Project Background: The project is a response to the direct needs of the south Thuringian SMEs. Because of their micro-structure they need support for better participation in the European market and access to existing experience and knowledge. At the same time trainees should be enabled to prepare for a European labor market and gain more knowledge how effectively to integrate into international oriented companies. We see this project as a good way to support the long term equalization of VET systems in Europe. Project objectives: A goal of "Fit for the Future" is it, to facilitate the comparability of European vocational qualifications by getting to know other training systems, their methodology, pedagogy and content, as well as facilitating an exchange on practical, transnational issues of vocational education and training. A second objective is to improve the multi-language skills and intercultural competences in both target groups (VET managers and trainees), thereby facilitating for both groups an active participation in the pan-European labor and education market. Number and profile of participants: The project is designed for 25 mobilities for VET managers and 15 mobilities for trainees in the dual-schools and schools of industry, trade and the services sector from Thuringia. Description of activities: For the duration of the project (2015-2017) the following activities are planned: -3 Structured training courses / training sessions for a total of 15 participants (VET managers) in Finland, Norway and Ireland -3 Job shadowing / internships for a total of 10 participants (VET managers) in Italy, Norway and Belgium -4 Activities for teaching / training purposes abroad for a total of 15 participants (Trainees) in Finland, Italy, Norway and Belgium Project implementation: The residence time is individually tailored to the participants and for the sending and receiving organization. The duration can be between 1-2 weeks for VET managers and 2-4 weeks for trainees. The project implementation is based on the required work procedures and quality standards of the National Agency. Results and impacts, expected long-term benefits: Through the participation in the project businesses and educational institutions will get the opportunity of a transnational exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of vocational training, directly at the base. They will be enabled to compare the opportunities and developments in the European educational and economic market and be able to include the learned methods, approaches and concepts into their own training practices. Trainees will get the opportunity to prepare for a pan-European labor market- professionally and personally- through a learning period in another country. Especially the instrument of the Strategic Partnership can help to work more closely on a detailed and for all involved partners relevant topic. This topic and work related cooperation will facilitate that training contents in the near future will be more and more comparable and enable young people to be more mobile and flexible in the European labor market. In the long term, the project is an important (direct and indirect) contribution to the development of skilled workers in the region and helps to spread the transnational component in the VET training and development.