This school year, the students of Gymnasium Vukovar took part in workshops: Lego robotics Education and LittleBits Education registered on the official map of the European week of skills acquired in Vocational Education and training, which represents the European Commission's annual initiative to raise awareness of vocational education and training. By registration of these workshops Gymnasium Vukovar has become an official partner in this project. The purpose of the European Vocational skills week is to make vocational and lifelong education more attractive and to help young people and adults realize their full potential. Events taking place throughout Europe, at local, regional, and national levels, show the exceptional opportunities that vocational and lifelong education provides to young people, adults, institutions, organizations and enterprises. Workshops: Lego robotics Education and LittleBits Education included teaching and learning by integrating the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Through authentic and creative research, Lego and littleBits robotics and electronics have inspired practical and authentic learning about the scientific and mathematical world where students have developed new knowledge applicable in everyday situations through games, active experiences, and experimentation. The workshops focused on real problem-solving using technology for students to develop 21^st century key skills through Lego bricks, Arduino sensors and littleBits electronic modules for future professional development. Workshops were organized in individual class departments due to a coronavirus pandemic, but nevertheless a natural environment has been achieved in which students practiced with mutual co-operation and communication developing their creations. Through workshops the students were making mini-projects using LEGO Mindstorms EV3 components such as EV3RSTORM robot, and LittleBits Spin Roller – a vehicle controlled by Bluetooth using the smart phone. Also, they created models of mechanical and Arduino powered robotic arm as well as mini LEGO robotic arm. This type of STEAM education contributes to creating unique solutions by developing strategies for inventive thinking and logical problem solving. STEAM Education not only opens the space for students to develop critical thinking and contributes to innovative solutions, but also prepares them to work in completely new areas. Even for students who do not choose a career in one of the STEAM areas, skills acquired by STEAM education can be implemented in almost every career. The conclusion of the workshops was related to the proper disposal of EE waste which protects the environment in which we live. The importance of preventing the piling up of EE waste and reusability or recycling of old EE equipment and devices has also been emphasized, thus significantly reducing their harmful impact on the environment. The students also watched a video: electrical and electronic waste as by-product of modern age:

https://meduza.carnet.hr/index.php/media/watch/16374

This is the second year since Gymnasium Vukovar actively participated in promotion of the European Vocational skills week through conducting interesting workshops, thus contributing to the exchange of experiences of stakeholders in the field of vocational and lifelong learning throughout Europe and beyond: https://animoto.com/play/qlKHETtYsvsFMvwnTLO1pQ

Participation in European Vocational Skills Week is a proof that learning throughout life has fundamental importance for employability and personal development, where quality education is the basis for the development of student creativity and innovation.