Tredu hosted the Network of Networks annual meeting on 11–13.11.2024, which brought together numerous Finnish and European VET institutions. The event took place mainly on the Santalahdentie campus and was attended by 80 guests from all over Europe. The aim of the meeting was to bring network members together, share information and foster new international projects and cooperation.
Inspiring Encounters and New Collaboration Opportunities
Over three days, guests explored Tredu’s campuses, heard speeches from experts, deepened their collaboration, and brainstormed new projects in topical working groups. On Monday evening at Restaurant Kuuma, guests had the opportunity to try a Finnish sauna and swim in the lake, which were exciting experiences for many.
On Tuesday, the groups visited Mediapolis, Startup House Platform6, and Hervanta campus. The program also included a presentation on the potential of artificial intelligence by Maria Nikkilä, head of Tampere’s Digitalization and Information Management group.
Finally, on Wednesday, guests presented new projects and collaboration initiatives developed in the working groups, focusing on topics like internationalization, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and smart technologies. The event culminated in the Networks Fair at the Santalahdentie campus, showcasing nine Finnish and international development projects. Guests also enjoyed beauty and hair treatments provided by Tredu students.
Internationalization at the Core
According to Tredu’s international coordinator Ritva Klaavu, the annual meeting was very successful. The three-day event generated new project ideas, partnerships, and a deeper understanding of the importance of internationalization.
“The meeting provided valuable insights and concrete ideas that can further strengthen the quality of education and international cooperation. We look forward to the development of all the great ideas. Many thanks to our Finnish colleagues for the excellent organization.”
Klaavu noted that the workshop groups were excited to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop concrete actions to advance their institutions’ goals. For many, the meeting also served as a source of inspiration and peer support.
– You always learn something from others and gain energy for your own work. One key realization was that the internationalization working group is central to everything. Moving forward, this group will focus on two main areas: promoting mobility and internationalization at home, and improving the quality of both, Klaavu stated.
Tredu’s international coordinators thank all participants and student helpers! Tredu students were involved in the catering, serving, logistics, beauty treatments and customer service of the event. Next year’s NoN annual meeting will take place on 10–12 November 2025, in Northern Ireland. The host organisation will be North West Regional College (Derry-Londonderry).
More Information
The Network of Networks (NoN) consists of five national networks: the Finnish FINN-NET (Salpaus, Gradia, Tredu, Varia), the Dutch Alliance, the Hetel network in the Basque Country of Spain, the Scottish College Group and the Further Education Colleges of Northern Ireland. New participant at this year’s meeting included the Dublin Education and Training Board’s vocational colleges from Ireland.