As from 2002 ReferNet is an important reporting network in Europa (besides its role of a documentary network) for the latest developments of vocational education and training in the member states. ReferNet comprises a national consortium in each member state made up of organisations representative of vocational education and training institutions.
Each consortium is led by a national co-ordinator responsible for constructing the consortium and ensuring the networks' tasks are performed satisfactorily.
The network brings together organisations with common interests in the development of vocational education and training and learning. It encourages mutual exchanges of information and promotes the creation of partnerships.
It provides members of the consortium with an opportunity to broaden their contacts with other international organisations within and outside Europe.
ReferNet Belgium has two alternate lead partners: VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding – www.vdab.be) and Le FOREM (Office wallon de la Formation professionnelle et de l’Emploi – www.leforem.be).
The network’s activities include collecting information and updating online databases, and information services.
ReferNet provides several databases. A free registration is required at the European Training Village.
VET-Bib: Bibliographical database
VET-iR: Internet Resources
VET-eLib: Digital Library
VET-Instit: the Training Institutions Database
VET-Acro : Database of Acronyms and Abbreviations
VET-ePer - electronic journals and periodicals
ReferNet Belgium also contributes to the development of a concerted approach to research. Through mutual exchanges, it provides greater transparency, synergy and dissemination of national and European vocational education and training research.
ReferNet, the European network of reference and expertise is a structured, decentralised, networked system of information collection and dissemination. It provides high quality information on a wide range of developments in Vocational Education and Training (VET), and learning in the European Union by bringing together the expertise of key organisations. It has been established by CEDEFOP to meet the growing demand for information that makes comparisons possible between Member States, on their developments and policies. It has been created to enable CEDEFOP to carry out its task '... to compile selected documentation relating in particular to the present situation, the latest developments and research in the relevant fields, and to matters of vocational training structures.' (1) more effectively.