EUExcert’s aim is to reduce the numbers of accidents in the explosives business. In many European countries a high proportion of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in the explosives sector are nearing retirement. As a consequence it is important to replenish the expertise in this key technological area. EUExcert plans to establish a firm stable framework for vocational education of people in the sector. Training and education institutions as well as social partners will have a tool for competence and career planning. New training methods will be developed.
EUExNet is part funded by the EU Leonardo da Vinci Programme and aims to create a transnational European network and cluster to serve the explosives sector. This web-based network is known as the EUExcert Association and links the National Nodes of each of the partner nations.
The UK has National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Explosive Substances and Articles and an Industry Awarding Organisation within the meaning of the Qualification Credit Framework stipulated by OFQUAL. Some training providers have mapped their training against the NOS in QCF form and their details will be published as this site develops.
IExpE is the UK National Node for the EUExcert Association and currently holds the de facto chair for EUExcert UK, the UK’s consultative group. The Standards Setting Body (SSB) forms the initial membership of EUExcert UK but this is open to legitimate bodies from across the UK explosives sector.
Inquiries are invited from any organisation with an interest in improving safety in the explosives sector through the development of explosives workers’ competence.
The current phase of the EUExcert programme is known as EUExNet and is due to be completed in December 2011.
The Czech Republic and Portugal National Nodes are soon to conduct a joint trial of mapping an existing in-house industry training course against a number of UK NOS. The aim of the trial is to enhance partners’ understanding of occupational standards and how they underpin role profiling and the design and award of qualifications.
The members of EUExcert Association have submitted a bid to the European Commission for the next phase of the EUExcert Programme, to be known as EUExVET (EU Explosives Vocational Education and Training) and the bid is expected to be screened in July 2011.
An abstract from the EUExVET project summary is given here:
The improved possibilities for lifelong learning created by EUExcert nodes facilitate European cooperation between VET providers and companies. EUExVET strengthen the link between education, training and the labour market.
The sector needs to implement a validation system of learning outcomes acquired through experience instead of formal learning. It should not matter if the training is gained in another member state. Recognition of previous learning, either through informal or formal education; supplemented by continuous training and education are the basis for lifelong learning and necessary components in the overarching ambition to develop and maintain sustainable employability.
Short term impact is the creation of a new ECVET framework for explosive industry, which can be embraced throughout Europe.
Long term impacts are:
The overall project objectives are:
For more information see the EUExcert website
Certifying Expertise in
European Explosives Sector
Professional Affiliate of the
Engineering Council UK