Tallinn Pedagogical University (now Tallinn University) has acted as a promotor of new educational ideas and as a Centre for teacher training and educational research more than 80 years. Today Tallinn University is the central training and research institution in education in Estonia, focusing its activity also to social and natural sciences, humanities and cultural studies. The University includes a number of independent departments such as the Centre of Continuing Education, Computer Service Centre, Open University etc. The number of students is 6572. The number of researchers and academic staff is 422. The Institute of Educational Research (IER) of Tallinn University was established in 1998. The main research areas of the Institute are:

• educational policy
• curricula development
• conceptual and application aspects
• curricula development in Estonian and Russian schools − the main problems and typologies
• vocational education and training, workplace learning
• teachers education;
• e−learning

Institute of Educational Research at Tallinn University will produce a report for the Baltic states, especially Estonia and carry out three case studies; will take over special responsibilty for anaylsing the potentials of transferability of the cross−national results to the Baltic states and other accession countries. Tallinn University will enhance the scientific and policy dissemination process through the abovementioned channels.
Co−partners of the project will be Estonian enterprises where case studies will be carried out and tools will be tested. Those enterprises are:

• Baltic Ship Repairers
• AS Tarkon

(companies specialized in manufacturing of fine mechanical components and of diverse assembly works. Products belong to miscellaneous telecommunication systems, car industry and apparatus building etc)

• Tarmetec Ltd

( a constructor and producer of stainless steel accessories for cars and trucks).

A WLP will be initiated through workshops and constantly evaluated together with one of the regional colleges in Estonia. In addition one of the project workshops will be held in Estonia
by Tallinn University and EML.

Founded in 1972 within the University Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg, BETA is a research laboratory associated to the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) since 1985. It is one of the major French academic team in economics, management, VET and labour economics. The investigation field is very broad: micro and macro−economic theory, history of economic thought, theoretical modelling methods and field work in VET and labour economics (including the relations between education, vocational training, employment and social inclusion policies), technology foresight and evaluation of S&T policies, national and regional systems of innovation, environmental evaluation studies, etc. One of the BETA teams, specialised in the study of relations between education, skills, employment and social inclusion, is the Céreq Alsace. This team which includes 14 BETA members from various disciplines (educational sciences, economics, sociology and philosophy) belongs to the French network of research centres associated to Céreq: The French Centre for Research on Employment and Qualifications. Besides these academic and scientific activities, BETA/Céreq Alsace has to fulfil a mission of assistance to the local social partners and State administration in the field of training and employment.

Co−partners of the project will be French enterprises with whom regional workshops will be held and where case studies will be carried out and tools will be tested (see above). A WLP shall be initiated and constantly evaluated. In addition one of the project workshops together with the final European Conference will be held in France jointly between ULP−Beta and CRCI.

The Institute Technology and Education (ITB) is one of the leading research institutes in vocational education and training and runs its research committed to the idea of shaping the triangle of work, technology and education. The institute aims at a close connection with the reform of vocational education and training and innovation in the field of work and technology. The ITB covers a wide range of research and development projects on a regional, national and international level. Most projects are run in co operation with industry and other VET institutions. Related to this project ITB can look back on a number of European and national pilot and research projects on sectorla workplace learning and regional networking. ITB will take over the responsibility for the overall co ordination, will especially contribute to the multimedia success stories and provides one of the prototypes for the instruments to be developed within the project. ITB will enhance the scientific and policy dissemination process through the abovementioned channels.

ITB is the WLP project co-ordinator / promoter.

Training 2000 S.n.c. was originally founded as a consulting firm in Toronto (Canada) by Dr. De Angelis Elmo in the year 1987; Since 1993 the same company has been relocated in Mondavio, Italy, Marche Region, where it provides consulting to SME s mainly in the central part of Italy, in the area of innovative technologies, automation, software training and support (CAD−CAM, Office Automation). In co−operation with the University of Urbino, Scuola Regionale Professionale di Pesaro, Scuola Regionale Professionale di Urbino and Studio Luchetti &Vitali, legal and chartered accountant office, it analyses the training needs, the work development and the occupation profiles to target vocational training and continuing education courses for the Region. In the last few years the centre has been running and co−ordinating first and second level upgrading courses with private and public funds in the sector of: Mechanical CAD−CAM design, Electrical CAD Design, Architectural design, Clothing Design with COATLearn (CAD and Office Applications for the Tailors Trade).

Co−partners of the project will be Italian enterprises and Confindustria with whom regional workshops will be held and where case studies will be carried out and tools will be tested (see above). A WLP shall be initiated and constantly evaluated.

Main activity of Velenje School Centre at present is performance of educational programmes which is carried out as public service based on educational programmes determined for implementation by the school ministry. It may carry out also other activities related to education and training. School Centre Velenje consists of:

• Vocational and technical mining school (PTRS)
• Vocational and technical school for service industry (PTSSD)
• Vocational and technical school for mechanical engineering (PTSS)
• Vocational and technical school for electrical engineering and computer science ((PTERS)
• General and technical high school (SSG)
• Higher professional school (VSS): for electronics for mining and geotechnology
• Student s residential house (DSS)
• Supplementary activities
• adult education and development projects
• Joint services (financial, personnel, school advisors, library, maintenance)

On 1 September 2002 the number of employed staff at Velenje School Centre was 283, with a total number of teaching staff of 224. The School centre Velenje has already actively participated in similar projects. In this project it will be involved as quality provider and in the implementation of various educational programmes.

The school centres role will be in RD and Implementation and Testing. Co−partners of the project will be Slovenian enterprises with whom regional workshops will be held and where case studies will be carried out and tools will be tested (see above). A WLP shall be initiated and constantly evaluated. In addition one of the project workshops will be held in Slovenia.

The Institute for Employment Research is one of Europe s leading centres for research in the labour market field. Its work focuses upon the operation of labour markets and socio−economic processes related to employment and unemployment in the UK at national, regional and local levels. It includes comparative European research on employment and training. The Institute offers a multi−disciplinary environment for research. Research methods include both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques based upon primary or secondary data sources. The Institute has excellent access to the wide range of survey data sources available in the UK and Europe. Econometric analysis of large datasets, survey−based sociological research, and studies using in−depth interviews are regularly employed. The work of the IER covers a wide range of research−related activities.

With regard to this project IER was in charge of the accompanying scientific research work connected to the KLASS project. IER will will especially contribute to the multimedia success stories and will look at possibilities for innovation transfer with regard to one of the instruments to be developed (WLP Web) within the project. IER will enhance the scientific and policy dissemination process through the abovementioned channels. It will closely co−operate with Merseyside Automotive Group in order to establish a WLP and implement and test the tools devloped in the cousre of the project.

The Federation of Estonian Engineering Industry (EML) represents and develops Estonian engineering, metalworking and electronics industries and consolidates the basic manufacturing potential in these areas. EML has been established in 1991 as an industrial federation of enterprises of the machinebuilding, metalworking, electrotechnics and electronics. Ownership: producers (employers) federation with two associations. Members of the EML are 84 enterprises with 9100 employees.

EML will provide access to companies and training centres in Estonia for the testing of the tools with end users and contribute to the sustainable transfer of results to the Estonian VET environment.

The BLRT Grupp with its 2000 employees is one of the largest industrial enterprises in Estonia. The core activities of the concern BLRT Grupp include:

• Ship repair and shipbuilding;
• Fabrication of steel structures;
• Machine building;
• Scrap metal processing;
• Port services and stevedoring;
• Rolling stock repairing;
• Production and sale of industrial and medical gases;
• Metal trading.
  

Tarkon AS participates in the project as a "silent partner" and will be one of the Estonian implementation and testing partners in co-operation with Tallinn University, EML and one of the regional colleges in Estonia. It will participate in the regional workshops and feedback loops.

Tarmetec OÜ (Tarmetec Ltd.) is a constructor and producer of stainless steel accessories for cars and trucks. Major parts of its products are accessories for cars, 4x4-s and trucks. As subcontractor, Tarmetec supplies in small and middle-size series details and parts made of stainless steel. The latter requires the usage of several complicated production technologies simultaneously.

