Welcome to Connect Presented by Kerri Leadbitter and Gail Smith It’s not the what, it’s the who & the how Networks help you! conference 2006

Networks in VET Past research conducted by Reframing the Future highlighted the value for VET personnel involved in implementing the national training system to link with other stakeholders in the system

conference 2006 Networks in VET Networks are valuable in VET because they play a part in building social capital for participating industries and workplaces –Social capital – the connections of an individual, personal relationships, mutual trust established between individuals, colleagues, stakeholders

conference 2006 Two broad types of VET networks Industry Training Networks –Consisting of providers & representatives from industry –As well as industry representatives that need training

conference 2006 Two broad types of VET networks Assessor Networks –Consisting of providers engaged in assessment from a variety of discipline areas

conference 2006 Two broad types of VET networks The aim of these networks are to build training partnerships and increase training growth

conference 2006 Role of Networks There is a lot of knowledge in groups and individuals, the role of the network is to capture this and pass it on to others They provide an intertwined web of connections Promotes trust among its members and promotes sharing of ideas, knowledge and resources Increases the level of knowledge of its members They create new partnerships Further develop existing partnerships that are focussed on improving the quality and quantity of training Establish innovative and effective links between VET stakeholders

conference 2006 Benefits of networks to individuals Provides an opportunity to develop professionally Increases knowledge base Provides opportunities to reflect on and improve VET practices Encourages collaboration with others Encourages and supports innovation Increases personal network opportunities

conference 2006 Forming Networks is not so easy 2003 network projects found the following areas of difficulty Creating a voice to be heard by more established parties Gaining involvement of small business who are restricted from participation by limited resources Overcoming member issues – such as vast distances and learning to work with new people who were often previously unknown (Mitchell 2004)

conference 2006 Key areas of discussion How can we establish networks across Institutes? What will hinder us in establishing these networks? How can we better involve industry in established networks? What do you see are personal benefits for teachers in belonging to networks? How can networks support teachers and assessors?

conference 2006 Bibliography Mitchell J, Building industry training networks. Published by: Australian National Training Authority – Reframing the Future For more information visit: