Prof Joachim James CALLEJA - B.A. Hons (Educ), D.Ed (Padua), Ph.D (Bradford), CEDR Mediator (Lond.)

Principal and CEO - Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

Professor James Calleja has been involved in vocational education and training since 2001.

Before his appointment as Principal and CEO of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology in June 2018, Mr Calleja was Director of European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) from 2013 to 2018. Before joining Cedefop, he served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Employment in his native Malta from 2011 to 2013.

In 2005, he was entrusted with the setting up of the Malta Qualifications Council where he served as Chief Executive up to December 2010. He is an Associate Professor and served as Council member of the University of Malta.

Prof Calleja is a graduate of the Universities of Malta, Padua (Italy) and Bradford (UK) from where he obtained his PhD defending a thesis on Kant’s political philosophy applied to international education. Since 2001, he is an accredited commercial mediator with CEDR (London). Since 2016 Mr Calleja is Governing Board Member of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications

In 2001, he was appointed Administrative Director of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and in 2004 he moved to the European Training Foundation in Turin. He started his working life at the Foundation for International Studies of the University of Malta (1986-1995) followed by other upward career moves to the United Nations International Institute on Aging (1995-1998) and to the Ministry of Economic Services Malta (1998-2001). He represented Malta on the European Qualifications Framework Advisory Group, on CEDEFOP’s Governing Board and on the Bologna Follow-Up Group.

A prolific writer, Prof Calleja has published books and articles and has edited various publications. He is the co-author of the first Malta Referencing Report of the Malta Qualifications Framework to the EQF and EHEA. He has participated in international events in various countries in Europe, North America, South-East Asia, Australia, Canada, Africa, South Africa, the Middle East and in the Mediterranean region.

Marlies Verkuijlen
Marlies currently is chair of the board of MBO Amersfoort, Senior Secondary Vocational Education. This organization is responsible for the education of 8000 students. 

She also was chair of the board of Onderwijsgroep Amstelland, Primary Education. 

Before working in the educational environment Marlies worked as a police commissioner at the National Police Force, she was responsible for a variety of operational services, such as the control room and the training centre.

Her career started as a child psychologist, working in healthcare and education.

Beside her professional career, she is chair of the foundation Play and Learn. PaL supports organizations which give South African children better chances in life.

Marlies holds a master in Child Psychology and also a master in Public Governance.

Lucas Bolsius
Mayor of Amersfoort
He studied in Rotterdam and was a youth representative at the UN in his youth. He started his career as a press officer for NOVIB and later became a journalist and radio reporter. In 1993 he was director of Holland Trade Bridge in Vietnam and in 1994 he was an aid worker in Rwanda.

In 2002 he became alderman of the municipality of Rotterdam and in 2010 he became mayor of Amersfoort. On August 29, 2022, he was sworn in for a third term (6 years) as mayor of Amersfoort.

Lucas Bolsius holds many additional positions, including chairman of the City Marketing Amersfoort foundation. He is very proud that “his” city has been voted European City of the year in 2024.

Stefano Tirati
Stefano graduated in educational sciences at University of Florence, where he worked for 3 years as researcher, while attending a post-graduate course in Human Resources Management, at Middlesex University in London.

From 1995 till 2016 Stefano directed a vocational training centre in Tuscany implementing IVET, apprenticeships, CVET, vocational guidance, entrepreneurial support.

Since 1995, Stefano has led several research and pilot projects, with a local, regional, national or international dimension. He has been responsible for establishing, nurturing and further expanding partnerships involving a wide range of stakeholders: local VET providers, SMEs and multinational businesses, public authorities, research centres, chambers of commerce, social partners.

From 2016, as CEO at Learningdigital, Stefano supports corporate and educational providers to integrate learning processes in digital environments, blending multiple technologies, such as AI, XR, metaverse, blockchain, to enrich learning experiences and increase educational success.

Since 2018 Stefano has the honour to serve EfVET as Vice President.

Stefano is CEO of AZULchain, established in Portugal, owner of MICOO, the digital platform to design and issue microcredentials, focused on skills, powered by AI and Blockchain, Quality Assurance and international standards.

