RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Trainer academies, networks and round tables – Continuing education of IVET trainers in the apprenticeship

training in Austria

Network of Trainers in Europe Conference 2010Crossing Bounderies: The multiple role of trainers and teachers in vocational education and training

Silvia Weiß

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

IVET trainers in apprenticeship training - characteristics

IVET trainer in apprenticeship training is a role, not a profession

Skilled workers, part-time trainers

Training role is not paid (IVET trainers get the salary for the profession as skilled worker)

Main reasons to become an IVET trainer: interest in young people, social recognition and prestige; IVET trainers do not expect a higher remuneration for the role as trainer

Main sectors: crafts and trade, commerce, tourism

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Main reasons to become a trainer (n=56)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Incentives such as better pay, higher status,better career prospects

Others

Asked by the employer to take on this role

Re-directing my work routine or job

Broadening my skills

Personal interest

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Initial education for IVET trainers in the apprenticeship training

Compulsory

Requirements for access to trainer qualification: obtaining age of 18

Qualification: oral examination or 40-hour-course with interview

Qualification comprises: o Specification of the training objectiveso Planning of the apprenticeship trainingo Preparation, implementation and monitoring of training o Attitude and behaviour towards the apprenticeso The legal framework regulating vocational training (Vocational Training Act;

other laws governing working with children and young people, etc.)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Initial education:Critical questions

Why are there no other preconditions for obtaining the IVET trainer qualification, ecxept beeing 18 years old (legal age)?

Austrian policy: more transparency within VET Austrian policy: more attractiveness for young people to choose an

apprenticeship training Young people as IVET trainers understand the needs of young apprentices better

than adults

Why does the IVET trainer qualification comprise only 40 hours and not more of pedagogical skills?

Low-thresholded to encourage as many people as possible

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Continuing education for IVET trainers in the apprenticeship

training Not compulsory

Precondition: trainer qualification

Any CET offer or CET institute can be choosen

Special offers:o IVET trainer academieso Networks for IVET trainers

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IVET trainer academies

Initiated by regional Austrian Chambers of Economy in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna

Aim: promoting the professionalisation of IVET trainers and adhance the quality of apprenticeship training

No tertiary education; “academy” should underline the high standard of professionalisation of CVET

Supported by the CET provider institutions of the Chamber of Economy and Labour

By participating in CET offers IVET trainers achieve points and obtain a certain level of certification (e. g. certified/ licensed/ qualified apprenticeship trainer)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

IVET Trainer academy in Vorarlberg

Steps of certifications (levels) show the professionalistion, steps depend from each other

Every level covers a portfolio of training activities

Training activities are awarded with points, a special number of points leads to the following levels:

o Level 1: certified apprenticeship trainer/25 pointso subject-specific topics, personal and social development

o Level 2: licensed apprenticeship trainer/40 pointso additional to level 1 - focus on methodological competences, project

o Level 3: qualified apprenticeship trainer with diploma/70 pointso additional to level 1 and 2 societal aspects

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Network for IVET trainers in Tyrol

Founded by federal state and regional social partners

Aim: trainers can exchange ideas and experiences

Type: regularly round-table meetings in an formal and informal setting (company, part-time vocational schools, restaurants)

Every table gathering has a specific topic (e.g. „Difficult conversational situations with apprentices“, „Organising a successful training programm“ etc.)

Active participation can be credited with the portfolio of the IVET trainer academy to reach a certain level

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Continuing education:critical questions

Why is CET for IVET trainers not compulsory?

o Support autonomy in LLL of IVET trainerso Autonomous decision is a part of professionalisation of IVET trainerso Financial Support from Federal Chamber of Economy should support autonomous decisions for CET (only for

pedagogical education)o IVET trainers are skilled workers, they should decide for themselves when they have time for CET

Why is the offer for CET activities disproportional wider than for IVET?

o Austrian policy: low thresholded IVET-entrance to convince as many people as possible to become an IVET trainer. Comprehensive offer of CET is foreseen to deepen the social and pedagogical skills and competences of IVET trainers.

Why are informal meetings, like the round tables, part of an CET-certification?

o Round table meetings are low-thresholded and may encourage skilled workers to take parto Informal meetings are considered as activities where people speak more open about real problems

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERFACES BETWEEN EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Thank you for your attention!