We are very thankful that we received European funding which enabled us to do this important work. We all learned so much about how to built and maintain a good (international) network. And, very importantly, others (in and outside our countries/regions) have been inspired to learn from our project and to make use of the documents and guidelines we produced.  

The cherry on the cake was signing a Cooperation Agreement in Brussels in April 2022. All five networks of VET schools agreed on the long-term continuation of our cooperation, with some renewed elements. The basis under the agreement is the Network of Networks ‘Strategic Plan’ and an ‘Action Plan’ for the coming years (until 2026).  

We have realized a new governance structure. Part of this structure will be thematic teams, a steering committee and a supervisory board. We did already partially start with the implementation of it.  

One of the big successes of our project was the impulse it gave to the exchange of ideas, requests, help and good practices between our national and regional networks. Knowledge exchange on all different levels; teachers, international coordinators, VET leaders etc. An important follow-up of the project will be to facilitate this even better by starting thematic teams and the development of a more easily in use, low-key digital platform.  

We are very happy and proud that we managed to reach the goals of our project, despite the huge challenges we faced (Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit) which still has its impact on our daily work. And we are looking forward to keep improving the quality of our education by our continuing international cooperation.   

La entrada Network of Networks – past, present, future se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

• Inclusion and excellence 

• Internationalisation 
• Sustainability and digitalisation 
• Lifelong learning 
• and the future of Network of Networks 

In approximately 2 hours, VET leaders had the chance to go through each of the topics and exchange with their peers the situation on their own colleges, their plans and their wishes.  

Inclusion and excellence 

To achieve excellence, several ideas were shared. The importance of international exchange and the development of international competences/mindset for everybody was at the centre, together with the creation and reinforcement of alliances and multilayer cooperation (among teachers, students, VET leaders or companies). Although going abroad was not seen as essential, international visits for teachers deserved particular attention.  

The recognition of small steps and of any progress was essential to keep motivation, especially for those students at risk of drop out. In this regard, counselling was considered very important but not only focused on career skills but with a stronger focus on life skills.  

Stronger cooperation with companies and sending lecturers to industry was highly supported to get updated skills but also to develop a higher capacity of adaptation of the VET system to global changes and challenges.  

Internationalisation 

All VET leaders shared a common vision on how international activities are vital to promote innovation, seeing things in different perspectives and rethinking college´s own local, regional, or national approaches.  

Better communication to students of the opportunities of internationalisation, stimulating their curiosity and using role models and social media were mentioned, as well as including the parents in international activities and/or in the promotion of international activities. 

Strong focus should be put on internationalisation at home activities, as not every student and teacher can travel abroad because of different reasons, but this should not jeopardise their opportunities to develop their international skills. In this sense, making use of the multicultural background of our own students is a way to be explored. Teacher exchanges among NoN partners and promotion and participation in international skills competitions and training are also vias to be further developed. 

Sustainability and Digitalisation 

The dual transition is a priority in the agenda of VET leaders in colleges part of Network of Networks. It is agreed that digitalisation can help sustainability, for example reducing paperwork and travel / commuting, making use of blended learning, which showed its possibilities during the pandemic. The use of VR can also have a double purpose, while making learning more attractive and engaging for students, can also reduce the environmental impact of working with chemical fluids, raw materials, or paper. 

Sustainability is to be approached by the whole college, from the college management and strategy, for example promoting circular economy, to the curricula.   

The agenda 2030 and the United Nation´s Sustainable Development Goals) have been assumed by NoN VET colleges, but an exercise to translate the SDGs into concrete objectives for the college would be of much help.  

Lifelong learning 

The discussion on lifelong learning mainly focused on lifelong learning of VET staff, in particular teaching staff.  

One of the key points on LLL is on building awareness on LLL as part of life but also on building an environment in the VET school which promotes LLL as consequence of changes in life and carrier. Schools require professionals who will keep developing themselves, as in any other job.  

As ways of promoting and accomplishing lifelong learning, going abroad and/or job shadowing in companies and in other schools is considered essential, as well as to involve companies in the design of VET curricula, materials and/or activities.  

The future of Network of Networks 

Network of Networks was born from a common vision on internationalisation of all the regional and national networks part of it. Although starting mainly involving international coordinators, there is an increased demand for a multilayer involvement and a grassroot approach to define the future of it. 

The opportunity of getting to know people in real life and discover challenges shared and turn them into opportunities to cooperate was highlighted by VET leaders. Exchange and mutual learning on the implementation of international strategies and how to combine them with other strategies such as sustainability and digitalisation are the key success factors of Network of Networks to be further explored in the future.  

