Transnational knowledge exchange between trainers of low-skilled adults in multiple European countries Erasmus Project

Project Title

Transnational knowledge exchange between trainers of low-skilled adults in multiple European countries

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 adult education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Regional dimension and cooperation; Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning

Project Summary

<< Background >>

The context from which the idea for the project EupTrain emerged, came from common identified needs of European organizations in the field of adult education in terms of personnel development. Trainers of low-skilled adults (EQF level 1&2) are confronted with various issues working with this target group across Europe. This was identified through a series of surveys which were developed and conducted in the participating educational organizations and was based on qualitative interviews. The interviewees were qualified trainers of low skilled adults, who shared their experiences working with this target group in terms of their daily personal and professional struggles they experience during the training. From this a questionnaire was developed and completed by 85 trainers for adult education (working in the partner organizations) in order to assess the situation in the participating countries. The questionnaire results showed the need for transnational knowledge exchange of methods especially suitable for the group of low-skilled adults as for example in terms of group dynamics or conflict management.

<< Objectives >>

The objective of EUpTrain was to create a transnational network between Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Romania in order to share Europe-wide knowledge between organizations specialized in adult education through exchange of experts and the development of a sustainable handbook comprising transnational good practices and methods for trainers working with low-skilled adults. The target group of this project were trainers of low-skilled adults, with at least 2 years of working experience (certified language trainers AND a) trainers in adult education OR b) trainers in cultural integration and orientation OR c) trainers for basic skills). EUpTrain implementation was carried out in a spirit of professionalism, open communication and trust between partners, with a strong commitment to cooperation, knowledge-exchange, well-defined roles and responsibilities related to the division of tasks. All requirements for monitoring, evaluation and feedback were taken care of to ensure the quality of the final results and partnership.

<< Implementation >>

EUpTrain activities included:
= 3 transnational project meetings (first 1 online due to COVID 19, 2 on site) attended by a total of 23 experts (up to 15 trainers (possible as it was online) and 8 project managers)
= one knowledge exchange workshop with the main goal to filter out examples of good practices from all participating organizations and to show international differences, new opportunities, new ways of work and different methodologies in training of low-skilled adults (19 trainers and 8 project managers with pedagogical background)
= based on the workshop results: creation of a handbook (translated to all partner languages and English) containing 16 best practices, 2 from each country, and 8 methodologies

<< Results >>

The results of EUpTrain are a 40-page long handbook (translated into 8 languages, 7 national languages and English) containing the results of knowledge-exchange activities, specifically a collection of concrete examples of international best practice examples and methodologies for trainers working with low-skilled adults. This varied collection of best practices and methodologies is making the project results valuable for other European countries as well. The handbook is accessible online and free of charge for all partners and other organizations. Through the dissemination of the handbook, trainers who work with low-skilled adults in all of Europe who are not participating in this project, also benefit from the project results and are be able to increase their knowledge and expertise. Additionally, the creation of a transnational network between the partner organizations ensures the sustainability of the project results. The overall aim of the project was to promote networking and synergy-creation on European level and to increase the knowledge exchange and the collaboration of trainers working with low-skilled adults and of organizations in the field of adult education in Europe. The mid-term impact was to establish synergies and to build bridges between these different organizations with the resulting long-term impact to contribute in this way to increase the education level and therefore lower the unemployment rates of low-skilled adults in Europe.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 88903,5 Eur

Project Coordinator

Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung, ÖJAB & Country: AT

Project Partners

• CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE PER LA PROMOZIONE DELL’EDUCAZIONE E LO SVILUPPO ASSOCIAZIONE
• AKMI ANONIMI EKPAIDEFTIKI ETAIRIA
• APROXIMAR- COOPERATIVA DE SOLIDARIEDADE SOCIAL, CRL
• ipcenter.at GmbH
• WIFI Hungaria Oktato es Tovabbkepzo Intezet Kft.
• DAYANA-H Ltd.
• Asociatia Centrul de Cercetare si Formare a Universitatii de Nord Baia Mare