The Virtual Customs Orientation Academy (VCOA) was introduced in 2014. This programme offers a 14-week tutored online course via the CLiKC! platform for newly recruited Customs officers. The courses offered under the VCOA aim at providing Customs inductees with knowledge about core Customs competencies, the concepts of clearance procedures and practices, international standards and conventions, and how to apply them in the workplace.
Twice a year, a letter is sent out to Member administrations, inviting them to nominate candidates for the programme. There is a two phase nomination process 1) be nominated by their administrations 2) completing an online questionnaire which is used for the selection process.
The Virtual Academy brings regional and global Customs knowledge to the future Customs generation and offers a unique opportunity for new recruits to build worldwide professional networks amongst the Customs Community.