Network of Networks represents the institutions and people behind and is considered the house of the VET colleges part of it. 

La entrada VET LEADERS FROM NETWORK OF NETWORKS SHARE CHALLENGES AND DREAMS IN A LEARNING CAFÉ IN BRUSSELS  se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

• Entrepreneurship 
• Sustainable Development 
• Innovation 

• Work-based Learning 
• Internationalisation 

The Internationalisation working group, consisting of International Coordinators, has already started and are currently working on mapping the priorities and curricular areas of each participating organisation, to make finding a project partner easier and less time consuming. 

The Leaders of the 4 remaining working groups have now been provided with a list of interested members and have been asked to arrange a start-up meeting within the next couple of months. 

Registration for the working groups remains open, so if you are interested in joining any of the groups and haven’t yet signed up, please contact your Network Lead for more details. 

La entrada Network of Networks international thematic working groups 2022 se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

Objective 1 – Resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive and flexible VET: 

Good relationships with students, staff and industry are important to build resilience in colleges.   

Understanding current and future business partner needs, through technology roadmaps and horizon scanning, helps ensure the offer from VET colleges is of a high quality and aligned to these needs.  

In working with municipalities, regional partners and companies, we can think more strategically about how VET provision can become more flexible and resilient. 

Some of the biggest challenges facing VET are AI, Emerging Tech and the readiness of staff.  

Objective 2 – Establishing a new lifelong learning culture – relevance of CVET and digitalisation: 

Life Long Learning (LLL) could be redefined as Continuous Competence Development (CCD), as it is in Finland. The 70-20-10 model is helping to structure CCD:  

• 70% is doing the things you’re supposed to be doing?  

• 20% you can learn from help of others (e.g. through mentoring), but you must share  

• 10% going to courses or formal learning programmes.  

Learning should be seen as a skill in itself and defining Life Long Learning across the Networks would be beneficial and maybe more work is needed to learn from each other.  

Example of LLL can also be seen in Scotland through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which is opening up a more flexible approach to Workforce Development. Furthermore, a flexible system of micro credentials is also helping the LLL culture and the relevance of the CVET offer.  

Objective 3 – A Green Link in VET: 

We need to be aware of what role VET colleges can and will play in the wider ecosystem within a region. A good example is using colleges (as they do in the Netherlands) as knowledge centres.  

Continuous improvement should specifically centre around sustainability, as education is a key tool of transformation, through their work with the future workforce and young people.  

Sustainability is a huge subject (nature, environment, and social aspects too), so colleges and development agencies need to shape a common mission for our regions.  

Objective 4 – European Education and Training Area and international dimension of VET: 

As sustainability becomes ever more prominent, colleges need to integrate actions to offset carbon emissions as a result of mobility’s, e.g. planting trees and/or giving something back  

College should ask themselves… Where do mobility’s take place? Perhaps locations can change, the proximity between hosts and participants is shortened, perhaps they occur over different durations  

Other obstacles in scaling an inclusive mobility system relate to:  

• Commitment of VET Leaders and proving the value of mobility  

• If there is commitment from VET Leaders, how is this shared? 

• How do sustain funding levels, as well as identifying any new funding streams, to ensure they are maximised.  

La entrada Fish Bowl Session – Brussels KA3 work results se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

Here are some of the suggestions which the Network of Networks’ Steering Committee are considering implementing: 

• Ensure equal distribution of work by circulating amongst members and appointing responsible members for different tasks.   
• Actively utilise new working groups, e.g. new projects (funding and resources). Way of working: Share expertise with each network, create a common vision; from the vision set targets and identify the steps required to achieve targets.   
• Share knowledge, outcomes, products, experiences and make sure results are visible. 
• Organise blended mobilities and similar courses between a number of schools within the network. 
• Use internationally active staff as ambassadors and connect staff for specific topics. 

• Steering committee needs to be more formalised, rotate chairing of the network (on an annual basis?). 
• Create relevance; invite members from the networks to local/regional events. 
• What do VET schools need from Network of Networks? Exchange of knowledge, guidance, cooperation in projects, expansion in quality, strong relationships, joint forces. How to reach this? Ambassadors, succession planning, digital market place for projects, internships and best practices, networking on different levels and different themes, to involve each level within an organisation. 

