Caymanians working in the field of vocational training are invited to apply to take part in a study visit programme taking place in European cities later this year.
The study visits last three to five days and are being offered through the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training and the British Council in the United Kingdom, states a GIS press release.
Applicants can choose from an array of study visits on a range of sectors such as agriculture, banking and finance, information technology and e-learning, entrepreneurship, education and training of low skilled, and also sports. Examples include:
• ‘Initial and continuing training in IT’ in Germany from 11-14 September;
• ‘The training needs of those with low qualifications’ in Sweden from 11-16 September;
• ‘Agriculture and food in Denmark’, 2-6 October;
• ‘Entrepreneurship and fostering innovation’ in Iceland, 4-6 October;
• ‘Vocational training in banking and finance’ in Portugal from 13-17 November;
• ‘Promoting an entrepreneurial spirit among young people’ in Spain from 13-17 November.
Study visits are open to applicants working in the field of vocational training including public education/training bodies; company training officers; heads of vocational training provision; local employment agencies; representatives of employers’ organizations; researchers and related professions, the release said.
The application deadline is 9 February
‘The aim of the visits is to share knowledge and best practice,’ said Alden McLaughlin, Minister for Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture.
‘Successful applicants will have an opportunity to fine-tune their policy-making, education and training skills in an area of interest.’
Those successful in their application will receive a Euro grant to help cover costs related to the study visit. This sum will not cover all study visit expenses and applicants may therefore wish to seek additional assistance from their employer. Successful applicants will also need an EU passport and/or a valid visa for travel to the EU.
Such a study visit is not a wholly new experience to the Cayman Islands. Last year, Jean Solomon, Programme Development Coordinator of the Employment Relations Department, undertook a highly successful study visit to Burgos, Spain. Ms Solomon joined nine others from the EU to exchange information and gain insight into socio-labour integration programmes that were being developed in that city.
Focusing on ways to combat social exclusion, the course she attended explored the impact of vocational training on the employment of disadvantaged groups including the homeless, immigrants, drug addicts and the disabled.
The issue of sub-standard housing as a cause of social exclusion was also examined. The participants had sufficient opportunity to observe a number of examples of vocational training.
‘It was inspiring,’ commented Ms Solomon upon her return. ‘We focused on combating the social exclusion of so many borderline groups.’ She said that the participants were from Holland, Scandinavia, Germany, Finland, the UK and France, and added, ‘It was an excellent chance to share our experiences.’
Commenting on how the visit helped her, Ms Solomon said, ‘I would encourage other participants from the Cayman Islands to apply for a study visit not just because it is informative and enlightening. It will give participants a chance to see where we are compared to what prevails in Europe. I have been fortunate enough that my study visit relates to the work that I do and I have put a lot of the knowledge I gained into new projects.’
Ms Solomon said interested persons may contact her about her experience during her study visit to Spain last year. She can be reached on 945-3114.
A full catalogue on the study visits and application form may be requested by emailing Ms Christina Rowlandson at the Cabinet Office ([email protected]) or by calling 244-2256. Forms may also be obtained from the Education Council secretary at the Department of Employment Relations located in Royal Plaza, or by calling the Council on 945-3114.
The deadline for applications is 9 February 2006. Applications must be submitted to the British Council for the attention of Ms Andrea Duenschede who administers the study visit programme on behalf of the UK Department for Education and Skills.
Applicants who have queries about specific visits can either contact Ms Ute Chatterjee at the UK Department for Education and Skills ([email protected]) on telephone + 44 207 340 4488, or the email contact indicated in the Study Visit catalogue. Ms Chatterjee has also offered to provide assistance to applicants in completing bid applications.
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