Trainer life and how to hack it

In recent years, the European Training Strategy (ETS) has made significant strides in recognizing and supporting trainers working at the international level. The introduction of the Competence Mod...

Primary aim was to enhance the quality and impact of youth work training by supporting trainers in their physical and mental well-being, motivation, and job satisfaction. OBJECTIVES - To explore all the aspects of a trainers life that contribute to their work as a trainer linking into the existing policies, practices and competence frameworks - such as LifeComp, ETS, Competence Model for Trainers at the International level... - To identify individual and common needs in the trainer community in order to develop 3 forms of responses as a means of support and self-help for trainers - To identify and share trainer hacks and practices, support processes, core pieces of information that respond to the identified needs in the form of a Trainer Hacks page on the Guild website - To collate expert advice and opinion about physical wellbeing, mental and emotional wellbeing, legal matters, and advice from the travel industry, the results of which would be turned into a series of digital resources - To monitor ongoing developments throughout the period of the project among trainers in order to support individuals and the trainer community as a whole

The project, which started in end of May 2022, spanned 28 months and included the following key activities: Q3 2022: Kick off • We held the project kick-off meeting (M1) between August 30 - September 3rd 2022 in Serbia, where all partner organizations aligned on the project scope and timeline. Q3 & Q4 2022: Research & Mapping • This phase involved research and mapping, including surveys, desk research, and focus groups. Q1 - Q3 2023: Ideation • Partners gathered for an ideation meeting (M2) between 8-12 january 2023 in Germany to brainstorm project outputs. • We organized the "Trainers Life Hacks Lab" seminar between 9-15 october in Serbia to build a community and develop insights. Q3 & Q4 2023: Prototyping & Testing • Prototyped the outputs and tested them through focus groups and communities (BfT, TF). Q1 - Q3 2024: Production • Partners met (M3) between 13-17 january 2024 in Austria to bridge the testing phase to production. • Organized 8 webinars with experts on the key areas of the project • Finalized the production of outputs, incorporating feedback from the prototyping phase. Q3 2024: Dissemination • The evaluation meeting (M4) took place between 3-6 september 2024 in Portugal. • Held 2 online multiplier events

Our project successfully delivered all the concrete outputs as outlined in the application, providing substantial support for trainers in the youth field through both self-help approaches and peer-to-peer support systems. IO1 - Hacks for Trainers Life We conducted thorough research on the various challenges, needs, stories and tips from trainers in the youth field and other experts. This included a focus on Mental and emotional well-being: Physical well-being; Life on the road; Legal matters; and Self-management. The research was carried out via targeted surveys, focus groups, interviews with trainers and desk research. All data was collected, analysed, and incorporated into all the project outputs. The results offered good insights into the issues faced by trainers, and provided a strong foundation for the following outputs. We compiled a collection of practical tips, tricks, and inspiring stories from trainers, addressing the topics highlighted in the research phase. Seven Infographics were designed, five audios gathering more than fifteen stories were produced. One long-format video interview was created and five short videos were also produced offering a humorous take on trainers' most common challenges. Two written testimonies on the topic of Trainers & Inclusion were also gathered. Finally, approximately twenty-five illustrations were produced to support texts and presentations of other IOs. These tips and stories have been added to the MOOC, the Trainers Support System and embedded in the survival guides. Moreover they were published digitally individually on the Guild website and partners social media platforms and disseminated to relevant organisations, networks, and institutions working with trainers. IO2 - Survival Manual for Trainers A series of mini-manuals covering a range of subtopics, such as long-distance travel tips and nutritional guidance, were created and published on the Guild website. The design of these manuals allows trainers to select and combine them into a personal "Survival Guide". Additionally, the same content was developed into a series of recorded webinars where experts on these topics were invited and offered precious advice on the five main topics of the project, which are now available on the Guild website and the MOOC. Trainers can easily access and share these resources as needed. Furthermore, we explored and curated many digital tools for tracking lifestyle changes and introducing healthy habits, and these tools are also available on the Guild website and SALTO platform. IO3 - Trainers Support System We developed a dedicated website as part of the support system: iywt.org/system. This platform provides a comprehensive resource for trainers, offering continuous peer support and access to webinars led by experts in various fields covered by the project. Additionally, we expanded the "Trios" peer support system, where trainers form small support groups that meet regularly online, by offering now possibilities for peer-mentoring and coaching. This concept was further developed to ensure ongoing peer-to-peer interaction, allowing trainers to share experiences and support one another in navigating their professional challenges. The platform also offers information on existing trainers pools, a glossary of International youth work terms, and several practical activities developed by partners, for and by trainers, to assess their own wellbeing on the topics of the project. IO4 - MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) We designed and launched a MOOC covering all aspects of trainer wellbeing, structured into autonomous modules. Each module can be used as a standalone learning resource, allowing flexibility in its use. This MOOC served as a platform to use our materials, and offer them in a more interactive and engaging way, hopefully supporting a growing audience of trainers who are now equipped to share and promote these materials within their networks. Overall, the project outputs have provided trainers with valuable resources and tools to support their professional and personal wellbeing. These resources are now easily accessible through the Guild’s platform and the MOOC hosted in the Cities of Learning community, ensuring that the materials will continue to benefit trainers beyond the life of the project. Other Results In addition to the concrete outputs, the project exceeded several expectations set out in the initial application. The number of trainers involved in the research phase surpassed the projected figures, providing a richer and more diverse set of data. Furthermore, the number of visual materials created and stories gathered during the project also exceeded our targets, significantly enhancing the project's content and reach. The project had a meaningful impact on the partners involved, who have expressed changes in their working methods as a result of the learning and insights gained. The collaborative process encouraged partners to adopt new approaches to trainer wellbeing, self-management, and peer support, which are now being integrated into their daily practices.