Working and ageing - Cedefop - Europa
Working and ageing - Cedefop - Europa
Working and ageing - Cedefop - Europa
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<strong>Working</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>ageing</strong><br />
Guidance <strong>and</strong> counselling for mature learners<br />
certification (if c<strong>and</strong>idates do not validate <strong>and</strong> certify all the skills necessary<br />
for qualification). Certification may lead to a school-based (or professional)<br />
qualification equivalent.<br />
This process may be initiated at any time <strong>and</strong> its duration is variable, as it<br />
depends on the c<strong>and</strong>idateʼs level of autonomy, skills <strong>and</strong> availability, among<br />
other factors. However, an average length of these processes is defined – the<br />
basic level lasting between three to six months, <strong>and</strong> the secondary from nine<br />
to 12 months (Gomes <strong>and</strong> Simões, 2007).<br />
The validation process derives from activities adapted to the applicantʼs<br />
needs <strong>and</strong> profile, namely the balance between individual <strong>and</strong> group sessions.<br />
The axis of the validation <strong>and</strong> certification process is construction of a<br />
competences portfolio based on the applicantʼs life-story where key<br />
competence st<strong>and</strong>ards must be evident.<br />
In case of partial certification, recognition of acquired competences also<br />
allows structuring complementary training pathways, fine-tuned on a case-bycase<br />
basis, as it offers a possibility of defining learners as a result of their prior<br />
learning achievements. Therefore, learners will see their key competences,<br />
acquired in non-formal <strong>and</strong> informal contexts, recognised <strong>and</strong> validated. They<br />
may, thus, position themselves on training pathways built only out of those<br />
competence units (modules) they lack (by taking up adult education <strong>and</strong><br />
training courses, EFA, courses with flexible curricula or enrol in a modular<br />
training course, where units are capitalised <strong>and</strong> certified). These are essential<br />
principles for ensuring complementarity between competence recognition<br />
processes <strong>and</strong> acquisition of tailored training (shorter <strong>and</strong> modular) that some<br />
adults need.<br />
A competence recognition process may also lead to full certification of<br />
competences, finalising the qualifications pathway with attribution of a<br />
diploma. In these circumstances, certified c<strong>and</strong>idates are then invited, as part<br />
of their work with the team, to define a personal development plan designed<br />
to reinforce their involvement in lifelong learning activities as well as<br />
professional or other projects. The plan is, in this context, an important tool<br />
for lifelong guidance since it supports definition of lifelong learning <strong>and</strong> career<br />
projects, properly planned <strong>and</strong> scheduled.<br />
Recognition of competences thus induces individual awareness of ability<br />
to learn <strong>and</strong> learning how to learn. This awareness promotes active<br />
engagement of the participant in seeking new qualifications <strong>and</strong>/or drawing<br />
up new life projects.<br />
Methodological strategies used in these processes are a balance of<br />
competences <strong>and</strong> work on key competences (listed in specific reference