Awero team
From Training to Recognition: Advancing the Competences of Youth Workers and Trainers
2 Sep, 13:08
From 1st to 4th September 2024, the Awero team will host a crucial partner meeting as part of our Erasmus+ Accreditation project focused on developing and recognising the competences of youth workers and trainers. This meeting marks an important milestone as we reflect on the progress made, celebrate our achievements, and discuss the way forward.
Achievements So Far: A Collective Effort
Over the past year, we have successfully organised one international training course for youth workers and two for trainers. These training sessions have brought together a diverse group of participants eager to enhance their skills in designing programmes, facilitating learning, and strengthening digital competences. Another training for youth workers is scheduled to take place in Lithuania from the 15th to the 21st of September 2024.
Our extensive partnership network—comprising 30 organisations from 18 countries, including Cities of Learning Network members, national youth workers’ associations, and international training organisations—has been instrumental in promoting these courses and recruiting participants. With more than 900 applications received across four courses, the enthusiasm and demand for quality training in youth work have been overwhelming.
However, with only 24 places available per course, selecting participants has been a challenging task. The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing participants return for multiple courses, reflecting their commitment to continuous professional development.
Key Discussions with Partners: Enhancing Reach and Impact
During our upcoming meeting, we will focus on refining our approaches to recruitment and participation:
- Broadening Our Reach: How can we more effectively engage those working in youth organisations and delivering training activities? We aim to explore strategies to connect with an even broader audience and ensure diverse participation.
- Balancing Participant Profiles: What can we do to better balance the profile of participants? Ensuring a mix of experience levels and backgrounds will enrich the learning environment.
- Supporting Non-Selected Participants: How can we offer valuable opportunities to those who were not selected for the courses? We are considering alternative pathways to engage and support them in their professional growth.
Needs Assessment and Programme Design: Tailoring Training to Real Needs
Our approach to programme design is deeply rooted in understanding and responding to the specific needs of youth workers and trainers.
- Assessing Needs: We start by gathering input from our partners on their priorities for training competences, aligning these with the ETS Competence Models. Participants are then asked to identify their personal and professional development goals, which helps us tailor the course content.
- Customising Content: Before the training begins, participants complete a self-assessment using the ETS Competence Areas available on platforms like Youth Work Pathways or Trainers Appraisal. This allows them to pinpoint areas for growth and helps our training teams design sessions that directly address these needs.
- Adaptive Learning: Throughout the training, daily reflections and feedback sessions enable participants to voice their evolving needs. Our trainers are committed to adapting the programme in real time, ensuring that the learning experience remains relevant and impactful.
Our post-course evaluations have shown that 85% of participants felt their learning needs were fully or largely met—a testament to the effectiveness of this needs-driven approach.
"The best course I've ever experienced! I've learned so much, gained confidence and support from my peers. And in the end, I'm leaving with a lot of ideas and a project ready to be accomplished!", a participant in a youth workers training on programme design.
Assessing and Recognising Competences: Building Recognition Literacies
A cornerstone of our project is fostering a culture of self-assessment and recognition among youth workers and trainers.
- Structured Self-Assessment: Participants engage in self-assessment before and after training, using tools like the ETS Competence Models and 360-degree assessments. This reflective practice is key to personal and professional growth.
- Peer Support and Recognition: At the end of each day, participants gather in peer groups to reflect on their learning experiences. They can also claim digital Open Badges and those who meet the criteria receive badge-based certificates. Each participant also receives a Youthpass certificate, enriched with individual reflections on their learning outcomes.
We have observed that participants with prior experience in youth work and training are more inclined to actively pursue recognition, underlining the importance of building recognition literacies.
In our meeting, we will delve into:
- Enhancing Motivation: How can we increase participants’ commitment to self-assessment and recognition? We aim to identify strategies to support and motivate participants to fully engage in these processes.
- Exploring External Validation: Should we pursue external validation for the training outcomes? We will discuss how to secure the necessary resources for external assessment and explore partnerships with formal education institutions for issuing micro-credentials.
Advancing Recognition and Certification: A Holistic Approach
Beyond the mobility activities, our partners are committed to enhancing the recognition of youth workers and trainers across Europe.
- Understanding Recognition Realities: We are investigating the recognition landscapes at both national and European levels, translating ETS Competence Models and open educational resources to make them more accessible to those working locally.
- Engaging Stakeholders: We actively collaborate with European-level stakeholders, such as the SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre and the EU-CoE Youth Partnership, as well as national entities like Youth Departments and Erasmus+ National Agencies. Our goal is to contribute to the recognition and certification of youth workers and trainers, ensuring their competences are acknowledged and valued.
However, our experience reveals that while youth worker recognition is progressing, trainer recognition remains underdeveloped, particularly at the national level. We recognise the need to approach recognition holistically, supporting developments at all levels—self-recognition, social, formal, and political.
Key points for discussion include:
- Translating International Learning to Local Impact: How can we support the transfer of learning outcomes from international training courses into local and national systems? We will explore ways to bridge the gap between international and local recognition.
- Maximising Resources for Recognition: With a limited budget, how can we allocate more resources to recognition efforts? We will brainstorm solutions to enhance the impact of our work within the constraints of the Accreditation budget.
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Future Together
As we gather with our partners, we look forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas and strategies. Our collective efforts are paving the way for a future where youth workers and trainers are fully recognised for their vital role in shaping the next generation.
Together, we are making significant strides in youth work and training, and we remain committed to driving forward the recognition and development of these essential competences.
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