The Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) is currently looking for applications from decision and strategy makers in the vocational training and adult education sector.

This call for applications concerns three or four-day visits to EU Member States and countries associated to the programme. The study visits will take place between September and December 2001 and participants can choose between the following topics:

• SME’s and ICTs: Small and medium-sized enterprises and the use of modern technologies
• Quality in Vocational education and training
• Social dialogue in the transport sector
• Learning and skills acquisition
• The learning of languages in vocational training

In the second half of this year, several visits will be organised that focus on the topic of SME’s and ICT’s. For example, both Iceland and Cyprus will host a visit on the topic of ICT training for Small and Medium-sized enterprises. Sweden will be hosting a study visit on continuing training in SME’s in Sweden, and the Italian study visit aims to present national and local policy in the field of vocational training and technological innovation concerning SME’s.

Participants can choose which country to visit. If selected, participants will join a multinational group of about 10-12 people. The programme for study visits includes presentations, discussions and visits to organisations relevant to the topic.

CEDEFOP provides a grant to contribute to the participants’ travel and accommodation expenses. CEDEFOP also pays for subsistence.

If you would like to receive an application form for the CEDEFOP Study Visits Programme 2001, please contact:

Ms Elisabeth Lotstra Tel: 020 7389 4736

The Central Bureau Fax: 020 7389 4426

The British Council Email: elisabeth.lotstra@britishcouncil.org

10 Spring Gardens

London SW1A 2BN

There are 33 places available to the UK in the second half of 2001 which means the selection process will be competitive!