A Historical Review - EU-Excert

1
T H E E U E X C E R T P R O J E C T
Project time:
2003-2006
Table of
Contents:
A Swedish initiative 2
Vocational Education has
to have a European
dimension
3
Cranfield University, UK 4
The World Conference 5
Learning Centre Masugnen
and the vocational
education
Swedish Partners representing
employers and
employees
French partner represents
EFEE.
Norwegian Partner’s
efforts to maintain
competence
Italian Partner works for a
broader cooperation
Unexpected Outcomes,
mobility programme, trans
national lecture
Last project meeting with
plans for the future
Economy and Newsletters
for structure and dissemination
The New Project
EUExcert II
6-7
8
9
10
11
12-15
16-17
18-19
20
EUEX
Mara Battocchio, Erik Nilsson, Hans Wallin. Ian Wallace, Jackie
Akhavan, Markku Altovirta, Hanne Randle, in the front line: Margaretha
Rosberg, Roberto Folchi and Kent Kärrlander.
EUEXCERT
THE VISION BECAME REALITY
t all started with a vision — to raise the level of knowledge in
I the explosives sector. The Swedish Compete Centre for Energetic
Materials, KCEM, and Cranfield University UK started the
cooperation than soon included partners in Sweden, Norway,
Finland, Italy and France.
Aims of the EUExcert project:
• Identify the competencies required to sustain a safe and
competitive industry.
• Develop a training and education programme.
• Develop and trial a range of novel educational and training
packages.
• Develop a range of explosives qualifications.
• Reverse the perceived decline in expertise.
www.euexcert.org

2
Initiated by the Swedish Competence Centre
he explosives sector has faced major
T changes and will continue to do so, concerning
structural and personnel matters.
SWEDEN
Erik Nilsson, Managing Director at KCEM, previous
Chief Inspector of the National Inspectorate
of Explosives, is the chairman of the EUExcert
project.
He ensures that countries, even outside the
European Union, are aware of the work conducted
in the project.
Mr. Erik Nilsson, Chairman of the
EUExcert project.
- It is important that we reach a European Standard for workers in the explosives business.
Educational material needs to be the same across Europe, and personnel need to
be trained with skills that can be transferable between countries.
Industries are trans national, and that is why vocational education must be at a European
level, according to Erik Nilsson.
- The Loss of Competencies Must be Stopped
s a result of the project, reference groups
A have been established in some of the countries.
But now is the time to publicise these issues,
says Hans Wallin from the Swedish KCEM.
The Italians have produced educational material.
The material includes both practical and theoretical
parts.
Even Swedish educational material is of interest
to the project. Hans Wallin points out the importance
of relevant and updated educational material
in Europe.
Mr. Hans Wallin, the Project Leader.
- The different languages in Europe can be a problem. If the educational material is produced
in English this could be translated into different languages. This would reduce
costs and bring the educations to a European standard.
In the end it is all about safety throughout Europe.
- Our mission is to reduce accidents and be competitive.
Today, industries are facing loss of competencies because qualified and experienced
workers are close to retirement.

3
MAIN OBJECTIVES IN THE PROJECT
INVESTIGATE THE NEED
FOR
A GLOSSARY
DEVELOP A TRAINING AND
EDUCATION PROGRAMME
CREATE A EUROPEAN
NETWORK
IDENTIFY
COMPETENCY NEEDS
IN THE
EXPLOSIVES SECTOR
DEVELOP A RANGE OF
EXPLOSIVE
QUALIFICATIONS
DEVELOP A
COMPETENCY
FRAMEWORK
EXCHANGE
PROGRAMME
FOR STUDENTS
ESTABLISH
REFERENCE GROUPS
IN THE PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
DEVELOP A PLAN
FOR
MOBILITY PROJECTS
The Vocational Education has to have
a European Dimension
he explosive sector cooperates on a trans national basis throughout Europe and the
T rest of the world. Membership in the European Union brings new opportunities to a
broad audience and strengthens companies’ competitiveness.
The advantages of vocational education would increase if it has a European dimension.
Through cooperation and by building a trans national network, we can produce first
class vocational education material, using modern technology.
If competence skills are well defined in the field of explosives, vocational education
would be a good basis for a common European education.
There is a need for joint values and terminology across language barriers.
Through the EUExcert project, there will be opportunities for a European certificate for
specialists in the explosives sector. This certificate will be based on experience and
competence. First class educational material and methods for work place based education
will we give employees an opportunity increases their competence through continuous
development.