Since 2023, Stefano is coordinating the World Alliance for Microcredentials and its International Scientific Committee, composed by a global pool of high-level experts, working on quality procedures, technical specifications and requirements.

Laureen Rwatirera
Laureen is a dynamic and strategic leader in organizational development, talent management, and business transformation. With over 21 years of experience across various industries, she currently serves as the VP of Organization Development at ASML, a world leader in advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry. In this role, she oversees Learning, Knowledge Management, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Organizational Culture.

Professional Experience At ASML, Laureen has spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives that have significantly impacted the organization's learning, talent, and cultural landscape. Her key achievements include:

· Driving the transformation of ASML's global Learning and Knowledge Management community, aligning it with critical business needs

· Integrating Talent and Learning teams across all sectors and departments globally, ensuring every country and region has dedicated leadership to drive and deliver an integrated talent strategy

· Implementing a robust framework to enhance capabilities of talent and learning teams, supporting ASML's rapid growth

· Establishing a global Learning Shared Services center to streamline and standardize learning services

· Launching a unified Learning Experience Platform, creating a single access point for learning across the organization

· Developing and implementing comprehensive leadership development programs for all levels of leadership

· Prior to ASML, Laureen held leadership positions in various industries including FMCG, Retail, Banking, and Consulting. Her experience spans Strategy Consulting, Human Resources, and Learning & Development, where she has consistently driven innovation and performance improvement.

In her role as VP of Organization Development, Laureen is currently leading several key initiatives:

· Spearheading a comprehensive inclusion and diversity strategy, including the implementation of inclusion training programs, leadership development for underrepresented groups, and establishment of coaching circles and reverse mentoring programs

· Driving the development of data-driven insights for diversity and inclusion to inform strategic decision-making

· Overseeing the evolution of ASML's organizational culture to support the company's growth and innovation goals

· Continuing to refine and scale learning and knowledge management solutions to meet the dynamic needs of a rapidly growing global organization

Laureen's extensive experience, strategic vision, and proven track record in driving organizational transformation make her a valuable leader in today's complex business environment. Her work continues to shape the future of talent development and organizational effectiveness in high-tech industries.

Nick Jordan

With a passion for shaping the future workforce, Nick has been making waves as the apprenticeship manager at VESTAS for the past year. Making a bold leap from vocational education and training to the renewable sector, he brings a fresh and innovative perspective to his role.

Before joining VESTAS, Nick spent 15 impactful years at Newcastle College, where he was the Head of Curriculum Development & Apprenticeships in the School of Digital and Creative Industries. He spearheaded the UK's first Creative Digital Design integrated degree apprenticeship program and was UK lead on multiple groundbreaking Erasmus+ projects.

At VESTAS, he is busy developing a range of new apprenticeship programs to support the growing demand for skilled offshore renewable workers. His expertise in curriculum development ensures that these programs not only meet but exceed industry demands, preparing apprentices to be future-ready.

Recognizing the critical need for proactive collaboration between employers and education providers, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment. Thriving on diving into exciting projects, solving complex problems, and leveraging digital technologies to create innovative solutions, he finds immense satisfaction in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Passionate about diversity, he is empowered and motivated to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable apprenticeship program.

Outside of work, he transforms his weekends into adventures, escaping with his wife and two kids in their trusty VW Campervan. Whether paddleboarding on calm seas or hiking through breathtaking trails, they embrace the great outdoors with enthusiasm and joy.

With a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and Communication and a Master's degree in Secondary Education, he combines his creative background and educational expertise to inspire and lead the next generation of professionals in the renewable sector.

Chiara Riondino

Chiara Riondino is head of unit for vocational education and training in the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission, where she is also responsible for skills for the green and digital transformation. Chiara previously worked on employment policies, focusing mainly on employment opportunities and challenges in the changing world of work, active labour market policies and fair working conditions.

She also worked more broadly on taking forward the European Pillar on Social Rights. Before joining the Commission, Chiara had worked in both the private and the public sector, including as head of unit in the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance.