Desk research on existing VNFIL good practices and tools

Good Practice No2

Country – Greece

NAME OF THE PRACTICE: Certification of teaching competences of adult Trainers of non-formal EDUCATION

1. AIM

After September 2014, adult trainers in non-formal learning (as this is defined in Greece) need to have certified educational competence/proficiency to participate in non-formal learning programmes funded by public resources (Law 4115/2013). This includes the Institutes of Vocational Training (IEKs- ISCED 4).

Educational adequacy is a “horizontal skill”. Those who are interested do not certify their expertise, but through the process they certify that they have the knowledge, skills and competences needed to teach adults in non-formal education organizations. Certified educational adequacy is essential for the trainer to participate in non-formal, publicly funded educational programs

2. OBJECTIVES

EOPPEP by developing and implementing a comprehensive and innovative accreditation system for the teaching competences of adult trainers of non-formal education, wants to strengthen:

§ the education system and learning outcomes,

§ the education content in order to match to the labor market

§ the social partners’ role in human resources development,

§ the trainers’ field of activity into initial & continuing vocational training as well as non-formal education, including adult education,

§ update knowledge, skills and competencies of trainers for adults.

3. TARGET GROUP

Trainers for adults of non-formal education

4. SECTOR

The certification is for adult trainers from all sectors of economy:

§ Primary sector

§ Secondary sector

§ Tertiary sector

§ Quaternary Sector

5. HOW TO USE

Adult trainers who are directly certified

There are candidates (adult trainers) who are fully qualified, and after submitting the Certification Application and supporting documentation, they get certified directly. It concerns holders of a degree in education or lifelong learning or ongoing education and training or ongoing education and training in a domestic Higher Education Institution, or from equivalent Foreign Institutions that have designed, analyzed and implement micro-teaching.

Adult trainers who must take the Certification Examination

Candidates who apply for Certification and must take the Certification Examination belongs to one of the following categories:

§ Higher degree holders and 150 hours of adult teaching experience

§ Holders of another degree in the formal education system (other than a degree in higher education), proven 3 years of professional experience in the field of work and 150 hours of adult teaching experience

§ Holders of a master’s degree in Adult Education or Lifelong Learning or ongoing education and training or ongoing education and training in a domestic Higher Education Institution or from equivalent foreign institutions that have designed, analyzed and implement micro-Teachings

§ Higher degree holders, attending a training program for teachers of a public owned entity, for at least 100 hours and entry into another register of public service trainers

§ Holders of a formal qualification other than a degree in higher education, with 3 years of professional experience in the field of work, attending a training program for teachers of a publicly owned entity, for at least 100 hours and an entry into another register of public service trainers

§ Integrated in the Repealed E.KE.PIS Instructor Register and attendance in the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection’s 300-hour training program

How can candidates (adult trainers) apply for Certification

§ e-application of candidates. Candidates (adult trainers) build up their portfolio of qualifications. Qualifications are supported by relevant documentation submitted to EOPPEP by candidates. Candidate qualifications are assessed against legislated standards and legibility criteria for the certification of their competence as Adult Trainers (e.g. Adult Trainers in the field of Agriculture, Accounting, IT, etc)

§ Certification exams (theoretical & practical part): EOPPEP manages the certification process via an integrated e- application. Exams are conducted in approved examination centres, in prefectures across the country. Trained assessors and supervisors are commissioned by EOPPEP for the certification exam process. Theoretical Part of certification exams: Data Bank of examination topics (in the field of training for adults). Duration: 1 hour. Candidates fill in the examination booklet (all candidate personal particulars are shield for reasons of transparency). Booklets are collected by the supervisor, are sealed and then delivered to EOPPEP for grading by specially trained evaluators. Practical Part of exams: Presentation of a 20’ simulation training 5’ interview 20’ simulation training is assessed by two specially trained assessors commissioned by EOPPEP. Assessors Requirements: Assessors are selected by EOPPEP from the EOPPEP’s Register of Assessors Eligible Assessors are registered in EOPPEP’s national register. Holding a Master’s Degree or PhD in the field of Adult Learning or Lifelong Learning or Continuing Education or Continuing Vocational Training or Education Policy. Possessing 5 years of relevant professional experience or significant educational experience in their professional field.

§ Certification of Adult Trainers: Validation of Certification exams results: The Board of EOPPEP: validates the results of the certification exams (for both the theoretical and practical part) and decides upon the awarding or not of the certification of competence to candidate Adult Trainers.

§ Compiling of the qualifications of the Certified Adult Trainers in an e-platform (e-portfolio): Upon granting of certification, Certified Trainers are registered in the Register of Adult Trainers, holding the Certification of Competence. The data of the Certified Adult Trainers are uploaded to the EOPPEP Data Base, with free public access.