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Building a Skilled Youth Workforce: A Competence Model-Based Training for Youth Workers

2023-3-EL02-KA153-YOU-0001822762023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: EL|RO|CY|BG|ES|TR · Grant: €23,220
Development of training coursesKey competences developmentQuality and innovation of youth work

Objectives

The BeCompetent project was conceived to strengthen the professional competences of youth workers and to respond to the growing need for continuous training in the youth sector. The project was based on the European Training Strategy and the Competence Model for Youth Workers to Work with Young People, which together define the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for high-quality youth work. BeCompetent aimed to provide youth workers with structured learning opportunities to develop these competences through a competence-based, inclusive, and transnational training course. The overall goal of the project was to enhance the capacity of youth workers to empower young people effectively in a changing social, digital, and cultural environment. The initiative sought to ensure that youth workers could respond to the needs of young people with confidence, professionalism, and creativity, while promoting the core values of the Erasmus+ Programme such as inclusion, participation, and sustainability. More specifically, the project had several interconnected objectives. First, it aimed to improve the professional competences of youth workers by equipping them with the tools and methodologies to facilitate individual and group learning, design effective youth programmes, manage resources efficiently, communicate meaningfully with young people and stakeholders, and collaborate successfully in diverse teams. The training encouraged participants to develop intercultural sensitivity, to advocate for youth participation, and to apply evaluative practices in order to improve the quality of their work. Secondly, the project sought to foster transnational cooperation and peer learning among youth organisations from Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye. This collaboration was designed to build a network of professionals who share a common understanding of competence-based youth work and who are committed to raising standards and promoting the recognition of youth work as a valuable educational and social field. The exchange of experiences among partner organisations allowed participants to learn from different European realities and to adapt good practices to their local contexts. Another key objective was to improve the overall quality of youth work through the use of non-formal learning methodologies and competence-oriented approaches. The project emphasised active participation, reflection, and self-assessment as central elements of the learning process. The use of Youthpass encouraged participants to recognise and document their learning outcomes, linking them to the Key Competences for Lifelong Learning and supporting their personal and professional development. BeCompetent also aimed to strengthen inclusion and diversity in youth work. The project promoted equal opportunities and encouraged youth workers to adopt inclusive practices that make youth activities more accessible to all, regardless of background, gender, or social situation. Through intercultural dialogue and collaboration, participants developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young people from different cultural and social environments and learned how to create safe, supportive, and participatory learning spaces. In addition, the project incorporated the green and digital priorities of Erasmus+. It promoted environmentally responsible practices during all phases of the project, such as reducing waste, using digital materials, and raising awareness of sustainability in youth work. Participants were also introduced to digital tools that can be used to enhance learning, communication, and participation among young people, helping youth workers adapt to the digital transformation in the sector. Finally, BeCompetent aimed to contribute to the long-term professionalisation and recognition of youth work in Europe. By developing a shared understanding of competence-based learning and by building the capacity of youth workers to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable activities, the project supported the development of stronger, more resilient youth organisations capable of meeting the evolving needs of young people. In summary, the BeCompetent project sought to upskill youth workers, strengthen international cooperation, and promote the values of inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. It provided a high-quality learning experience that combined non-formal education, intercultural exchange, and competence-based development. The project’s objectives were successfully achieved through a coherent, structured training process that empowered youth workers to act as facilitators of change, capable of guiding young people towards active participation, personal growth, and social engagement within their communities.

Project partners (6)