Upskilling domestic care workers to ensure resilient employment pathways

<< Background >>Changes in care practices within families, such as changing attitudes favoring home-based care over institutional care, and demographic shifts, including the increase in the elderly population in need of care, made domestic care services increasingly important in EU countries. Although domestic work has traditionally been linked with the unpaid labor performed by women within their own households, the domestic work sector had become increasingly diverse, encompassing a wide range of tasks. However, during the pandemic, the set of duties expected from domestic workers, particularly women, expanded even further, with 49.3% of them reporting negative changes in their professional lives. More specifically, a significant number of domestic carers were asked to use technological software and applications to monitor their clients’ health needs, provide extensive medical care, physical and psychological therapy, and even nursing. Yet, significant variations were found in the breadth and level of skills and competences with which domestic care workers were equipped. In fact, a substantial share of care workers, particularly those who were low-skilled, unemployed, and/or belonging to disadvantaged communities.(e.g., refugees, migrants).<< Objectives >>The project aimed to a) equip domestic care workers (employed or seeking employment) with a mix of social care, transversal, and attitudinal skills to ensure resilient employment pathways, and b) contribute towards advancing the regulatory environment and working conditions pertaining to domestic care (at the institutional level). More specifically, the project’s specific objectives were to:OBJ1: Developed an evidence-based course curriculum on critical skills and practices required for up-to-date care provision.OBJ2: Developed flexible training delivery methods (e-book, MOOC) and innovative open-access resources (training game) to support individuals in acquiring, evaluating, and testing new skills and competences in formal, non-formal, and informal contexts.OBJ3: Compiled best practices and developed recommendations to address policy gaps and structural vulnerabilities concerning the training and professional development of domestic care workers.<< Implementation >>Extended skills intelligence gathering activities were conducted to define occupational requirements for domestic care workers.The structure of an educational curriculum along with Open Educational Resources (OERs) was designed to equip carers with critical skills and up-to-date care provision.A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and a training game were developed, tested, and delivered, enhancing flexible learning options for domestic care workers.Recognition and validation of the DoCUp learning outcomes were achieved by key stakeholders.<< Results >>A set of evidence-based learning outcomes on emerging skill needs in care provision for adults was developed (Result 1).Curriculum structure (syllabus), a pool of pedagogical resources (OERs), a trainer’s handbook, and an e-book for learners were created (Result 2).An online course with interactive content for flexible, self-paced training was developed (R3-T1).A web-based training game addressing common challenges faced by domestic carers in the sector was produced (R3-T4).A best practice guide and a policy paper covering legal, regulatory, and social protection aspects of domestic care work, along with a Statement of Support for the validation and endorsement of the DoCUp resources, were drafted (Result 4).Five (5) national information days (one in each partnership country as planned, plus 2 supplementary events in Italy (ANS) and Spain (INFODEF)) were organized to promote project results and stimulate an open discussion on the present and future of domestic care work, challenges, training needs, and new opportunities.