General information about the project Photonics and laser technology are now a priority of the European economy and a prerequisite for increasing its competitiveness as stated in European Commission Industrial policy (Skills for industry and Key Enabling Technologies: micro and nanoelectronics, nanotechnology, industrial biotechnology, advanced materials, photonics - including laser technology, and advanced manufacturing technologies). The introduction of many new and different laser sources in these sectors of the economy requires the development of new skills and competencies of the employees in the field of laser safety. European norms and standards in this area have become obligatory for all European countries. The dangers of laser radiation can be diverse and at the same time devastating for the health. The objectives of the project are in line with the new EU Skills Program 10.06.2016 (NEW WORKING ASSEMBLY FOR EUROPE, 10.06.2016), and in particular with the Europe's Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) of the 21st Century. Project has gathered partners from five European Union countries: Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Romania. Profile of participants includes three universities with their own research institutes (including photonics and laser technology), one NGO, two VET centers and an ICT company. Project objectives The project proposal aims to improve the professional skills for laser safety through online training. The project team aims to develop, test and validate three innovative training modules in line with the needs of the European photonics and laser technology field. Using the right environment, learning modules will be web-based and accessible to students, laser workers / operators and all other players related to the fields of photonics and laser technology. Given the European scope of the project activities, the project team is transnational and includes partners from five EU countries, which will develop, test and certify training modules at national and European level. Successful completion of the modules will be certified by a certificate. The fulfilment of objective will be based on the following methodology: analysis of requirements in the field of laser safety, data collection and their systematization and analysis, creation of new innovative knowledge in the form of interactive training modules and their dissemination through e-learning systems and internet technologies. Description of the activities The planned training product consists of three interactive multimedia modules that will be built on: • analysis of existing VET programs and ongoing training in the photonics and laser technology field in partner countries; • identifying the needs of the photonics and laser technology field workers with professional laser safety skills in partner countries; • development of interactive multimedia modules in the field of laser safety that meet the established European standards for safe working conditions in the EU and the needs of the European labor market; • technical, methodological and didactic development of modular e-learning concepts; • developing language versions of partner countries' modules; • selecting an e-learning environment; • adaptation of training modules to the requirements of e-learning technology; • training of trainers; • testing the developed modules; • evaluation, refinement and certification of modules; • dissemination of training modules on photonics and laser technology skills. Brief description of the intended results, impacts 1. Creating three web-based multilingual modules for enhancing professional training in the field of laser safety. Improvement of vocational education and training in the field of photonics and laser technology. 2. Increasing professional skills of those working in the field of photonics and laser technology. 3. Creating specialists (laser technology systems operators) with skills in the field of laser safety. 4. Support for the development of photonics and laser technology by creating specialists with the necessary skills for safe work with laser technology complexes. 5. Improving the employability of specialists in photonics and laser technology on the European labor market. 6. Increasing the motivation of young people for vocational training in the field of laser safety and occupational health at work. 7. Providing free access to the principles and technologies for laser safety. 8. Creating a sense of responsibility - a prerequisite for ensuring healthy working conditions at the workplace. Expected long-term benefits • Modules developed during the project can be used permanently after the project is completed. • Vocational training concepts implemented during the project will offer a high level of transfer to other providers of education and training opportunities. • Field of photonics and laser technology plays the role of a pilot area but can also affect other areas where such solutions can be developed.
The LASER SAFETY (LS) project aims to support the EU's New Skills Program (NEW SKILLS PROGRAM FOR EUROPE, 10June 2016) and to help develop photonics and laser technologies, which are a priority of the European economy and a prerequisite for increasing its competitiveness. Project objectives The project proposal aims to improve the professional skills for laser safety through online training. The project team aims to develop, test and validate three innovative training modules in line with the needs of the European photonics and laser technology field. The project is aimed at: -Supporting the EU strategy by developing new skills and competencies in the field of laser safety. -Developing training to build a culture of protection for workers, which helps to minimize the risk of laser radiation on human health and to create safe and healthy conditions. -Increasing the competitiveness of European technology companies by ensuring a high level of safe and healthy working conditions. -Increasing the interest of young people in professional training in the field of photonics and laser technologies . -Dissemination of project results at all levels. -Summary of the activities . To achieve these goals, a training product of 3modules and a specialized multilingual dictionary on LS for those working in the laser technology sector were created. Based on the results of the analysis of the needs for training in Laser Safety in the partner countries, the content of the training modules was determined. The developed modules have been translated into the languages of the partner countries. A specialized manual for working with online training modules has been created. The future LS trainers took part in a 3-day training, which took place at RTA, Latvia. The main goal of the training was to improve the knowledge, skills and experience of trainers in the field of LS. 13trainers (3LV,7BG,2DE,1RO) were acquainted with the methodology and tools for working on the electronic platform. They got acquainted with the content of each module-case studies, exercises, tests and teaching materials. The training activities contributed to: Seamless work with the electronic platform; Theoretical and practical upgrading of knowledge on laser safety; Establishing professional contacts with colleagues from partner countries. The participants who successfully completed the training received a certificate from the project team. The developed innovative modules were pilot tested. The purpose of the pilot testing was to assess the quality of the learning content of the modules and the effectiveness of the learning process. Pilot testing of the modules was conducted in 4EU countries (LV,BG,RO,DE). Representatives of the target group actively participated in it. Participants provided feedback on the quality of the training modules using questionnaires. The participants confirmed that the information in the platform is adequate, easily accessible, the self-assessment tests are appropriate for the level of the study material. The analysis of the results of the pilot tests showed high efficiency of the training and that the developed modules meet the expectations and needs of the workers with laser installations. Based on the suggestions of the participants in the pilot testing, the modules were supplemented and updated. A transnational partnership was established to achieve the project objectives. The partnership consists of 7institutions coming from 5different countries (LV,DE,BG,HU,RO). The partners were 3universities, 2vocational training centers, an IT services agency, an education and innovation center. Successful teamwork, combining the competencies and profiles of the partners, contributed to the results of this project. Six transnational partner meetings were held during the project. During the meetings the achievements of the project for the given stage were discussed and analyzed in detail and the forthcoming activities were planned. Effective dissemination of the project results among laser operators, high school students, trainees, representatives of the laser sector, teachers, trainers, school managers and representatives of public institutions was achieved by organizing multiplier events in LV,BG,DE,RO, which was attended by over 250participants. In conclusion, we can say that the training modules developed under the project are attractive, expand the knowledge of those working with laser systems, activate the interest of students and trainees in the widespread penetration of laser technology in European industry. Expected long-term benefits -Modules developed during the project can be used permanently after the project is completed. -Vocational training concepts implemented during the project will offer a high level of transfer to other providers of education and training opportunities. -Field of photonics and laser technology plays the role of a pilot area but can also affect other areas where such solutions can be developed.