1. How might we improve the effectiveness of NoN? (How to govern the whole network?) (Related to aspiration 1: Bring coherence, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency)   

• Outside experts  
• Use capacity building model to improve operation 
• Money to support NoN work (membership fee) 
• Equal distribution of work and appointed responsibilities for different tasks (circulation) 
• Improve website 

• Service design process for mobilities 
• Making results visible and measuring them 

2. How might we drive the network forward and ensure its sustainability? (regardless of Brexit)? (Related to aspiration 1: Bring coherence, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency)  

• Trust between partners 

• Time to do things 
• Stories of members and best practices implemented 
• Utilising working groups, eg. new projects (funding & resources) 
• Utilising the tools that have been created 
• Terms of reference supported by collaborative platforms 

• Commitment of VET leaders 
• VET leaders could form own network / steering committee 

3. How might we (all NoN partners together) enhance excellence in VET? (Related to aspiration 2: Enhance the quality of VET and support Economic, Social and Sustainable Cohesion)   

• Sharing how to apply certain tools and methods 

• Sharing knowledge, outcomes, products, experiences 
• Sharing excellence programs between partners 
• Excellence linked in the learning process 
• Support development & implementation 
• Visibility of results, documentation 

• Reflection & evaluation 
• Many levels: student performance, staff professionalism, quality at VET programmes, internal excellence 
• PDCE – IMWR 

4. How might we improve international learning opportunities for students within NoN (eg. considering physical mobilities and collaborative projects)? (Related to aspiration 2: Enhance the quality of VET and support Economic, Social and Sustainable Cohesion) 

• Gamification 
• Collect & share data, disciplines, WBC, arrangements, peer learning platform 
• NoN buddy program 
• Mixed groups/pairs, communication at the same level 
• Students from different schools working on a certain topic together 

• Blended mobilities, common courses between few schools + physical mobility / visit 

5. How might we encourage / support staff competence development internationally? (Related to aspiration 3. Enhance the quality of VET education by Continuous Staff Competence Development)   

• Light structure 
• Few moments of presentation, eg. annual meeting 

• Staff exchanges 
• Use internationally active staff as ambassadors 
• Connecting people in specific topics, advantage of the network, trust in supporting staff competence 

6. How might we define the topics for the NoN thematic working groups? (What do you expect to achieve through the thematic working groups? How might we measure their impact?) (Related to aspiration 3. Enhance the quality of VET education by Continuous Staff Competence Development)   

• What do we need and want? 
• Share expertise with each network, then create common vision, from vision create steps & targets. 
• Allocate tasks, set deadlines, no lead but round responsibility 
• Involve members of schools, ask them what they want (surveys) 
• Funding, clear output 

• Flexibility, adaptability 

7. How might we increase the reach of/membership of the NoN? (Should we invite more networks to join NoN? What type of networks should be invited to join NoN?  What criteria to use criteria?) (Related to aspiration 4. Raise awareness about the Network of Networks and its Added Value)  

• Quality over quantity. 
• Quality = added value, strong commitment and dedication, trust, active networks 

• Risks: bureaucracy, administration, difficult managing, risk of country that’s less dedicated 
• Aim of NoN: enhance cooperation across borders. New members = increasing opportunities but be aware of the implications.  
• Added value needed for new members 
• Steering committee needs to be more formalised + president? 
• To grow = to get more strength & more influence on policies 

• Partner needs to contribute, commit, dedicate, be active 
• Trial period, first friend then partner (application) 
• Include neighboring countries + look where our stakeholders (eg. Companies) go. 
• Requirements: network of VET with all sectors represented, minimum amount of schools? Number of students? 

8. How might we be more proactive as a network? (website content, newsletters, other?) (Related to aspiration 4. Raise awareness about the Network of Networks and its Added Value)   

• Create role models to share between organisations 
• Set up social media calendar & assign people to execute and monitor platform 
• Thematic session for teachers and others to learn, exchange and meet others 
• Involve experts outside of NoN (EU, companies etc.) 

• Measure impact through indicators & goals, measure growth & development of the network 
• Hire a secretary/administrator for general support. Or group responsible of these tasks. 
• Investigate new ways, eg. marketplace app (what can you offer rather than what are you looking for) 
• Create relevance, invite the other networks for your local/regional events. 
• Involve students. 

• Take turns (caroussel), each regional network is in the lead once in 5 years. 
• Not only VET leaders’ conference, but also for teachers/other staff 
• Share Skills competition experiences, meet each other there 

9. How might we set out the long-term vision of NoN? (Beyond 5 years strategy timeline)?    

• Commitment on all organisational levels 

• Connect with long-term strategies from EU regarding VET (but also other related topics). 
• Set aims and goals but keep on open point (instead of fixed one) because of unforseen events 
• Strengthen relationships and have a clear view on the “why” of NoN (why do we exist), vision 
• Connect long-term vision with resources, working groups, experts, teachers, futurists, management, VET leaders 
• What do VET schools need from NoN? Exchange of knowledge, guidance, cooperation in projects, expansion in quality, strong relationship, joint forces 

• How? Ambassadors, succession planning, digital market place for projects, internships & best practices, networking on different levels and different themes, for each level in the organisation.  
• Involve students at all levels. Set up workshops with students, they provide answers/ point the direction. 

