Call for Applications | deadline: 12 October 2012
Study Visits for Experts and Decision Makers in Vocational Education and Training
 
"This action aims to support the development of policies and cooperation at the European level about lifelong learning, especially in the context of the new strategic framework for cooperation in education and training (E&F 2020), as well as the Bologna and Copenhagen processes and their successors."
 
"The priorities for this action, also referred to in the General Call for Applications for the 2011-2013 PALV - Strategic Priorities 2012, are as follows:
1. Encouraging cooperation between the worlds of education, training and work;
2. Supporting the initial and ongoing training of trainers, teachers and managers of training institutions;
3. Promoting the acquisition of key competencies through the education and training system;
4. Promote social inclusion and equality between men and women in education and training, including the integration of migrants;
5. Developing strategies for lifelong learning and mobility."
 
"The study visit programme is aimed at decision and policymakers and individuals who, through their professional activities, are well placed to act as multipliers of learning and innovation, such as:
- representatives of local, regional and national authorities;
- directors of institutions, centres or promoters of vocational education and training; guidance and counselling centres;
- validation or accreditation centres;
- heads of departments;
- teacher trainers;
- vocational education and training inspectors;
- representatives of education and training networks and associations;
- pedagogical or guidance counsellors;
- representatives of educational services, employment centres or guidance centres;
- human resources managers and training managers in companies; owners or managers of SMEs;
- representatives of chambers of commerce, industry or crafts, employers' organisations or trade unions;
- researchers."
 
"A study visit is a short-term three to five days for a small group (8 to 15 people) of experts and decision-makers, representing various stakeholder groups in vocational education and training, to examine a specific aspect of lifelong learning in another participating country." (in the attached document)

"The visits are organised at the local or regional level and are coordinated at the national level by the National Agency (PROALV) and at the European level by Cedefop (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training) on behalf of the European Commission". This call could fund 126 study visits to 30 European countries.
 
More info at http://studyvisits.cedefop.europa.eu/ (how to apply), Study visits at LLP website and Cedefop.