EUROPEAN STANDARDS AND MUTUAL RECOGNITION FOR OUTDOOR ANIMATORS
In recent years EC-OE has participated in several European projects aimed at structuring the Outdoor Activities sector across Europe. The pillars of this development are the training of professionals in the outdoor activities sector and their mobility in Europe. To do this EC-OE has actively participated in the creation of the first European Learning Syllabus for outdoor Animators through the ELESA program. The syllabus has been translated into 9 languages and is today the basis for professional training and certification implemented by Outdoor employers in several European countries.
In 2023 EC-OE conducted the ROC project “Recommendations based on analyzing the implementation of the Outdoor Sector's certifications across the EU” with the aim of conducting surveys with European partners and identifying the needs of the sector. Using interviews with key stakeholders as well as an online survey, the project analyses the conditions of the implementation of the ELESA ("European Learning Syllabus for outdoor Animators") curriculum across Europe.
In view of the results of the ROC project, EC-OE is preparing an application for an ERASMUS project that will now focus on Mutual recognition & Standards for the European Outdoor Sector. It appeared that to continue structuring the sector, after having created a first syllabus at EQF5 level, we need to create standards at EQF3 and EQF4 levels. It also appeared that it is important to find a way to recognize certification at European Level so professionals can work in different EU countries. The second part of the project will focus on finding a path for Mutual recognition and co-certification and ideally should be validated through a test between 3 or 4 training providers and universities of Europe.
The comission has steadily been working on the preparation of an EU projects during the last two years.
If you are interested to join this working group, please contact EC-OE’s secretariat:
