We wanted to achieve the broadening of understanding of both the tools and techniques of earth construction at the same time as exposing our learners to both our organisation and the partners we sent them to. The existence of a European network of earth building organisations is crucial to the growing confidence in both organisations and members in their own capacity to work in this area of sustainability. Earth in construction is not well supported by national governments as it is by Erasmus, a key player in supporting the efforts of the network. Developing Memorandum of Understanding across Europe in this area is really only possible when enough people participate in the activities like KA1 mobilities and experience how the other partners work and cooperate. We wish to broaden cooperation in a European framework and mobilities are the starting point for many people.
EBUKI has participated in Erasmus+ KA1 and KA2 projects since 2012. KA2 projects include PIRATE which developed ECVET Learning Outcomes for building earth structures and JUMP1 which developed Learning Outcomes and much more for Training Trainers in earth construction. KA1 mobilities are an excellent way to expose UK and other learners to the ECVET system by joining partner organisations in workshops and courses based on the ECVET units we developed. It also strengthens ties between our organisations and those others we have worked with, financially but also in terms of trust, experience, cultural exchange and friendship. We have found Erasmus+ to be the most effective way to develop policy in the area of sustainable construction training which has allowed not just cooperation across Europe but also shift in policy within our own national system which has also reinforced the commitment of our European partners in putting ECVET systems into their own national systems, deepening the effect and understanding of the whole within the different regions. Finally it is the best way to strengthen our own national network, putting different people from the UK and elsewhere together in working and learning situations, sponsoring their learning in this way brings our organisation closer to our networks and vice versa.