Vocational education has lost much of its attractiveness. Especially in EU countries with predominantly school-based vocational training (e.g. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia) the participation rate is low, dropped to an alarmingly low level, and is perceived by many young people as a dead end. At the same time companies complain about the lack of skills of graduates. The consequences are an unemployment rate of 20-25% of the 15-24 year olds in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.Due to the demographic change, the number of school leavers is dropping fast significantly in all member states, except for Sweden. By 2030, the number of 15-44 year olds in the labor force will decrease by up to 25%. Already today, a shortage of skilled workers exists in most countries. This increasingly affects the future and limits any growth development.Increasing qualifications and at the same time eliminating the shortage of skilled labor is the most important task and key to a sustainable strengthening of innovation, competitiveness and growth of SMEs. The German dual system of vocational training, which leads to a comparatively low youth unemployment, can make a large contribution with a lasting impact on the achievement of these objectives. Therefore, by introducing Work based Learning in vocational education, the project pursued the following overall objectives: a) Greatly improving integration of young people in vocational training and reducing youth unemployment andb) Providing qualified staff and thus promoting innovation and competitiveness in SMEs.The following action objectives served this purpose:1. The development of specific concepts for the realization of Work based Learning in VET on the basis of the German system of dual vocational training for three countries with predominantly school-based vocational training (Poland, Lithuania and Hungary). 2. In two countries (Lithuania and Hungary) the specific introduction of a dual system of vocational training, which is tailored to the specific conditions of the country and includes experiences from all countries around the Baltic Sea.3. Development of adapted curricula for train-the-trainers in SMEs (in-company trainers educating the trainees on the spot in the enterprise) and implementations in Poland, Lithuania and Hungary.4. Development of coordinated concepts and the creation of an international network of 13 countries for permanent promotion and implementation of Work based Learning.5. Transfer of the project results to 68 education providers from 13 countries and the promotion of broad-based implementations.The project was led by the Baltic Sea Academy, which has successfully developed and implemented dual bachelor's degree programs in recent years (vocational training in SMEs while studying at a university) in different countries. Another renowned expert of the German dual system, the Chamber of Crafts Dresden was represented in the consortium to contribute all documents, materials and experiences for dual vocational training in Germany and the train-the-trainers seminars for SMEs.In order to identify and thus to improve the transfer success for other countries and evaluate different national conditions, with the selected countries of Poland, Lithuania and Hungary - where there is a great need for action as well as strong willingness for the realization of Work based Learning - the ideal implementing partners were chosen. From these countries the following partners participated in the consortium:a) A Chamber of Crafts, which itself operates two large vocational schools and can implement dual vocational trainings with their SME members.b) Two large professional schools that wanted to realize Work based Learning and cooperate with chambers that introduce SMEs to the operational parts of the training. c) Two universities that, with the other partners, developed region-specific concepts and curricula, and evaluated as well as advised the implementation process. Additionally, the universities developed concepts and curricula for the train-the-trainers seminars and permanently implemented them in cooperation with the chambers.Through the Baltic Sea Academy 18 colleges/universities and 50 chambers from 13 countries were involved as transfer partners. They received all project results, were advised on implementation, and were encouraged to continuously promote Work based Learning in their regions. Thus, a far-reaching effect and high sustainability were achieved.With the implementation of tailor-made solutions for dual systems, young people will be better integrated; they obtain the necessary qualifications in the labor market and youth unemployment is reduced. SMEs get the much needed qualified workforce and get prepared through the train-the-trainer measures for dual vocational training. Through the inclusion of 68 key education stakeholders from 13 countries a continuous support network for the implementation of Work based Learning was created.