Smart Cattle VET: A Data-Driven and Work-Based Learning (WBL) Model for Rural Transformation in Cattle Farming

Smart Cattle VET aims to develop a practical and measurable Vocational Education and Training (VET) model for rural cattle-farming areas where digital infrastructure is weak, farms are dispersed and access to training is limited. The project will strengthen hygiene and biosecurity standards, reduce preventable calf losses in the critical 0–30 day period, and mainstream data-informed basic cost management by combining Work-Based Learning (WBL) with micro-credentials and verifiable Open Badges.

The model is built around field-ready checklists (hygiene, biosecurity, calving and 0–30 day calf protocol, record-keeping and basic cost tracking), short modular micro-learning units, on-site coaching, and a baseline–midline–endline monitoring approach. The digital component will be delivered through an offline-first farm toolkit tailored to rural realities: simple templates/forms (calf tracking, vaccination/treatment logs, feed and input records, basic cost items), reporting formats and user-friendly guides. Throughout implementation, partners will run a continuous improvement loop using PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act), refining both content and tools based on real field feedback.

Disadvantaged groups / inclusion: At least 40% of participants in pilots and trainings will be rural women farmers or young farmers aged 18–30. The learning design will also specifically support low digital literacy farmers and small/medium family farms through short, practical and highly applicable field formats.

Partner profiles requested (2 partners)

We are looking for two partners:

Partner 1 – Digital / Offline-first toolkit partner
Desired profile:

Proven experience designing offline-first solutions for low-connectivity rural contexts and/or VET

Capacity in simple data capture, indicators tracking, UX/user adoption, and training materials

Knowledge/experience in digital credential verification (Open Badges or similar) is a strong asset
Expected contribution:

Design and develop the offline-first toolkit (templates/forms/simple apps or spreadsheets), user guides and training support

Iterative improvements based on pilot feedback

Partner 2 – Practice & WBL implementation partner
Desired profile:

Demonstrated expertise in WBL, on-farm coaching and practice-based training in cattle farming

Strong field capacity in hygiene, biosecurity, post-calving management and 0–30 day calf survival practices

Ability to structure standard routines using checklists and contribute to assessment approaches (rubrics/indicators)
Expected contribution:

Enrich the training with proven field routines and good practices, checklist culture and coaching flow

Provide practical indicators and examples that increase measurability and real-world applicability

Key outputs: a micro-credential-based modular training package, a verifiable badging approach, an offline-first toolkit, and a bilingual (TR/EN) good practice guide. The project targets sustainable behavioural change—solutions embedded in daily routines and supported by measurable evidence, not one-off training sessions.