1. Results of the Thematic Monitoring Group 2 Development of Skills within Companies, particularly SME’s

2. Aim of Thematic Monitoring in general Strengthen exchange of knowledge and experience Support networking Contribute towards increasing visibility of project achievements

3. Organizing the Process of Thematic Monitoring Tasks of NA’s: to divide projects in thematic clusters to collect knowledge (studies, experts) and experience (instruments, tools, checklists, monitors etc) to support promoters through conferences and seminars

4. Vision of Thematic Group II Focus primarily on the promoters Real players are the promoters, partners, end users, social partners, decision makers, other experts, etcetera

5. First result: Expert study Analysis of the development of skills within companies and their different aspects Analysis of the contributions of the Leonardo da Vinci programme to the development of skills within companies

6. Expert study based on 4 key issues (1) 1 Removing barriers for participation in training for both companies and for employees 2 Enhancing incentives of training for companies as well as for employees

7. Expert study based on 4 key issues (2) 3 Improving training offers tailored to the specific training situation and training needs within companies 4 Improving training support systems

8. Contributions of projects to the development of skills within companies 1 New training tools and instruments for training support 2 Good practice of analysis of needs, target groups and their working situation 3 Key issues on the demand side of the training market are not directly addressed by most of the LdV projects 4 Not all projects have a clear view of the target group they are aiming at

9. Recommendations for Thematic Monitoring Thematic monitoring should support projects in understanding development of skills within companies In particular, understanding of the training situation within SME’s

10. Actions of Group 2 Expert study will be published on the thematic monitoring website of the EU COM - TAO How should we - group 2 – bring all these aspects under the attention of the relevant stakeholders?

11. 6-7 May 2004 Theme II Conference in Cyprus Primary actors will be the promoters of projects Other actors: end-users, associations of SME's, social partners, trade unions and employee organisations Decision makers and other experts

12. Objectives of the Conference Creating opportunities for promoters to meet other promoters and experts To exchange experience and expertise

13. How is the Conference organised Workshops “Contact making” activities Presentations, discussions, demonstrations Exhibition

14. Issues Tools to support SME’s and strengthen position and power to develop knowledge/skills Dissemination and valorisation How to reach end users How to determine end users requirements

15. More information Through the website of the NA Cyprus –www.kepa.gov.cy/leonardowww.kepa.gov.cy/leonardo Leonardo website of the European Commission (Thematic monitoring)

16. Conference as a starting point Start of thematic monitoring for promoters Ongoing process Take your chances and come to Cyprus on 6th and 7th of May

17. Other events and activities Seminar in December Newsletters Publication of the Expert Study Data base