Diverse European works have highlighted the multiple forms of Work-Based Learning (WBL) organised in Europe and have developed recommendations in terms of key competences for trainers in WBL. However, despite a proven informal recognition of WBL, a persistent difficulty has been identified at the level of the recognition of learning outcomes. Indeed, although methodologies based on informal/non-formal learning have proved to be very relevant to enable low-skilled people to achieve efficient training pathways, the informal/non-formal character of these systems does not currently allow them to be certified. Therefore, the project "Work-Based Learning Recognition (Reconnaître les Acquis en Formation par le Travail - RAFT") aims to take part in the construction of evaluation systems that can support formalization of WBL evaluation with a view to certifying such skills while preserving the general informal context of training. Thus RAFT project aims to : - build a clear, precise and relevant reference framework; - develop an evaluation process consistent with the training process; - produce simple, concrete, objective observation tools; - produce simple, concrete and individualizable reporting tools. This new approach will enable people with low qualifications to highlight all their knowledge (knowledge, know-how, interpersonal skills, etc.). To do this, training and integration professionals will be equipped with RAFT resources namely, Assessment Reference Frameworks in the horticultural and catering sectors (O1), Guide on methods for assessing informal learning (O2), Quality Guide for recognition systems (O3) and Procedures manual for recognition/validation, including the production of Open Badges (O4). The Strategic Document for the recognition of informal/non-formal learning outcomes of low-skilled people (O5) will consolidate RAFT initiative by defining an implementation strategy for stakeholders, local decision-makers and sectoral actors. In total, nearly 30 trainers and 80 trainees in Europe are expected to test the developed tools. Thus, 8 partners from 6 European countries (AT, BE, FR, IT, LV, SL) will use their experience and expertise for 2 and a half years to develop and test RAFT tools with professionals and their trainees. From April 2023 onwards, all project outputs will be available free of charge in 6 languages (DE, EN, FR, IT, LV, SL) on RAFT website and Facebook page and on project partners' websites.
The aim of RAFT project was to reflect on and develop assessment systems to support the formalisation of the assessment of skills in work-based learning (WBL) situations, with a view to achieving recognition while preserving the general informal/non-formal training context. To achieve this, the partnership has: - built clear, precise and relevant skills assessment reference systems; - developed assessment processes consistent with WBL methods; - produced reference tools for objective skills assessment based on objective criteria; - considered the framework required for the recognition of prior learning (quality system, teaching methods, etc.). This new approach enables low-skilled people to make the most of their learning achievements (knowledge, know-how, interpersonal skills, etc.) and gives them the opportunity to take part in training courses to obtain formal recognition of the skills they have acquired. The project also promotes learning in a work context, encourages the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups and provides training and integration professionals with relevant, appropriate and adapted resources.
Various European studies have focused on the many forms of on-the-job training organised in Europe and have developed recommendations in terms of key skills for trainers in work-based training companies and for the on-the-job training methods applied. However, despite the proven effectiveness of on-the-job training with the target groups, a persistent difficulty has been identified in terms of the recognition of learning outcomes. While methodologies based on informal/non-formal learning have proved their worth in enabling low-skilled people to achieve effective pathways to integration, the informal/non-formal nature of these schemes does not currently allow them to be awarded certification/qualifications.