Virtual Training Centre for Computer Numerical Control

It is a fact that virtual training has been a scope of interest for vocational training for a very long time. However, it needs more time to be more common in all spe- cific training fields. Focusing on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Training, new developments in the CNC machinery produce a continuous demand on enhancing the programming and technical capabilities of the involved personnel. Training on CNC should follow similar developments and in particular in their programming ca- pabilities, automation they offer and their technical capabilities. Based on these main objectives a Virtual Training Center (VTC) for CNC has been developed and it is pre- sented in this paper. The VTC is the main result of a multilateral Leonardo Da Vinci project witch aims to promote and reinforce Vocational Training in CNC Machines. In most Member States the past two decades there has been a growing awareness of the importance of quality in vocational education and training (VET). The changing demands of the knowledge-based society and the overall trend to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of VET systems, constitute major driving forces behind these developments. Major European funding frameworks and programmes, such as Leonardo Da Vinci (LdV) have contributed to improving education and VET systems by raising the level of the services they offer. One of the objectives of the innovative VET systems is the transparency and distribution of informa- tion. This function concerns the potential and actual use of information. There may be different systems and structures of information distribution among the various actors, and in the public and there are pre- conditions for creating transparency in the VET system. To improve quality there must be systems for distributing information and certain mechanisms to ensure the circulated information can be used by the various actors in the policy process. The more widespread the distribution, the better the potential use of the data will be - and as a reversal effect, better quality data can be expected, as the actors are able to check the information against their experience and will provide feedback to the systems for gathering data. One of the concrete future strategic objectives of education and training systems in the EU (Council of the European Union, 2001) is the improvement of the quality and the effectiveness of education and training systems in the EU. This includes improving education and training for teachers and trainers, developing skills for the knowledge society, ensuring access to ICT for everyone, increasing recruitment to scientific and technical studies, and making the best use of resources. The second strategic objective is facilitating the access of all to education and training systems. This objective includes open learning environment, making learning more attractive, and supporting active citizenship, equal opportunities and social cohesion. This paper describes the main results of a LdV project that addresses the strategic objectives mentioned above.