EUROPEAN PROJECT DECEMBER 2009.

The Rural Meeting Place was recently invited to become involved in a European Project that looks at Life Long Learning and the Accreditation of Prior Learning, predominantly for women in rural tourism businesses.

A short trip to the Galicia region of Spain took place in early December 2009 where the party of Europeans, from Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Finland, Spain & the UK, were shown showcase examples of working together and learning from each other. As well as these examples there was an in depth presentation on the Accreditation of Prior Learning and how a standard qualification could be achieved that would be recognised across Europe.

The trip and the presentations were illuminating and provoked deep thought about how many rural business people actually have qualifications that they have built up over the years but which have actually lapsed after 3 years.

Many Members of The Rural Meeting Place filled in short questionnaires which have been submitted to the project and will help with the project build and go towards the final outcomes.

It is apparent with the ease of movement around Europe that a standard qualification is essential to enable employers to select from a level playing field and to empower potential employees to make informed applications when seeking employment.

I also discovered that I shall need to get some of my qualifications Accredited as they have also lapsed!

See below some of the partners working hard during an information packed 2 days.