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This paper is one of a series describing the origins and developmental process of regional learning projects. The authors explain how a regionally-based network, the Wilhelmshaven GoLo project, was set up to facilitate reforms in the German apprenticeship system. This regional-based initiative involved cooperation between industry and local vocational education and training (VET) bodies to improve the supply of appropriately qualified young people to service local labour market needs. Its main aim was to increase the number and quality of apprentices being trained in the region in response to a huge de-industrialisation in ship building and other related heavy industry sectors over recent years. The result of this decline was a sharp decrease in the number of training places by 50 per cent between 1980 and 1995.

The volume of collected papers is indexed at TD/TNC 62.277. Show less

In this article, the author examines the skill and competence needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within their innovation processes as part of the process of regional and sectoral development. The role of vocational education and training (VET) within these processes is also explored. Innovation and the speed with which it is implemented are crucial factors in the competitiveness of enterprises, industrial sectors and regions. The article begins with a discussion of the process of innovation and the networked knowledge context and variety of sources which influence the process of innovation within companies. The role of VET is shown to be changing from one of initial training delivery to one of facilitating interaction and common learning activities in local industrial networks. Through a series of case studies, the author seeks to illustrate industrial innovation processes and linked actions within various networks. It is argued that VET colleges need to develop towards learning and networking organisations themselves if they are to participate in these regional innovation networks.

The volume of collected papers is indexed at TD/IRD 88.37. Show less