La entrada The Future of Network of Networks – Analysis from the ‘How might we…?’ workshop  se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

The demand for education in the health care sector, especially in nursing, is very strong in Kenya. The groups to be trained are historically large for all three organisations, consisting of almost 450 students in the first cohort, and the size of the first phase of the operation is over 10 M€. Many students are seeking for opportunities to be educated in Europe, and now especially in Finland. After completing their studies, the participants will continue to further develop the Kenyan society with their upskilled professional competences.  Some of the graduates may also get the opportunity to stay and work, and possibly continue their studies, and thus, this co-operation may also address the shortage of skilled labor force in Finland.

Most of the students will come from the county of Uasin Gishu in Kenya. The Governor of the county H.E. Mr. Jackson Mandago has been the primus motor to realise the co-operation. Laurea is the partner delivering the tailor-made, on-demand nursing, and physiotherapy degree programmes, and Metropolia is responsible for the programme in information technology. Most of the students have already been selected and the process will start with a pathway package concentrating on the Finnish language and culture.

For Gradia providing training in the IVET qualification in social and health care within this co-operation is ground-breaking and unique since the new legislation on global education took effect in the beginning of 2022.

“We’re very excited for this new opportunity. This is a great chance to both train competent staff for the labour market and develop our own staff’s competences together with the local working life. This cooperation will benefit both the Kenyan and Finnish health care sectors,” says Sanna Salo, Programme Manager responsible for social and health care education in Gradia.Sanna is also a management-level representative in WP5 team of the Network of Networks project (KA3). 

Finland’s new Africa Strategy

This co-operation also supports Finland’s Africa Strategy. As African economies develop and populations grow, the role African countries have in world politics and economics is also becoming more prominent. Thanks to their growing markets, many African countries have also become potential trading partners for Finland. Finland’s Africa Strategy has been drafted to promote Finland’s ties with African countries on multiple levels and sectors. The joint government Strategy was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The aim of the Africa Strategy is to diversify Finland’s relations and to develop the ambitions and coherence of Finland’s Africa policy. Special attention will be paid to the expansion and deepening of Finland’s ties with African countries, the African Union and with other regional organisations on the continent. The strategy aims to identify shared interests and to strengthen connections in different sectors between Finland and Africa. Points of departure include Finland’s own interests and competencies, Agenda 2030 as well as the “Africa We Want” Agenda 2063 of the African Union.  Finland’s strategy also takes into consideration the policies of the European Union’s recent Strategy with Africa.

More information

Sanna Salo, Programme Manager, social and health care

Gradia Jyväskylä

sanna.salo@gradia.fi

La entrada Gradia making Finnish history se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

– Approximately 50% of the participants have attended NoN Webinars and NoN annual meetings.

– The most important topics to be subject of transnational cooperation are (in order):

1. International opportunities for VET students/learners.
2. Sustainability embedded in the VET curriculum.
3. Increase digital skills of students and teachers.
4. Pedagogical and curriculum innovation.

– The most expected result of the working groups created by NoN (internationalization, sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and work based learning) is the identification of possible cooperation projects based on good practices exchanged. As for the most expected benefit of NoN overall, they´ve highlighted the increase of international activities in the college.

Around 70% of the respondents found the attendance to webinars and the celebration of biannual meetings the most suitable way to keep engaged with NoN, 2 actions put in place during the KA3 project and which will continue, following the demands of our VET leaders.

Thank you so much to all the respondents. We have taken good note of your preferences and your priorities and you will have the opportunity to exchange on them soon in Brussels.

For more information about the Conference, please follow the link:https://partnersin.vet/conference-ka3-brussels/

La entrada Warming up for Brussels! se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

• Current Mental Health Policies and Strategies
• A day in the life of a Social Worker
• A day in the life of a Nurse
• The future of Health & Social Care

Experts from various backgrounds including professional health and social care workers (Practical and Professional Nurses, Innovators, Care Provider Directors, Regulatory Body, Social Workers) shared their experiences through a panel debate and responding to questions from the audience throughout both days. With over 100 delegates participating throughout the 2-day conference, and feedback from all involved including moderators and presenters, it was clearly evident that the conference would become a feature in future years.

