Common learning curve

The dawning of a new opportunity in European workforce development

Over the summer, just as Team GB were embarking on their epic journey towards a record medal haul at the Rio Olympic Games, the news broke that the Norwegian led Erasmus + bid to establish a European Sector Skills Alliance for Aquaculture, known by the acronym BlueEDU, had been successful.

A week later, it was confirmed that a Strategic Partnership (Optimal), designed to pioneer the development of ‘cutting edge’ work based assessment practices, had also been selected, to the jubilation of all involved.

As a result of these two Norwegian led projects, the majority of Europe’s fish producing countries now have the opportunity to tackle their workforce development challenges in partnership, over an extended time period.

This is a first, and something worth reflecting on.

BlueEDU ‘kick off’

A carefully planned and phased approach is envisaged as these two Erasmus+ projects are complementary and initially span three years.

From the kick off meeting in November 2016, the BlueEDU alliance will support a two-year research phase, designed to establish current and future skills needs and the nature of industry demand for education and training in 12 European countries.

This includes Norway, the project lead, Scotland, Ireland and the Faroes, all largely dependent on salmon production, along with eight Mediterranean countries, more orientated towards sea bream and bass.

A reliance on cage farming technology is the common denominator, increasing the potential for good practices and learning resources to be shared and transferred, once discovered.

The evaluation of the supply of education, training and qualifications from the public and private sectors, including in company schemes, will form a major part of the study. The net will be cast wide in the search for innovative and effective education and training approaches and willing collaborators.

Recognising the industry’s knowledge and skills

Concurrently, the Optimal Strategic Partners, Norway, Scotland and Ireland, will focus on the development of systems for what educationists refer to as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The partners share a vision of a future where experienced aquaculture staff can have their knowledge and skills recognised and validated, ultimately contributing towards the completion of trusted aquaculture qualifications.

A well designed RPL system enables providers to personalise educa-