Let’s Make It Happen – a Shift into Learning Outcomes in the Welding Sector

“LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN - a shift into learning outcomes in the welding sector” was set to address an European sector-oriented qualification system for the Manufacturing & Engineering sector through the exchange among EU partners of a training curriculum for an intermediate level of qualification: the “European Welding Practitioner (EWP)”. Along the project, the curriculum has been re-designed and aligned with EQF, ECVET and work-based learning methodologies. The result of this re-designing process has led to the establishment of the “EWP Learning Outcomes Standards”, which enables skills development (through training), recognition and validation (through the scheme for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)). The developed European RPL model has revealed to facilitate the identification, assessment and validation of the individual’s expertise obtained in any European country, thus introducing the scheme among EU partners that are already providing the training but don´t have recognition and validation of the qualifications processes established.MAKE IT outputs were the following: •Introduction of the EWP training and qualification among new EU partners, including a “Pedagogical Kit” to support trainers with problem-based exercises, among other resources; •Design of a “European harmonised model for RPL in the Welding Sector”, through the clear definition of stages, tools and actors involved in the process, thus minimizing the subjectivity that can result from the operationalization of these processes in different countries;•Identification of common procedures and gaps regarding the EWP profile in the different EU countries; •Establishment of the “EWF Qualification Matrix” as the operational framework, boosting the recognition and transfer of credits by applying EQF and ECVET methodology and tools; •Enhancement of the trainers know-how in the field of welding by promoting the exchange of successful pedagogical methods and practices between VET teachers and trainers; •Implementation of national pilot sessions in the partner countries to test and validate the EWP LOs Standards, including the kit for trainers, as well as the RPL scheme and tools. These achievements were detailed in the “National Pilots Reports”. •Implementation of national roundtables sessions with partner organisations from each country, aiming at validating and deciding on the final adjustments to the be made in the results. The findings were described in the “National Roundtables Reports” and summarized into a “Common European Report.”•Development of marketing tools (e.g. project website, flyers, newsletters, press releases, video animation) and activities to promote the project and disseminate it’s results at national and European level;•Definition of an exploitation strategy and activities (e.g. Mainstream Steering Committee database, Final conference to guarantee the future use of the results. •Development of an EU Network to stimulate future cooperation and mobility in the field of education and work and promoting the project results as a best practice to other sectors. MAKE IT was underpinned by a strong strategic alliance and a successful partnership among stakeholders, aiming at bridging the gap between job offers and job seekers in the welding sector. The collaboration started between partner organizations, representing an umbrella organization, welding sectoral organizations/manufacturing industry, VET providers and regulatory bodies. The cooperation was then extended to more participants through the early implementation of the project activities (e.g. survey, national and European workshops, conferences, meetings, national pilot sessions).