The conference was held on Wednesday 21 June and Thursday 22 June 2006 at the Conference Centre, Bramber House, University of Sussex, Falmer

At the conference, delegates were able to

• Find out about the current activities of the Sussex Learning Network
• Engage with a wide range of practitioners and learners across Sussex
• Work in partnership to meet employment and skills needs in Sussex

Who was invited?

All those engaged in vocational learning in Sussex; through

• learning
• teaching
• training
• employing
• advising

This two day conference was a unique opportunity for all those working in vocational education in Sussex to come together. The conference enabled participants in and providers of education, training and employment to explore issues of common concern.

The main themes of the conference were:

• Developing a responsive curriculum
  These sessions formed a substantive part and covered the developments made by the Sussex Learning Network curriculum team. The team is working across six sectors: tourism, retail and hospitality; creative media; bio-sciences; social care; sport; and computing / IT.
  
• Recognising achievement
  Credit and progression frameworks are a key part of the activity being coordinated by the Sussex Learning Network. These sessions were led by practitioners from diverse backgrounds, who are working in this area.
  
• Communicating opportunities for vocational learning
  Information, advice and guidance are key to widening participation and increasing understanding of vocational learning.

The majority of presentations were based on work that is being undertaken or planned in Sussex. It is intended that the links established at this conference will be sustained by the work of the Sussex Learning Network over the next two years.