infoValuing formal, non-formal and informal forms
of learning by workers in the forestry sector
Today, workers in the forestry sector have a wide range of vocational training, courses and updating courses. Several training centres in the forestry sector can offer them courses, varying from general courses (for example about security prescriptions), to practical training, (for example about the use of a chainsaw, a brushcutter or a tractor). The training and courses are frequently completed with an evaluation and a certificate or diploma. Nevertheless there is a severe lack of transparency in certificates or levels. There is no agreement in relation to a minimum framework of competencies. There is a big diversity in evaluation methods and evaluation criteria. Overall, not all certificates are officially recognised and there is no transfer or mutual recognition of formal certificates and diplomas. This is not in the benefit of the participants. But also for the training centres themselves, a larger degree of transparency of the levels throughout Europe, would be favorable.
Besides the formal training circuit, forest workers collect lots of knowledge, skills and attitudes through both non-formal (eg. learning by doing) and informal learning (eg. learning by instructions of colleagues). These forms of learning are rarely recognised. The number of arrangements and methods for the evaluation of these competencies learned through non-formal and informal ways are restricted.
Still it is of crucial importance for forest workers that these forms of learning are recognised. This is especially important for the forestry and nature conservation sector. Many people start working in these sectors as a volunteer. Some of them find a professional job in the sector later on. The accreditation of these forms of learning makes it possible to benefit of and build on the competencies learned in their leisure time. For people looking for a job this can stimulate the integration or re-integration on the labour-market.
This project will make an inventory of the existing evaluation methods and arrangements (go stimulate the transparency). Furthermore, it will them and develop a comprehensive and integrated approach enabling those involved to asses and value a large range of qualifications and competence resources. This new approach is needed to build bridges and facilitate access to individual pathways of learning.
The final result will be (a) selected method(s) for evaluation and accreditation of the competencies of forestry workers. This will be based on a common framework, with a view on / a scenario for the stimulation of the transparency and the transfer of diplomas and certificates and the recognition of the several forms of informal and non-formal learning.
The partnership of the project Learn for work:
- Inverde VZW, Belgium (promoter)
- Forstliches Bildungszentrum Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany)
- Häme Vocational Institute (Finland)
- Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry (Czech Republic)
- Centre Forestier de La Région Provence, Alpes Cöte d'Azur (France)
- Wald Forstliche Ausbildungsstätte Ossiach (Austria)
- Citogroep Holding (The Netherlands)
