Uniting technical education across borders
At 1 For All Education, we open doors to international collaboration and projects for vocational (VET) students, teachers and staff. Discover our unique projects and events that offer schools a world of opportunities. Growing, learning, and connecting together.
Bridging the Atlantic - 1 for All Study Trip to Europe
Exploration Visit | Fall 2026
A potential exploration trip to Germany and the Netherlands is planned for Fall 2026. This visit will allow U.S. Community College leaders to experience dual education systems firsthand, meet certified training companies, and explore partnership opportunities that can be adapted to the American context.
Exploring the Dutch BBL and German Dual Vocational Systems
Weekend October 3 or 4, Travel own expenses towards Europe, Hannover.
Part 1: Germany – The Dual System & The "Meister/Gesell" Tradition
Focus: Quality standards and the path to technical mastery.
Monday October 5, Day 1: Hannover/Verden, Germany.
• Introduction at BBS Verden: Introduction to the German Dualer Ausbildung. Networking
with German vocational counterparts.
• Mastering the Craft: A seminar on the "Meister-Gesell" (Master-Apprentice) relationship
and its prestige in German society.
• Advanced Manufacturing Tour: Visiting German automotive or engineering firms to
observe advanced apprenticeship training.
Part 2: The Netherlands – The BBL "Work-Study" Powerhouse
Focus: The integration of students as employees within the industry.
Tuesday October 6, Day 2: Travel towards Netherlands.
• Visit The Afsluitdijk: A Masterclass in Dutch Water Management. (Where the Land is
Lower than the Sea).
• Welcome: Introduction to the "1 for All" mission and the history of the transatlantic
bridge between Nova College and US partners.
• Keynote: How vocational excellence drives regional economic stability.
Wednesday October 7,Day 3: The BBL Blueprint (Metropole Regio Amsterdam, Nova College,
Netherlands)
• Seminar: The 80/20 Model: A deep dive into the Dutch system where students spend 4
days at work and 1 day at school.
• Institutional Roles: Understanding the collaboration between the Ministry of Education,
National Centers of Expertise, and Vocational Colleges.
• Contractual Success: Exploring how students are hired as employees with a labor
contract and a salary.
• Industry Site Visits: Visiting high-tech manufacturing partners to see how companies
mentor BBL students on-site. (Tata Steel Academy).
Thursday October 8, Day 4: The "Triple Helix" in Action (Metropole Regio Amsterdam, Talland
College, Netherlands)
• Industry Site Visits: Visiting high-tech manufacturing partners to see how companies
mentor BBL students on-site. (Tetrix, IW, Bouwmensen, ESPEC)
• ROI Discussion: Meeting with business owners to discuss why they invest in the training
of apprentices.
• Youth Employment: Reviewing how this model helps maintain a low youth
unemployment rate.
• Roundtable: Identifying "transferable elements" from the BBL and Dual systems to apply
to US Community College contexts.
Friday October 9, Day 5: Innovation & Sustainability (Amsterdam)
• Workshop: 3D Printing & SDGs: How the "1 for All" foundation uses technology to teach
the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Expanding the Network: Planning the 2027 KA2 partnership and future student/staff
mobility programs.
• Closing Brunch: Final reflections on bridging the gap between education and the labor
market.
• Leisure: Guided tour, Old Town, Rijksmuseum, Canal Cruise.
Weekend October 10 or 11: Departure own expenses back home.
Why this Program Matters for US Leaders:
• Proven Impact: Seeing firsthand a system that significantly lowers youth unemployment
compared to the EU average.
• Industry Engagement: Learning how to move beyond "advisory boards" to true industry
co-ownership of education.
• Global Citizenship: Using 3D printing and sustainability to make vocational education
prestigious and future-proof.
Including; leisure program, hotel, breakfast, local travel.
Early bird before May 1st total price; € 3900,--
Total price after May 1st ; € 4500,--
Note; before finalizing and booking we meet live online for introduction.
International study visits & exchange partnerships
for Community Colleges
Community Colleges across the United States face growing pressure to improve workforce readiness, strengthen employer partnerships, increase completion rates, and align education with industry demand. European dual education systems (particularly in the Netherlands and Germany) offer a proven, structured model that integrates education and employment rather than treating them as separate tracks.
1 For All Education offers unique international study visits designed to inspire collaboration, provide practical insights, and help institutions build meaningful global partnerships that benefit both students and school systems.
