The Skillman International Forum (#SIF2020) is a two-day online event with a packed agenda of international speakers that will take place in the form of webinars, workshops, roundtables, pavillions, award ceremonies and a VET cafè. 

#SIF2020 is organised by the Skillman Alliance, of which Warnborough College Ireland is a member.

The forum forms part of a process where the participants work together to achieve common goals aimed at improving education and technical, vocational education and training (TVET). The participants share a strong commitment to co-shaping an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable society, where TVET represents a pillar for innovation in curricula development and designing the “society of tomorrow”.

Every Skillman Forum addresses “Curriculum design, Sectoral skills development and Ethical Issues in the Advanced Manufacturing sector”.

This year, the Forum will adopt a holistic approach to challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue the debate on emerging Skills for Life and Jobs – the key skills for people to actively participate in society and gain employment.  The main focus is on the role of VET systems in this process and their responsiveness.

Warnborough’s VP and CEO, Dr Julian Ng in a dual-role as Vice-President of Europe for IVETA, will be moderating two online ‘pavillions’ on Accessibility and Inclusivity and The Professional Development of Teachers and Trainers in VET.

Pavillion 1 on Dec 10: Accessibility and Inclusivity in TVET

Panellists:

• Dr John S. Gaal (IVETA President 2021) – Work-Life Balance, Wellness, and Well-being: How Might TVET Play a Role?
• Vijeta Bhatia (IVETA General Secretary) – Access and Inclusivity for Education in the Indian Sub-continent
• Dr Sandra Poirier (IVETA Treasurer) – Teaching and Learning During a Pandemic

Pavillion 2 on Dec 11: Professional Development of VET Teachers and Trainers

Panellists:

• Dr Andreas Saniter (Institut Teknik und Bildung, University of Bremen) – Findings from the TEACH-VET Project
• Dr Vitaly A. Kopnov & Dr Natalia V. Lomovtseva (Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University) – Russian VET Development Strategy ’2030: vocational pedagogy and professional development for industry practitioners
• Serumu Igberadja (Think TVET Global Consult) – Multi Stakeholders Engagement for Quality TVET in Africa
• Dr Urs Hauenstein (ICEM Switzerland) – Findings from the Pro-VET Project

The themes for 2020 are set by the Forum Steering Committee as a continuation of the debate on:

• The Skillman ‘action-driven’ model of CoVEs (Centres of Vocational Excellence) – promoting green and inclusive ‘change’ in advanced manufacturing and sectoral skills development.
• Curriculum design – Innovation in the Advanced Manufacturing sector vis-a-vis the ECVET – EQF framework and ESCO classification, while referencing existing EU tools and initiatives to anticipate and match skills with jobs.
• Ethical values, TVET digitalization, green systems and inclusion – Capacity-building synergies and collaborations to connect the competencies necessary for Advanced Manufacturing and personal responsibility according to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Transnational mobility and learning – Supporting the Skillman network’s cooperation model with innovative approaches and the exchange of good practices for transnational mobility in education and employment.

For more info, please visit the Skillman International Forum 2020 dedicated page.

REGISTER FREE