TRAINER-TRAIniNg Ecological Restoration

TRAINER overall objective was to develop a shared model to address VET training requirements in Ecological Restoration (ER). By evaluating the data collected from participating countries (Czechia,...

TRAINER overall objective was to develop a shared model to address VET training requirements in Ecological Restoration (ER). By evaluating the data collected from participating countries (Czechia, Germany, Norway, Spain, Europe) on knowledge production and consumption on ER, we wanted to agree on a set of recommendations that would be beneficial for all participating countries and different activity sectors. To achieve the overall objective, the following specific objectives were set. O1. Obtain a current profile of training needs in ecological restoration in the public, private and non-profit sectors. O2. Identify and characterise the different types of Demonstration Sites used for ER training. O3. Review and shape the profile of currently existing training programs in ER. O4. Detect existing pathways connecting training programs and career opportunities. O5. Create a community of practice among project participants to generate the synthesis, analysis and recommendations resulting from the TRAINER project. O6. Achieve adequate communication of the project process and results in the participating countries and with relevant stakeholders at the European level.

The TRAINER Project included five main successive activities over 12 months: 1/ European and national (Czechia, Germany, Norway, Spain) VET surveys to capture the training needs of various organizations in the ER sector; 2/ Focus groups to discuss the current state of ER, its strengths and weaknesses, and options for action; 3/ The design and implementation of a workshop based - Community of Practice to share and learn from each other on the practice of ER; 4/ Generation of outputs, including a set of recommendations for practitioners and educators in ER; and 5/ Communication actions throughout the project, including social media, to disseminate information and promote the project's outcomes. These activities were designed to achieve the specific objectives of the TRAINER Project, which aimed at identifying the training needs to improve the practice of Ecological Restoration in Europe. By implementing these activities, TRAINER Project was able to achieve its goals and provide valuable insights into the current state of ER training in Europe.

Concrete outputs made available to the public were: - Model editable questionnaire for future ER training surveys to be carried by other organisations / territories. - Guidelines on Ecological Restoration Training; Main project result in terms of contribution to innovation in VET for ER. - Report on the Community of Practice Workshop on ER Training, initiated at the partner's workshop at the University of South Bohemia (CZ), 29-30.9.2022. - Compilation of training opportunities and curricula at the partner countries - Report on demonstrative ER sites for ER training in the partner countries, as a basis towards a European Network of ER training sites. - e-Postcards and videos with the main project messages. - Project permanent mini-website including all the above plus project news and related useful materials: https://chapter.ser.org/europe/trainer/ (1000 visits of project results) - Draft scientific paper for publication of the project results at a later stage. Other relevant results of the project: - Presentation of preliminary advances of TRAIN#ER at Spanish and European level in two communications at the XII European ER Conference, Alicante 6.9.2022. - Dissemination of project results via twitter, Oppla, EPALE and the EPRP.