The Trainers in Europe Network is for policy makers, researchers and practitioners involved or interested in the training of trainers in vocational education and training

1. Network to Support
Trainers in Europe
Simone Kirpal
Institute Technology and
Education (ITB),
University of Bremen, Germany
18/02/2008 Simone Kirpal

2. Background 1
Goals of the Maastricht Communiqué (2004)
 Identify the specific learning needs and changing
role of trainers in VET
 Identify possibilities to making the training
profession more attractive
 Support the continuing up-dating of skills,
knowledge and competences of trainers
 Enhance the support structures for VET trainers
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3. Background 2
Recent European studies on trainers indicate that
 The area of VET trainers is underresearched, lacking data and
information to plan and provide adequate support for trainers
 The profession of VET trainers lacks recognition and
incentives in most European countries
 The continuing learning of trainers is underdeveloped
 Trainers‘ competence profiles need to include a broader range
of pedagogical, social and management competences
 Trainers in SMEs are particularly disadvantaged
 The training methods that trainers apply require innovation
 The continuing professional development of trainers needs
to be strengthened if trainers are to assume a stragetic role in
knowledge-based economies
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4. Network‘s general objectives
 Develop a European perspective on the situation and
future professional development of VET trainers
 Generate and share information: compile and
synthesise, but also generate data, information and
materials on the situation, work and qualification needs
of trainers in Europe
 Facilitate mutual exchange, learning and
communication among experts and practitioners
 Foster the political dialogue to identify strategies for
improving the situation and qualification of trainers
 Innovation: pilot innovative e-features for knowledge
sharing and distribution in the area of trainers
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5. Network‘s concrete objectives
 Generate data and information on the situation of trainers
 Provide an overview of materials and activities in the field
of VET trainers across Europe and at national/regional
level
 Inform European training policy by linking different
initiatives and studies at the European level
 Enhance the visibility of issues evolving around VET
trainers
 Develop a plan of action for programmes and policy
priorities in the area
 Improve the cooperation in the field of trainers between
institutions and organisations including enterprises, social
partners and other relevant bodies throughout Europe
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6. Network activities
1. Network/platform to create linkages, synergy
effects and mutual benefits of the different
European, national and regional initiatives so far
implemented in the area of VET trainers. It will
include: materials, tools, outcomes, resources and
contacts.
2. Forum for mutual exchange emphasising the
exchange of knowledge and experiences, good
practices, tools and innovation in the area of VET
trainers by fostering a ‘bottom-up approach’ which
involves practitioners and multipliers at regional,
sectoral and company level
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7. Network activities
3. Two international e-conferences
each one addressing a particular
topic. The rationale for the e-
conferences is outreach, inclusion and
innovation.
4. Carry out two joint network
activities: one to generate more data
and information and one on
programming and policy
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8. 1st E-conference:
5-6 November 2008
TRAINING OF TRAINERS – a European conference
Day 1:
Theme 1: The changing role of trainers in learning
Theme 2: E-learning for trainers
Day 2
Theme 1: Work-based learning
Theme 2: Support for the professional development of trainers
Exhibition Marketplace
Targeted at trainers and practitioners featuring a multi-lingual
exhibition area exemplifying national and international good
practice examples with audio-visual support in national
languages and also an English abstract. The exhibition area
will be moderated and also provide a discussion forum.
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