Tarmetec OÜ participates in the project as a "silent partner" and will be one of the Estonian implementation and testing partners in co-operation with Tallinn University, EML and one of the regional colleges in Estonia. It will participate in the regional workshops and feedback loops.

ATELCO is the basic implementation and testing partner. It started its activities in the machine tool industry sector as a sub-contractor in mechanics and sheet-iron works. Then, it completed its development through:

• Partnership development in the two domains of competence with external partners and technical colleges;
• The creation and development of an engineering and design department for the realisation of prototypes and special machines with trainees from technical colleges;
• The development of more complex machines with partners in the automotive industry;
• Diversification of its product market with customers form all the industrial sectors such as automobiles , car-chain suppliers, agro-food industry, iron and steel industry etc.;
• Taking an additional turn towards the environment through its involvement, for instance, in paper mill working form old paper and purification stations.
  

Like the rest of the SMEs of the sector, ATELCO is highly involved in learning partnership promotion with the several vocational training providers specific to the sector within the Alsace region, especially with the "CFAI" (Centre de Formation pour les Apprentis de l'Industrie) in Gubwiller. In the course of the project, ATELCO and its Engineering and Design Department will effectively take part in testing the tools developted within the project in addition to participating in the pilot training workshop.

CRCI−Alsace (Chambre Régionale de Commerce et d Industrie d Alsace: Regional Chamber for Commerce and Industrie) is a public establishment which represents regional interests in the main industrial and commercial sectors and co−ordinates the resources of the CCIs (Chambre de Commerce et d Industrie) in Alsace region where there are over 45,000 SMEs. Its network has four main activities: to contribute to the creation of innovative activities, to succeed in export markets, to develop new technologies of information and communication and to save the environment. CRCI−Alsace has a long experience in the domain related to the proposal through its effective participation in several regional, national and European projects and/or networks, such as: COGITO: a regional programme in a partnership with the Regional Council of Alsace and the Regional Office for Industry, Research and Environment (la DRIRE Alsace) with aim of developing effective practice of economic intelligence within Alsatian firms to become more innovative, proactive and efficient. E−LIVE: A European Programme for the development of a learning and innovation network for SMEs (based on adult learning and knowledge management principles and processes) with aim of enabling them to cross the digital divide, to learn and share knowledge within and between several regions in the European space. In Alsace region, this network concerned basically the ecological−firms; IRC (Innovation Relay Centres): A European network to support innovation and the development of technological co−operation and partnership between providers and users of technology; Car industry pole for Alsace−Franche−Comte regions, which groups all active actors in this field of the industry in order to reinforce its development within the two regions.

CRCI will provide access to companies and training centres in Alsace for the testing of the tools with end users and contribute to the sustainable transfer of results to the French VET environment.

Bremen Chamber of Commerce (IHK) has been the representative and administrative body of companies in the Bremen region for more than 500 years. Today the chamber is not only the body of self administration for more than 29.000 companies in Bremen, but also a strong representator of trade and industries interest and a future oriented service agency. It has a central function within the Bremen system of dual vocational education through its competencies in administration and assessment of apprenticees. It also serves as a vocational counseling institution.

Bremen Chamber of Commerce is a "silent partner" and will provide access to companies and training centres in the Bremen region for the making of success stories, contribute to the sustainable transfer of results to the German and European VET environment and will serve in the advisory board.

Role and Competences CONFINDUSTRIA Abruzzo was founded in 1972 as an operative office of interaction with all Regional Institutions in Abruzzo. CONFINDUSTRIA Abruzzo contributes, together with political, economic, social and cultural institutions to the economic growth and social progression of the Abruzzo Region. With particular referment to it¿s activities, CONFINDUSTRIA Abruzzo, carries out information tasks, counselling and assistance, elaborates, supports and promotes innovative strategies in relation to industrial regional and national interests. Representativety CONFINDUSTRIA Abruzzo is the main representative association of manufacturing industries, building industry, tourism and services in the Abruzzo Region. CONFINDUSTRIA Abruzzo through other provincial federal associations and Trade Unions or directly as Regional Organization counts more than 2.000 enterprises, for a total of 70.260 employees, about 21% of the Regional GDP. Confindustria Abruzzo infact is the Regional Organization of four Provincial Industrial Associations and Unions ¿ Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.

