Importance of OSAT for the working field

The importance of OSAT for the working field is major. OSAT allows the working field to voice its opinions on stage technology education. Within OSAT the working field stays in touch with developments both in education and in employment for stage engineers. Periodical studies are also carried out into this by Kenniscentrum GOC. OSAT gives the industry the opportunity to have an impact on the course of development of education and to improve quality where and when necessary. An current topic is for instance the manner in which on-the-job training is documented. Within OSAT not only these kinds of issues are discussed, but also specific initiatives and decisions are taken. By being represented in OSAT the industry can have an impact on this.

What is OSAT?

OSAT is the link between professional practice and education in the industry of stage technology. The acronym OSAT represents Overleg Scholing Arbeidsmarkt Theatertechniek (Stage Technology Schooling Employment Consultative Group). Within the OSAT foundation the various parties involved in stage and events technology consult each other. On the one hand the institutions which see to education, on the other hand the theatres, venues and concert stages which represent professional practice. The purpose of OSAT is to achieve the best possible education, geared at the needs and requirements of professional practice and at the developments in the employment market. The two major bodies within OSAT are the educational consultative group (the schools are represented in this) and the working field consultative group (professional practice is represented in this).

What does OSAT do?

Education and professional practice each have their own expertise, their own structure and their own ‘laws’. OSAT performs the function of intermediary between these two with the purpose of enhancing and monitoring the quality of stage technology education. From the working field suggestions are made for improvement and wishes are expressed. Thus the content of education can be geared at the needs of professional practice. Within OSAT the working field controls which skills and competences students of stage and events technology must have to be sufficiently prepared for working practice.
By reason of its bridging function OSAT was involved these last years in many important developments in education. Thus for schooling in Stage and Events Technology at mbo level (secondary vocational training) it has been laid down exactly the knowledge and skills of a mbo student required to be duly equipped to start working. There was a lot of focus on quality improvement of, in particular mbo education. This process will continue, while adding a new component: the interests of workers in the industry. OSAT will pay more attention in the future to refresher courses.

Specifically OSAT does the following

• OSAT organizes consultation between working field and education field.
• OSAT informs all parties involved through news-releases and through this website.
• OSAT organizes an annual symposium on stage technology education in cooperation with the VPT.
• OSAT keeps in touch with the Kenniscentrum GOC, the body which deals with formal quality control of mbo stage technology education.
• OSAT is involved in study of the employment market, in cooperation with GOC.
• OSAT writes policy memos and recommendations for improvement of stage technology education.

Project Management of OSAT at VPT
Since May 2007 there is a cooperation agreement between the foundation OSAT and the Vereniging voor Podiumtechnologie (VPT). In this it has been laid down that the VPT manages projects and secretariat. You can reach OSAT by sending an email to info@osat.nl.