What U.S. Institutions can learn from European Dual Education
European dual systems combine classroom instruction with paid, structured employment, creating a direct pathway from education to the workforce. Two leading models include:
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Germany — Meister-Gesell System
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The Netherlands — Beroepsbegeleidende Leerweg (BBL)
Core Characteristics
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Vocational education at European Qualifications Framework levels 2–4
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Four days on the job, one day in school
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Structured programs lasting 3–4 years
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Salaried positions (approximately 80% of minimum wage)
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School fees paid
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Certified partner companies and trained master instructors (“Meisters”)
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Skill-focused curricula aligned with industry needs
Key structural elements of the Dual Model
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Strong Employer Accountability | Companies must be certified to train apprentices.
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Integrated Learning Models | Education and employment operate as one coherent system.
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Compensation Model | Students earn wages while training.
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Quality Assurance | Companies are certified and instructors are formally trained.
These elements address persistent U.S. challenges such as inconsistent internships, weak employer commitment, and students struggling to balance work and tuition. Embedding paid employment, standardizing employer expectations, and linking credentials directly to workforce readiness creates a structured partnership between education and industry.
Our unique international Study Travels
Our student visits stand out through a strong international focus and an emphasis on global collaboration. We aim to inspire technical vocational students to participate in cross-border projects while motivating school leaders to establish sustainable international partnerships.
For vocational students Worldwide
Participants gain insight into services, events, and collaborative projects that broaden horizons and prepare them for a global career. Students engage with peers from other countries, work on technical challenges, and develop intercultural communication skills.
For school Boards
Board members discover how their institution can collaborate with 1 For All Education to offer distinctive international exchange opportunities for technical vocational students. Our visits demonstrate how globally oriented programs can strengthen institutional reputation, employer ties, and student outcomes.
Connecting Internationally
Our programs focus on building lasting connections between educational institutions, industry partners, and students around the world. In a time when division often dominates, we stand for unity through education; promoting innovation, cultural understanding, and practical cooperation.
Community colleges can serve as the bridge between academic learning and applied workforce development by adopting elements of these internationally proven systems.
Participation & program approach
We provide specialized services for vocational institutions seeking to enable student participation in international exchanges. Our approach begins with understanding each school’s needs and delivering practical, effective solutions.
Participation requires technically oriented vocational students who are open to communication and collaboration with partner schools, both online and in person. Active engagement and availability throughout the project period are essential.
Education + employment = Structured Partnership
International exchanges built around dual education principles offer a powerful pathway to stronger workforce outcomes, deeper employer engagement, and globally prepared graduates.
Join us in creating meaningful partnerships that connect institutions, industries, and students across borders. Because the future of workforce education is collaborative, international, and practical.
Bridging the Atlantic:
1 For All Study Trip to the USA (2024)
In May 2024, a dedicated team of EU teachers and staff embarked on a transformative study trip to the United States. This mission was more than just a visit; it was a deep dive into the American Community College system and a celebration of international collaboration.
Exploring the USA Community College Model
The journey took us to two world-class institutions: Oakton College in the Chicago area and LaGuardia Community College in New York City.
Our goal was to explore the similarities and differences between European VET systems and the US Community College model. By exchanging best practices, we expanded our professional networks and laid the groundwork for future student exchanges and joint curriculum development.
Hands-on Collaboration: 3D Printing for a Sustainable World
A highlight of the week was the direct collaboration between EU teachers and USA Oakton students. We didn't just talk about innovation—we printed it.
The "1 for All" Assignment
Together, we worked on a joint 3D-printing assignment that brought the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life. This culminated in a presentation where students and teachers showcased their work, including:
- Custom 3D Models: Individual "1" sculptures representing the unity of our partner schools, such as Oakton College, German BBS Verden, Swedish Pauliskolan and Teknikum and Dutch Nova College.
- The Statue of Oneness: Our iconic 3D-printed structure, adorned with the 17 Global Goals, stood tall in the Oakton hallways as a symbol of our shared mission.
"We don't just teach technology; we use technology to give students a voice for a sustainable world."
A week of learning and culture
Our itinerary was packed with professional growth and cultural exchange:
- Chicago (Oakton College): Three intensive days of work, study, and presentation. Teachers like Jessica Andersson Sjöstrand (Sweden) shared insights on mathematics and technology.
- New York City (LaGuardia Community College): Transitioning to the "Big Apple," we focused on urban education systems and the diversity of the LaGuardia student body.
- Cultural Immersion: The weekend allowed our team to experience the vibrant culture of NYC, further strengthening the bonds within the 1 For All team.
Looking ahead
This trip proved that while an ocean separates us, our educational goals are the same. By empowering students with digital skills and an SDG mindset, we ensure no student is left behind in the global transition.
A special thank you to our hosts at Oakton; Kathrine Schuster and LaGuardia; Paul O’Keeffe. This is just the beginning of our North EU-USA axis!