Validation of non formal and informal learning in Iceland

1. Validation of non formal and informal learning in Iceland Education and Training Service Centre = ETSC Guðfinna Harðardóttir

2. Education and Training Service Centre • Established in December 2002 • Owned by the Icelandic Confederation of Trade Unions (ASÍ) and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA). • Operates in accordance with its articles of association and a service agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. • ETSC’s target group are people with little formal education i.e. those who have not completed upper secondary level.

3. Result of the Leonardo da Vinci project Value of work. The aims of the project were to develop methods and tools that can assist the process of validating competencies acquired in the workplace. To download http://www.valueofwork.org/documents/N-144-1.pdf

4. Brochure from ETSC explaining the concept and the validation process. Guidelines on how to validate. To download: http://www.frae.is//files/%7Bab4087d5-f333-4573-aced-9a2110fe9ade%7D_frae_baeklingur.pdf

5. The validation process 1. Information and feedback 2. Documentation (portfolio/self assessment) 3. Analyses (dialogue between the assessor and the individual) 4. Confirmation of competences 5. Validation and acceptance of competences

6. Counsellor/guide • Should be an educational- and vocational counsellor, or someone that has been trained in the methodology of validation. • Takes part in the information process in the beginning of the process • Assists the individual in documenting competence. • Can support the individual in the analysis interviews.

7. Assessor • Should be a professional in the relevant field. • Takes part in the information process in the beginning. • Designs checklists based on the standards set. • Reviews the documentation on competence and the self-evaluation of the individual. • Discusses the competence with the individual that is considered for validation and prepares the evaluation plan. • Directs the confirmation process and gives the individual feedback on the results. • Documents the outcome of the validation based on the system of the educational provider or company (recognition)

8. The work of validation of non formal and informal learning • Currently restricted to learners, who have not completed upper secondary education. • Mostly industry/craft based: Workers that have started upper secondary training in a certified trade/craft but dropped out of school without finishing. • In the beginning of 2007 two training centers for certified trades/crafts received financial funding through ETSC. • The goal: Motivate the individuals to finish their upper secondary education and get their diploma.

9. Criteria for entering the validation process • Workers that have started upper secondary training in a certified trade/craft but dropped out of school without finishing. • Min. 30 years of age (two exceptions were made) • Min. 5 years of working experience within the field • Have finished their apprentice time

10. 85 individuals have finalized the validation process • First half year 2007: • Carpender, 30 individuals • Second half year 2007 • Car mechanic, 20 individuals • Painter, 15 individuals • Carpender, 20 individuals

11. About the participants • All males • Between 30 and 60 years of age • Between 2 and 50 units validated (50 units make appr. 40-60% of the whole education) • Around 50% had broken record or bad experience from school (e.g. dyslexia) • Many of them are attending school (evening school or VET centre). • One man from the first group finished his journeyman's examination by the end of 2007 and will probably start on his master soon.

12. Success factor • Collaboration with all stakeholders has been the key to success in the projects of validation of non formal and informal learning.