Vocational Training Teams (VTT) are replacing Group Study Exchange as a flagship programme of Rotary Foundation promoting international understanding and providing a strongly focussed vocational experience for young businessmen and women across the world.

The role of VTT Team Leader is a prestigious appointment as the District Governors representative carrying with it considerable responsibility for the success of the exchange.

There is no ‘template’ for the perfect Team Leader but a wide range of inter-personal skills will obviously be necessary to bring out the best in the chosen Team.

The Team Leader should have a good understanding of the principles of Rotary and the framework of the 4 Way Test, but it is emphasised that it is not necessary to have held any previous Club or District Office.

The Team Leader should be able to conduct themselves with dignity and display respect for the selected Team members and when abroad the hosts and the culture of the host country.

It is anticipated that the Team Leader will have a strong affinity with the proposal that the principal objective of the VTT will be centred on the Rotary Foundation emphasis “Water and Sanitation”.

As the exchange is with Buenos Aires it is expected that the Team Leader will be proficient in Spanish (or committed to learn).

The dynamics of the entire Team will critical to the success of the exchange. The Team Leader should be able to develop a good rapport with all the Team Members.

The Team Leader should be able to create an environment, before and during the exchange, for members of the Team to grow and develop as individuals. Skills relating to personnel coaching, mentoring and team building will be of considerable benefit in this regard.

The Team Leader will need to be ‘all things to all people’:- well organised, diplomatic, caring, approachable, guide, good at liaison and planning, a public speaker with good presentation skills.

Before the Team leaves for Buenos Aires it will be necessary to instigate a concerted programme of orientation and training to ensure that the objectives of the exchange are clearly understood and the individuals are well prepared.

The Team Leader will orchestrate the orientation programme, with guidance from the VTT chair. Previous experience suggest that regular Team meetings will be necessary following completion of the Team selection in December 2010 and the leaving date to Buenos Aires 2nd April 2011 (tbc). Such

meetings have previously been held at a location central to all Team members and coordinated to meet work commitments. It is anticipated that some 10-12 such meetings would be ideal.

A VTT is NOT a holiday. It is hard work and physically demanding – all participants will need to be enthusiastic, energetic, alert and adaptable.