In line with our motivation and needs for applying for the project, the concrete objectives were: 1) producing recommendations based on the analysis and the overview of the outdoor certifications implementation in various member states 2) contributing to the development/improvement of VET curricula which are adaptable to labour market needs at EU level, fostering mutual recognition of qualifications, promoting access to training for those with less opportunities and overcoming skills mismatch among national realities 3) building a transnational network based in a balanced win-win partnership: fostering, rekindling and extending existing relationships between stakeholders and organisations, both from the sector and the training providers 4) increasing the organisations’ capacity to work in a transnational European environment, in a cross-sectoral cooperation 5) setting concrete milestones for the future strategic planning of the network which will reinforce the overall aim of the field’s recognition and qualitative implementation of outdoor certification across EU
The partnership’s key motivation was the improvement of the quality of outdoor certifications, to the benefit of both the sector and the consumers, by the development of good practice and recommendations. Another major motivation, especially of the four participating organisations, has been their need for capacity building, focused in European project coordination and management, learning through the collaboration with HEI with vast project experience. In return, HEI partners were interested in the results of the project to improve their courses, reassure the quality of the existing ones and increase the validity and applicability of their qualifications across different member states The following needs were addressed through the project: a) the need of an overview of the current implementation of professional standards b) the need for a set of recommendations for the future implementation of professional standards c) the need of the sector to develop their competences in a self-directed way and for their qualifications and certifications becoming increasingly recognised and accepted at European level d) the need of customers for participating in activities organised as safely as possible by well-trained professionals