This Forum session as a pilot initiative of the WERA IRN-VET network that seeks to find a mode to promote wider internationalisation in ECER-VETNET programme with the support of World Educational research Association WERA.

The WERA network for Internationalisation of Research in Vocational Education and Training (IRN-VET) has been launched in 2013 to cover a broad range of research activities in vocational education and training (VET). It takes into account different levels of steering and practice linking system-related issues to cultural aspects of VET. The field of research inVET covers initial and continuing vocational training, both school-based and workplace-based learning provisions as well as the development of pedagogic expertise for vocational and professional education.

The IRN-VET will raise awareness of the impact of research with its mapping activities, thematic ‘task forces’ and with IRN-VET events in the conferences of WERA and of ‘regional’ associations and networks in other global regions. During the first year the invited partners will launch some key activities. Much of the work of the first year has also the character of providing services for the ‘regional’ research communities and networks to facilitate international cooperation. This refers to the global communication channels and to the IRN-VET events in different conferences.

The proposed  WERA IRN-VET Forum is the first public event of the network and it has the following agenda:

1) The Opening Address will provide basic information on the network, its initial activities and the milestones for further activities.

2) The next “Key activity paper” focuses on the International VET Research Review carried out by Wageningen University in 2011-2013 and the prospects for follow-up measures.

3) The subsequent “Special guest paper” focuses on the withdrawal of state - ‘destatalisation” in VET as a new international tendency with analyses of current developments in Australia.

4) The following “Special guest paper“ focuses on key questions for a responsive TVET agenda in South Africa in the light of global challenges.

5) The final “Key activity paper” focuses on internationalisation of VET teacher education and on the role of PhD programmes. 

Although the Forum has a somewhat different character than ordinary research symposia, there will be a discussant to stimulate exchange of ideas and to help drawing common conclusions for further activities of the network.