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Classic internships have traditionally been the main focus of Why should companies active in the work experience sector join Gwea?
Gwea is the only global trade association for the work experience sector and members gain access to a worldwide network of trusted trading partners. All new members are subject to peer review to ensure that they maintain a good standing in the industry. The Gwea newsletter and member website keep members abreast of new developments in the industry, and we also conduct an annual member survey in order to provide members with market intelligence. Gwea acts as a unified voice representing the interests of its members towards national governments, as well as international bodies such as the European Union (EU) and UN.
What has Gwea achieved in the last year?
Gwea organised the Work Experience Travel Market, a two-day conference exclusive to the work experience industry. The market experienced a 28 per cent growth over the previous year and featured 172 participants from 122 organisations representing 29 countries around the world. Gwea has developed the "International Standards for Work Experience Programmes"- a reference manual of guidelines, standards and procedures for the operation of work experience programmes. Developing advocacy has also been a major area of activity for Gwea this year. Various presentations have been made to promote the social, cultural and economic contributions of the youth travel industry and we have been lobbying government regulators on issues affecting the work experience community.
Is membership of Gwea expected to grow?
Continuing to grow the membership base of Gwea is one of our plans for 2006. We want to increase public awareness of the professionalism of Gwea members, and promote Gwea and its membership globally through strategic partnerships and representation, and by speaking at international industry events and fairs.
Any other plans for 2006?
We will provide increased business opportunities for members through Gwea trade workshops, opportunities to exhibit at targeted events in key markets and networking opportunities for members at other trade events. It is also important for us to increase governmental awareness and appreciation of work experience programmes by encouraging governments to treat work experience programmes as cultural exchanges. We will continue to develop and update the "International Standards for Work Experience Programmes" manual, the updated version will delve further into the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in work experience programmes, helping to ensure the quality of future programmes in this sector.
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