Confindustria will serve as a member of the advisory board for the quality assurance of the project. They will also use their regional network for the dissimenationa and trasfer of the project's results and their furtner implementation.

Comec Innovative srl was founded in 1965, it is specialized in production of tool machines, industrial machines, tools in general. It exports its products in Germany, France and Spain. It has 50 employees. Comec Innovative srl will be one of the Italian implemention and testing partners in co−operation with Training 2000.

It will particpate in the projects regional workshops and feedback loops.

San Marco SPA was founded in 1962, it is constituted of various specializaed operational divisions in production of: production barriers, bearing pipes, truck assembling, treatments of metallic products. It exports it¿s products in: Spain, Germany, France, Holland and Austria. It counts 230 employees.

It will be one of the Italian implemention and testing partners in co−operation with Training 2000. It will particpate in the projects regional workshops and feedback loops.

Silver Car srl was founded in 1989, it produces: two−tier car carriers, semitrailers, tipper lorries, assistance means of transportation, construction machinery and ecological tools. It exports it¿s products in France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic and Croatia. It has 125 employees.

Silver Car srl will be one of the Italian implemention and testing partners in co−operation with Training 2000. It will particpate in the projects regional workshops and feedback loops.

The Gorenje group is the largest Slovene net exporter and ranks among the 8 largest manufacturers of household appliances in Europe, where it has a stable 4 % market share.
There are four major areas of business acitivities performed by Gorenje Group: production and sale of household appliances, including refrigerators and freezers, gas, electric and combined cookers, washing machines and tumble dryers.
This field also includes the sale of complementary range like dishwashers, small household appliances and the production and sale of water heaters as well as components for household appliances;
− production and sale of tools and industrial equipment;
− services like trading, catering and tourism, computer services;
− manufacture and sale of kitchen furniture.
1950 ¿ 1961 Half a century ago Gorenje was founded in the village of Gorenje near Velenje, so the year 2000 was year of celebrations.
The beginnings of Gorenje reach back to the year 1950 when the production of agricultural machines and the extraction of construction material were started. In 1958 the production of solid−fuel cookers was added.
The milestone in the history of Gorenje was moving from the former wooden sheds in the village of Gorenje to the production facility of the Velenje coalmine. Very soon new production facilities at the present site of Gorenje in Velenje for the manufacture of cookers were built. In the sixties the production was expanded to include washing machines and refrigerators. In 1961 Gorenje exported its first appliances to Germany.
1962 ¿ 1990 Gorenje expanded its program by adding the production of kitchen furniture, ceramic tiles, medical equipment, telecommunication devices, consumer electronics and TV sets. Its growth was based on the business philosophy − Everything for the Home. Those were the years of rapid growth and important expansion. In the seventies Gorenje was a major company with over 20,000 employees and production sites located practically throughout for Yugoslavia. At the same time an extensive network of companies in Western Europe was set−up, which supported the market activities by Gorenje, particularly its sales and the promotion of the brand name. Since the sixties keeping an eye to the world was typical of Gorenje, while the set−up of its network in the seventies was followed by a considerable increase in sales on foreign markets. 1991 ¿ 1996 In the eighties Gorenje had to cope with a serious crisis. The restructuring of the company became imminent, this also required consolidating the loss−making Körting programme in Germany.
The nineties were shaped by an important expansion of exports since Gorenje had to make up for the loss of the local market following the break−up of former Yugoslavia. It was a time of restructuring of the group and overall privatisation. The years were accompanied by disinvesting in loss−making activities and focusing on the business where Gorenje feature the largest know−how − the production of household appliances.
1997 ¿ 2000 In 1997 following the completion of the privatisation process Gorenje was transformed to a joint stock company. Recent years brought the implementation of new technological and environmental standards as well as the return to the markets of former Yugoslavia. It were also a time of intensive investment and expansion of production capacity, environment friendly technologies and new product lines featuring high quality, modern design as well as user− and environment−friendliness. The former strategy of Gorenje − Everything for the Home − was readopted.

