Delivering Online Vocational Training in Archaeology Erasmus Project

Project Title

Delivering Online Vocational Training in Archaeology

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Recognition (non-formal and informal learning/credits); New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Labour market issues incl. career guidance / youth unemployment

Project Summary

The objective of this project, DOVTA, was to create freely accessible training materials, specifically videos, to teach archaeologists technical skills, to a common standard. In a modular format so that each could either be separated out and learnt individually, or combined into a longer, structured learning experience. A total of 96 videos were to be created covering 16 skills in six languages.

The project exceeded this goal, producing 180 videos, covering 30 different skills, in six languages (English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, and Polish). Released under an Open licence these materials can be adopted and adapted by anyone in the world for their learning needs. In addition, the scripts have been released so that anyone can create captions for the videos so they can be translated into any language.

This project came about after labour market intelligence data showed skills gaps/shortages in some European countries and that is was difficult for archaeologists to move around Europe to work. As such, the materials were created so practitioners and aspirant practitioners can access VET that they and employers value, in order to enhance their potential to play active roles in the labour market. To further facilitate reaching this goal, the project partners were chosen from Spain, UK, Italy, Austria (German Language), Netherlands and Poland which labour market intelligence shows are the countries/language groups that have some of the largest European archaeological workforces.

While it is too early to see the full impact of the materials, a project survey of potential users found that 78% of them would use all or some of the videos in their training. The project has facilitated the uptake of the Archaeological Skills Passport, a method for measuring skill competencies, in three of the partner countries. Finally, it also provided training to all the partners so they can each undertake filming in the future and create more teaching videos.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 157819 Eur

Project Coordinator

Archaeology Scotland & Country: UK

Project Partners

• ARANZADI ZIENTZI ELKARTEA
• UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
• Internationales Österreichisches ArchäologieForum
• LANDWARD RESEARCH LTD
• Confederazione Italiana Archeologi
• UNIWERSYTET IM. ADAMA MICKIEWICZA W POZNANIU