NETINVET successfully held its 8th annual forum in Dublin

A successful European conference was held in Dublin on 22 and 23 March. Up to 200 teachers from 88 schools out of 10 European Member States participated in this important event. The focus was to encourage and support the mobility of young people engaged in vocational education & training and apprenticeships.

The teachers were welcomed by the Minister of State Mary Mitchell O'Connor who stated the importance of the European engagement of teachers in the vocational education & training sector. Additionally, the Minister announced the Government policy to promote and advance apprenticeship as a quality career option for young people.

At the conference Mr. Jean Arthuis, Member of the European Parliament, announced a budget of € 400 million will be made available to support apprenticeship mobility in Europe under the ErasmusPro scheme. Evidence shows apprenticeship assists in reducing youth unemployment. This mobility scheme will provide opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and experience from work and study placements in other European countries, which will improve their employability.

The President of NETINVET Hugues Pouzin stated the reason for holding the conference in Dublin is to develop cooperation with teachers working in vocational schools and training centres in Ireland. He welcomed participants from the Irish Education sector and explained that NETINVET promotes and facilitates recognised and quality assured mobility opportunities for young people.

NETINVET is an association of VET schools, training centres, professional organisations and state agencies in education. The network was formed 10 years ago and continues to expand its membership and to share best practices. NETINVET engages with European Union Erasmus+ projects in establishing common quality and standards for skills and competences based on the principles of the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training. The network provides tools to assist teachers in planning and organising mobility.

Vocational education and training offers young people a distinct path for career development and quality job opportunities in the European labour market. NETINVET provides supports to enhance the quality of international mobility for learners and apprentices.

NETINVET acknowledges the support of the Teachers Union in Ireland in organising the event and wants to develop further cooperation with teachers in Ireland.