What is the ‘Network to Support Trainers in Europe’?
The Network supports research and practice in training throughout Europe. It provides:
– Access to people and ideas about research and training practice;
– Practical materials and tools to support the professional development of trainers;
– A web-site packed with information and a communication platform for exchanging ideas.
Who is it for?
The Network is for all those interested in training and the support of trainers. This includes researchers, policy makers, managers and practitioners.
Why the Network to Support Trainers in Europe?
Research suggests that more people are increasingly becoming involved in providing training or support for learning as part of their jobs. This includes full-time teachers and trainers but also managers and skilled workers, coaches and e-learning developers, for example. In addition, European lifelong learning strategies and policies have redirected the focus towards trainers as key actors in the learning process.
However, little is known about the work of trainers and their needs to meet future training demands. We have only a limited understanding of how many people are involved in training, what their tasks involve and what training opportunities they have for doing this work, less still of how they receive professional support and development.
Whilst many organisations are seeking to provide training for trainers we are not sure of the most effective forms such support for trainers might take and how such support can be organised.
A European network can bring together and share research and ideas and can develop a pool of resources and expertise to help such development and inform policies and practice at different levels.
What exactly will the Network do?
Provide an opportunity for exchanging experiences and knowledge though an easy to use web portal. Enable policy makers, managers and trainers to access ideas, materials and opportunities for professional development. Undertake a small-scale survey of the work of trainers and their professional support. Provide access to research and ideas through the organisation of workshops and on-line conferences. Enhance the quality of support for trainers by sharing effective practice. Stimulate new approaches to the training of trainers related to the concept of lifelong learning, knowledge sharing and peer learning. Encourage researchers and trainers to share information and materials based on practical experience. Bring together research and practice from different projects and initiatives throughout Europe.
How is the Network funded?
The European Commission funds 75 percent of the cost of the Network through its Lifelong Learning Programme under the network strand of the Leonardo da Vinci programme.
How is the Network to Support Trainers in Europe organised?
Ten international partners are responsible for organising the Network with the Institute Technology and Education (ITB) of Bremen University, Germany being the network coordinator. It is planned to gradually extend to all the 32 European countries and beyond. There are about 100 associated members supporting the different network activities in various ways.
Here the project flyer as a pdf-file: Trainers in Europe Flyer (english)
Other language versions are also available:
