Training course experience: What is that?

Content

Training course experience: 
noun; the process of learning the skills you need to do a particular job or activity
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This is the definition you can read in the Cambridge Dictionary. But what exactly are we talking about when referring to a training course experience within the field of international youth work?
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In this activity we want to introduce you to the format of international training courses, as it is a common type of activities in the field, especially focussing on the development of skills and competences of those, who are working with young people (e.g. Youth workers, social workers, teachers...). Training courses, understood as youth-workers mobilities, can have various structures and format, however the training courses which are are supported by the ERASMUS+ programm are the more commenly known ones in Europe. Thus we would like to exemplatory put the focus in this activity on those training courses. 
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What is it? Shortly said, a training course in the field of international youth work is a short-time (mobility) with the aim of training people, which are working or are engaging themselves for or with young people or in the field of yputh-work in general. The programme programme guide of the ERASMUS+ programme describes it like this:
This Action supports the professional development of youth workers and thereby the development of quality youth work at local, regional, national, European and international level, through non-formal and informal learning experiences in mobility activities.
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and futhermore: 
Training courses supporting the development of competences (e.g. based on relevant existing competence models), to implement quality youth work practices or address and test innovative methods (for instance related to digital and smart youth work)
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How long? Training courses can last from 2 days up to 2 months. However most of the training courses are running for five up to ten days. In some cases there can be ongoing training activities (for example for a longer period, involving multiple mobilities or virtual meetings) however most of the trainig courses are designed as a one time activity. They usually focus on one topic related to the field of international youth work and a potential transfer of the gained knowledge, skills and experiences in the daily pratice. 
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Where? Most of training courses covered by the ERASMUS+ programme take place in a country, which is part of the European Union, but occasionally outside of the EU. 
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Who? Those mobilities are designed for youth workers, which are actively working (or are actively engaged) in the field of youth work. This certainly includes also people, who are voluntarily supporting youth work and youth organisations and which are working with young people (e.g. as youth leader, or organiser of youth activities). This aspect is especially important, as it is one of the aims of those training activities to enrich the quality of (local) youth work by professionelly training the youth workers and engaged people in this field. The individual work with young people can and should benefit from the learnings and outcomes of those training activities. 
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Expenses: Training courses which are funded by the ERASMUS+ programme usually benefit from a general funding for travel and accomodation and the training activity as such. Thus the participants benefit from this funding too. Depending on each individual project, the participants will face that majority of (and sometimes even all) costs are covered by the programme and that they have either none or only a small contribution to pay to support those activities. 
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What are the key elements of a training course and how does it improve skills and competences? 
Check out this video, which was part of an MOOC ond ERASMUS+ funding opportunities. It sums up the concept of training courses as part of a youth workers mobility. 
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Is it always a mobility?
No. Latest since the pandemic, training activities were sometimes also implemented as online or hybdrid events. However the opportunity to meet other peers and youth workers physically in a place different from home and being able to focus on this experience without to much distraction, is still really important for the learbing process itself. Thus following, most of the training course are stil implemented as a mobility project. 
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And what about recognition? 
Developping skills and competences is one important element of training courses, so surely recognition of those achievements does matter here. How the recognition is implemented and which tools are used does depend on the individual mobility. For projects funded by the ERASMUS+ programme, the YOUTHPASS Certificate  is the instrument to go. And well, within the network of CITIES AND REGIONS OF LEARNING NETWORK, we are working on recognition in the field of youth-work since many years and strongly believe that Open Badges (as you can also find this activity and playlists) fits best to recognise your learning experience and your acheivements. 
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Resources

Information of the European Commission on training courses

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Programme explorer (International training course) Get this badge

Earners of this badge can demonstrate an understanding of the format of international training courses within the ERASMUS+ programme. They have explored the concept of TRAINING COURSES and mobility programs for youth workers and youth work providers, recognizing how these initiatives offer diverse learning opportunities. 
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To earn the badge, individuals must demonstrate:
- Understanding of ERASMUS+ opportunities for international projects involving youth workers and people working with youth outside formal educational structures.

Tasks

Task no.1

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Check the given information in this activity and watch the video. Sum it up in your own words: What is the aim of an international training course? Share your thoughts and refelections in the textbox.

Skills

ESCO

#advertise training programmes

ESCO

#adult trainings

International and Intercultural

Added to playlist (1)

Time to complete: 15 minutes

Organisers

Network of Cities and Regions of Learning

Used in playlists

My pathway to an international training course

Network of Cities and Regions of Learning

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