New Conference 2008 Improving Quality in Vocational Education and Training as a Vehicle of Lifelong Learning The multitude of intiatives emanating from EU policy for Education and Training as we move to implement the 2010 Lisbon Agenda include a range of tools and instruments to drive improvements in Vocational Education and Training and foster a lifelong learning culture throughout Europe. These policy drivers, including EQF and ECVET aim to encourage member states to raise their game in terms of National VET frameworks, stimulate transparency and encourage European citizens to raise their skills promoting greater mobility and opportunity through both learning and working abroad in other member states. Europass and the European CV encourage a common framework in this regard. How then do we as Learning institutions respond ? How do we make it happen? How do we ensure the quality of VET delivery? How do we enhance the learning experience for all European citizens to bring about both economic and social cohesion? What strategies can we adopt and share to bring about real improvements in Vocational Education and Training? These challenges are both relevant to VET managers and practitioners alike. Conference will address some of the quality issues facing both leaders and teachers in VET and Lifelong Learning institutions through presentations from experts and workshops. Issues include: For Managers: Improving leadership and management and organisational structure Strategies for attracting high quality staff Resourcing and financial implications – a key to modernising VET
For Teachers: Initial advice, guidance and individual learner planning Flexible learning pathways to meet learner needs Competence based approaches and assessment methodologies Monitoring learner progress and quality assurance methodologies.
To encourage lively debate and the sharing of good practice across the membership – delegates will be invited to prepare in advance examples of practice from across Europe on these issues. Conference will also include the opportunity for delegates to disseminate the outcomes, products and results of their European partnership projects as has been the case in recent years. These Roundtable sessions can be booked as part of the Registration process. New for 2008. – The Mobility Marketplace…… Conference will, as a result of member feedback, include a new and stimulating session on all aspects of student and staff mobility. This will take the form of a ‘Mobility marketplace’ offering members the opportunity to establish new partnerships, discuss logistics and mobility initiatives in a supportive setting. It will be set up as a surgery – for individual partnerships to come together to promote and plan effective mobility initiatives. | 
