectively
facilitate interaction, discussion, and teamwork in a virtual environment,
crucial for mentors guiding and supporting apprentices.
Key functions:
Enhanced interaction: Facilitates continuous communication and
interaction, ensuring apprentices feel connected
Improved teamwork: Promotes effective collaboration and project
management, even in remote settings
Active learning: Encourages active participation, enhancing learning
outcomes and preventing feelings of isolation

15. Online engagement and collaboration:
Challenges
For apprentices:
•Digital proficiency: Variability in digital literacy can affect the ability to effectively
engage (use the tools) and collaborate online
•Communication barriers: Limited non-verbal cues and potential technological
issues can hinder clear communication
•Engagement fatigue: Prolonged virtual interactionscan lead to digital fatigue
For hosting organizations:
•Consistency in training: Delivering consistent and engaging training across diverse
digital platforms is challenging
•Infrastructure support: Providing and maintaining the necessary technological
infrastructure to support effective online collaboration
•Monitoring engagement: It can be difficult to accurately monitor and assess the
engagement levels

16. Online engagement and collaboration: What
to do?
Enroll mentors in “Digital Mentorship Programs” to learn advanced
online engagement strategies and digital tool usage
Host workshops on online collaboration and community building in
virtual environments, providing practical, hands-on training
Co-host webinars and online workshops with other educators to gain
and share insights from diverse experiences
Host online teambuilding events
Key tools and technologies:
Slack, MS Teams, Google Meets, Zoom

17. Technicaltroubleshootingand support
Technical troubleshooting skills enable mentors/organizations to assist
apprenticeswith software, collaboration platforms, and connectivity issues.
This proficiency ensures the smooth operation of the apprenticeship
program by minimizing downtime and reducing frustration.
Key functions:
Mentors (or apprentices) can quickly identify and solve technical problems,
preventing disruptions in the learning process
Provide real-time support to apprentices, helping them overcome technical
barriers to participation and learning

18. Technical troubleshooting and support:
Challenges
For apprentices:
•Limited response time: Apprentices might experience delays in getting
help with technical issues
•Variability in tech skills: Apprentices may have varying levels of technical
expertise, which can affect their ability to identify and describe issues
clearly, complicating troubleshooting processes
For hosting organizations:
•Resource constraints: Smaller organizations might lack dedicated IT
support, making it challenging to address technical issues swiftly and
effectively
•Training and updates: Continuously training staff to handle new or updated
technology can beresource-intensive, and keeping up with technological
advancements can be costly and time-consuming

19. Technical troubleshooting and support: What
to do?
Provide regular training sessions for organizations staff on common
technical issues and troubleshooting steps to empower them to handle
minor problems independently.
Establish dedicated channels for technical support, such as helpdesk to
facilitate timely assistance. Consider outsourcing this function if in-
house resources are limited.
Identify main“risks”anddevelop clear protocols and guildinesfor
reporting and handling technical issues, including expected response
times, to set realistic expectations for apprentices.

20. Groupwork
Participants need to craft strategic action plans for incorporating essential digital skills into virtual
apprenticeships. Each group focuses on a specific “digital skill”, devising a mini-action plan that can
be either implemented by their organization or facilitated by educational institution
Task breakdown:
1.Identify the challenge: Each group will start by clearly defining a common problem or
challenge related to their assigned digital skill within the context of virtual apprenticeships.
2.Develop practical solutions: Groups will brainstorm and outline practical, actionable solutions
that address these challenges. This includes specifying the steps, tools, and methods needed to
implement these solutions effectively within an apprenticeship program.
3.Long-Term effectiveness: To guarantee the sustainability of their solutions, groups need to
devise long-term strategies. This may involve setting up feedback loops, scheduling regular
reviews, and updating training materials as digital technologies evolve.
(1Digital communication; 2Core digital tools and technologies; 3Time
management; 4Online engagement and collaboration; 5Technical
troubleshooting and support)