Skillnet networkS Scoop awardS - Skillnets

Programme NEwS
STUDy VISITS
Over the past few months Skillnets has continued to be
involved in a number of study visits organised by Léargas,
both as a host organisation in Ireland and as attendees at
visits around Europe. Léargas is the National Agency for
the management of national and international exchange and
cooperation programmes.
‘Diversifying Vocational
Education and Training
to Amplify Employment
Possibilities’
Joanna Piechota of Skillnets was one of 12 representatives
from a range of vocational education and training institutions
across Europe, who attended a three day CEDEFOP study visit
in Madrid in October. The theme of the visit was ‘Diversifying
vocational education and training to amplify employment
possibilities’. The programme was hosted by the Spanish
Public Employment Service.
The main focus of the visit was cooperation between new
vocational training centres and the business community.
Many of the discussions and presentations throughout the
visit looked at the opportunities that could be created by
diversifying vocational training qualifications, including
reducing unemployment and providing easier access for
enterprise to a qualified workforce to adapt to the demands
of today’s labour market.
The visit provided a forum for discussion, exchange and learning
on themes of common interest and on European and national
priorities. By exchanging innovative ideas and practices,
participants promoted the quality and transparency of their
education and training systems. The visit was also an invaluable
networking opportunity and a chance to meet potential partners
for transnational collaborative future projects.
The visit included discussions on a range of topics including the
State Public Employment Service in Spain (SEPE), training for
the unemployed, in-company training initiatives, apprenticeship
system and opportunities. Participants also had the opportunity
to learn about the Spanish education system by visiting
schools, facilities and Public Training Centres in Madrid.
‘Diversifying vocational education and training
to amplify employment possibilities’ group.
‘NFQ and EQF, Frameworks for Lifelong
Learning’ group.
‘NFQ and EQF, Frameworks
for Lifelong Learning’
In October 2011, as part of the CEDEFOP Study Visits
Programme, Skillnets hosted a visit with 12 representatives
from a range of vocational education and training (VET)
institutions across Europe, including Ministries of Education,
universities and private enterprises that invest heavily in HR
development.
The visit focused on national and international frameworks
for lifelong learning: the National Framework of Qualifications
(NFQ) and European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Dave
Skillnets News • March 2012
11