Overview: Active learning techniques are essential for vocational education and training (VET) teachers to maximize student learning and application of knowledge. However, in most countries, VET teachers struggle to implement active learning techniques in their courses. Evolve Global Solutions, a UK-based education consultancy, identified this challenge and implemented an engaging Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program to support VET educators in developing innovative teaching approaches. As a result, the project impacted over 2.8 million learners across 33 countries, with 181,300 teachers and trainers trained. This case study examines how the project team overcame identified barriers and implemented interventions to ensure that VET trainers had the know-how and tools to implement active learning techniques.

Challenges: The project aimed to tackle three main challenges: (1) the customary culture of teaching approaches within VET institutions, (2) education leaders’ lack of support for new approaches, and (3) students’ unresponsiveness to student-centered learning.

Solution: Evolve Global Solutions implemented a CPD program supported by a curriculum management handbook that provides development, monitoring, and quality improvement of student-centered and active learning in VET. The project team offered shadowing and mentoring opportunities, in-person and virtual knowledge exchange visits with UK staff, and supported education leaders in managing the CPD process to ensure sustainability and continuous improvements in teaching and learning in their colleges.

Impact: The project impacted over 2.8 million learners across 33 countries, with 181,300 teachers and trainers trained. The CPD program enabled VET educators to implement active learning techniques, and the assessments conducted noted improvements in learner success and teaching approaches. Furthermore, the project was extended to Saudi Arabia, where Evolve Global Solutions enhanced the pedagogical elements of seven medical and health care curriculums and trained 800 medical training professionals.

Conclusion: Through the implementation of an engaging CPD program, Evolve Global Solutions has successfully supported VET educators in developing innovative teaching approaches across multiple countries. The impact of the program is reflected in the improvements observed in learner success and teaching approaches. The project has also led to further collaborations in various countries, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program and the recognition of Evolve Global Solutions’ expertise.