GORENJE, d.d. will be one of the Slovenian implemention and testing partners in co−operation with the Solski Centre Velenje. It will particpate in the projects regional workshops and feedback loops.

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (Velenje coal mine)
Core business: lignite mining.

Other business activities: project engineering of underground (mining) structures and open cuts (mining, mechanical and electrical aspects), construction of underground structures of all types, drilling and boring, geo−mechanical surveying and research, pit measuring hydrogeological and technological services.

In 1998, Premogovnik Velenje acquired the ISO 9001 quality certificate, which was followed by the ISO 14001 environmental management certificate in 2000. Coal−mining as a business requires a great deal of commitment, expertise and sensitivity to people and to nature. It is all about tradition, loyalty, solidarity and taking responsibility for self and others. The year 2000 marks the 125th anniversary of the main lignite layer being drilled for the first time ¿ the turning point  for the entire ¿ale¿ka dolina valley. It signified income for numerous generations, it signified progress, but it also changed the landscape of the once fertile valley. Premogovnik Velenje coal−mine company was established in 1875. Today, Premogovnik Velenje employs more than 2390 qualified staff who continue the tradition of the highly responsible and professional work using the state−of−the−art technology to mine lignite in one of the safest and best equipped coal−mines in Europe. Every year, depending on the government power generation plans, about 4 million tons of lignite are brought to the surface from the bowels of the Velenje coal−mine. Most of the coal is used for power generation by the ¿o¿tanj power plant, thus providing for one third of the annual power requirements in Slovenia. Difficult mining and geological conditions prevalent in the Velenje coal−mine prevented the miners from applying the existing European excavation methods in the 1960s when the mechanisation was being progressively introduced into the mine. Consequently, the mining engineers at Velenje had to develop their own method, known as »Velenje Longwall Method« in the mining circles all over the world today. For the purpose of employing the method, hi−tech hydraulic support needed to be modified as well. Key factors of occupational safety in the mine also include a remotely controlled telemetry system and well−trained rescue teams. In addition to its core business ¿ coal−mining ¿ Premogovnik Velenje is also engaged in various activities in the field of geo−technology: project engineering of underground (mining) structures and open cuts (mining, mechanical and electrical aspects), construction of underground structures of all types, geo−mechanical surveying and research, and management of the spatial database. Premogovnik Velenje is also a research organisation and is working very closely with various university− and other research bodies. The technological process of coal−mining at Velenje complies with the ISO 9001 standard requirements; the certificate was obtained in 1998. In 2000, the company's efforts in the management of the quality process were rewarded with the ISO 14001 environmental management certificate. Accountable, caring and controlled management of the environment is an integral part of the company's strategic goals.

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE will be one of the Slovenian implemention and testing partners in co−operation with the Solski Centre Velenje. It will particpate in the projects regional workshops and feedback loops.

KnowNet is a small software, research and web services company located in Wales. It was founded in 2000 to research and develop new architectures, ideas and internet software for collaborative knowledge development and learning. Since 2003 it has been particularly active in developing open-source solutions within the Zope and Plone frameworks, and in promoting open-source, open standards and component architectures for creating better online learning and collaboration environments.

KnowNet's main role in the WLP project is to develop and integrate appropriate technology to support the project and the partnerships.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is a guardian of standards in education and training. It works with others to maintain and develop the school curriculum and associated assessments, and to accredit and monitor qualifications in schools, colleges and at work.

Mike Coles will sit on the advisory board of the project. QCA will seek involvement of the "Sector Skills Development Agency" and the "Skills for Business Partnership" with regard to providing access to enterprises and dissemination and transfer of results

Lucian Ciolan will contribute to the quality assurance of the project by being a member of the advisory board. He will evaluate the work carried out in the project. In addition he will use the network of the centre for the dissemination and transfer of project results. Lucian Ciolan is a reform consultant for Romanian VET schools and therefore he is an important multiplier of project results.