The next conference was designed and implemented in November 2021 with help from both North West Regional College and Northern Regional College, both collaborating with St. Petersburg College. Similar format via online platform was used, and a range of professionals from varying expert backgrounds presented on the following topics:

• Integrating Health Care Technology with the Aging Population
• Access to Care in 2021 and into the Future
• Implications of the Covid Pandemic on Long Term Health
• Alumni of past students presenting and talking about their experiences of studying at either St. Petersburg College, or the Northern Irish Colleges (Northern Regional College, North West Regional College)

Conference topics that had been selected for both years focussed on the curriculum of our Level 5 Foundation Degree Science in Health and Social Care (a regionally designed qualification in Northern Ireland). The Foundation Degree is a two-year programme that offers our higher education level students the chance to progress to a final year Degree programme at Ulster University; and it supports knowledge and skill development to pursue a career in Health and Social Care, and/or progression to professional Degree programmes such as Nursing, Social Work or Allied Health (Physiotherapist etc).

The collaboration has been successful both years and it has been agreed by all partners that we will plan a further conference for November 2022. Colleges in Northern Ireland are currently deciding on conference topics and will be meeting St. Petersburg College (International Coordinator and faculty staff) in June this year to start planning for another 2-day online conference to be held in November 2022.

Note – Information about both conferences can be found here:

https://blog.spcollege.edu/international/category/news/international-discussions/

La entrada Global Perspectives on Health and Social Care – Collaborative Discussions between USA and NI se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

A week-long programme of in-person and virtual events and activities raised the profile of apprenticeships, highlighted the benefits of becoming an apprentice and showcased how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses.

When launching NI Apprenticeship Week, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said:

“As our economy continues to recover following the effects of the pandemic, developing the local skills base is a key priority for me and a cornerstone of the recovery. My Department’s 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy set out how we want to equip people with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market and build on Northern Ireland’s successes on the global stage. Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in making this a reality.”

Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges highlighted the importance of apprenticeships to address the skills shortage and how apprenticeships are the first step to gaining vital knowledge and skills that are needed to further advance economic and skills development.

Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education Principal’s Group said:

“This Week gives us a prime opportunity to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships and the skills they provide to tackle the skills deficit in Northern Ireland”

“Apprenticeships can play an important part in tackling this deficit by providing people with a learning structure and valuable work experience that provides qualifications and holistic skills that are needed for economic growth.”

“As the skills deficit in Northern Ireland becomes clearer the value of apprenticeships cannot be underestimated. With close links to over 9,000 employers, Further Education colleges stand ready to create more industry aligned apprenticeships to ensure our local communities have the skills necessary to gain employment in our localities.”

“On Apprenticeship Week, all six colleges encourage any individual looking to re-skill to consider an apprenticeship. It is an open door to a promising career.”

Central to the week was the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2022 ceremony which shone a spotlight on the range and excellence of apprenticeships across the region.  Speaking at the event, Minister Lyons said:

“I want to commend all the finalists who were shortlisted for this year’s awards and congratulate the winners. With around 10,000 participants across our apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship programmes, to be nominated for these awards is testament to your enthusiasm, dedication to learning and the qualities you bring to your employers.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the great work being done by training providers and employers, without whose support, commitment and foresight we would not be able to deliver apprenticeships. The calibre of entries this year has once again been extremely high and reflects the continued success of apprenticeships during what has been a hugely challenging year for businesses and learners.”

For more information on the week-long events click here.

La entrada Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2022 se publicó primero en Network of Networks.

Coordinated by the Scottish Institute of Innovation & Knowledge Exchange, the event provided an opportunity to find out more about the key initiatives and projects that support the college’s approach to sustainability and showcased innovation projects aiming to support climate action and develop green skills.  

As well as highlighting the City of Glasgow College’s Sustainability Strategy which details the goals, ambitions and the actions being taken to combat climate change, how the college are using innovative approaches to embed sustainability into the curriculum were also showcased, as we encourage students to be active participants in society.

The event was an opportunity to highlight projects in the areas of Circular Economy and Net-Zero, including supporting SME innovation through Innovation Vouchers and our partnership with Altitude Thinking, which is developing a unique approach to maintaining water quality – by utilising IoT & digital sensor technology – through the deployment of the Aquabot 2.0.

The event provided a platform to share the college’s vision for the future by including how our Resource Efficient House project will provide an ability to explore efficient energy use & smart living solutions under one roof and how the Riverside Innovation Centre will provide transformational change in college-led innovation.

To find out more about City Innovation, you’ll find information about our key initiatives and projects here https://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/cop26/city-innovations.

La entrada SUPPORTING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATION se publicó primero en Network of Networks.