4
BRITAIN
- The Situation is a Nightmare, Professor says
ranfield University is a unique university, working synchronised with the Defence
C Academy of UK.
Partners in the EUExcert project represent trade unions, explosive industries, universities,
consultants and organisations for vocational training and authorities. Cranfield University
has had the responsibility for reporting to EUExcert the UK national occupational
standards and qualification framework in the UK explosive business.
Professor Ian Wallace describes the situation in the explosives sector as “a nightmare”.
But if the project succeeds in delivering European occupational
standards and certification, it would improve safety in the explosives
sector.
If a person’s skills could be recognized everywhere in Europe,
with the award of European certificates, people will be free to
move within Europe.
Professor Ian Wallace,
Cranfield University UK
Professor Wallace has been in the explosives business for 40
years, and has an interest in the area of safety.
100 incidents are reported in the explosive sector every year and major accident occurs
every 10 years. Professor Ian Wallace gives some examples: Holland (1944): 42 died
of a Conger Weapon System. US Carrier: 220 dead, 780 injured. Enschede (2000):
20 people died. Black Horse Camp, DOHA, (1991): 2 dead, 53 vehicles destroyed.
Xinjang, China, vehicle on bumpy road causes a blast, 60 dead. Accidents have also
occurred in Denmark, UK, US, Brazil, Zambia, Afghanistan etc, etc ...
To reduce the risks of accidents, Professor Wallace suggests:
1. Increase legislation to provide a comprehensive framework that requires competent
people.
2. Improve standards in test and evaluation, buildings and facilities, and perhaps even
people.
We need competent explosives workers in the EU to be safe and competitive. We also
need to address the loss of expertise by:
• defining competence
• provision of appropriate training and education
• reducing barriers to mobility.
NVQ Launch
The group in the picture contains
members of the UK reference
group that participated in a
launch ceremony for UK competencies
in explosive substances
and articles. The event took place
at the Old Royal Naval College,
Greenwich on the 16th of May
2006.

5
WORLD CONFERENCE
The World Conference — a Success
ne of the project’s aims is to organise conferences. The symposium Education
O and Training in Explosives was held at the Defence College of Management and
Technology in June 2005. Delegates came from all over the world: Canada, US, Australia,
Sweden, Norway, Britain etc, and shared the
same problems: majority of experienced employees
are soon to retire.
The theme for the symposium was the EUExcert
project and how to ensure expertise in the future
could be sustained.
The EUExcert project is looking into the structure
of ECDL, The European Computer Driving License,
which was partly funded by the Leonardo
da Vinci project office.
The participants were interested in a
follow-up of the conference.
Pete Bayley from the British Computer Society
gave an interesting lecture at the conference,
where he pointed out the importance of getting involved with like minded people. This is
the key to success.
- When we started with ECDL, we only had an idea, a logotype and a set of questions,
Pete Bayley said. Those people who saw the potential in this project, offered the rest.
- If you can get the license into policy documents, everyone else will want it, too. But
you need to convince people.
Would there be a possibility to create a certificate for handling explosives?
The work will continue in the EUExcert project.
Dr. Jackie Akhavan, Cranfield University is happy with the conference.
- We have had a lot of positive response. It has been marvellous!
Theme for Next World Symposium
his symposium will examine the development of a range
T of explosive competencies and qualifications in research,
design and development, safety management, test
and evaluation, manufacture, maintenance, procurement,
storage, transport, and disposal.
Current and future requirements will be presented together
with flexible training approaches to meet these needs.
In addition, the setting up of a Foundation will be discussed
with a view to award a European Explosives Certificate.
The second
symposium on
Education &
Training
in Explosives
13 – 15 June 2007
at the Defence Academy,
Shrivenham, UK

6
he Swedish Learning Centre Masugnen shall support the EUExcert
T project with expertise from experiences gained from workplace based
distance education for the explosives sector.
SWEDEN
Learning Centre Masugnen for Flexible Learning
Gisela Spak represents
Masugnen.
The education, KY (Kvalificerad Yrkesutbildning), in English: Qualified
Vocational Education and Training for technicians/engineers in
companies that deal with explosives and flammable matter is carried
out with the modern support of e-learning.
Learning Centre Masugnen
- is a place for each person in the municipality where new methods
are used in learning activities by using new technology
- coordinates and organises competence development at different
levels
- supplies flexible, demand-led learning, adapted to specific needs
by focusing on active knowledge searching methods.
Work Place Based Education for Life Long Learning
O n the 21st of June 2006 14 new students were saluted when receiving the certificate,
achieved according to and with the Trade Association guidelines and issued
by KCEM (Competence Centre for Energetic Material) on assignment of CI (Commission
of Industries).
KY within the explosives sector started 4 years ago by initiative from the authorities,
Learning Centre Masugnen in Lindesberg, companies, organisations and unions in the
explosives business.
The flexibility of this method of education on site does not only mean greater freedom in
time and place, but also in the pace of studies and content. This flexible way of working
contains the adequate element of modern methods that exist and that are needed to
pursue distant education. The education takes place on site or in the nearby vicinity.
This method means that the theoretical education is
sandwiched with practical education at workplaces; workplace
based learning.
This type of work place based education combined with
distance education also enable reskilling the employed,
and encourage life long learning. It is a sustainable
method for the companies and the employees in the explosives
sector to ensure their competitiveness.
The facilitators have an important role in this qualified
work place based education, and efforts are made to develop
the Learning Centres continuation courses for the
facilitators.
The student Åsa Klaw assisted by
Åke Eriksson, Bofors TestCenter.
The trans national cooperation is also important. A mobility
project has been approved sending students to England,
and thanks to the EUExcert project, contact has
been established between Cranfield University UK and
Learning Centre Masugnen Sweden.

7
SWEDEN
A Facilitator must be Supportive and Reflective
irst of all, it is important to plan and inform the students, Åke
F Eriksson says. He is the facilitator at Bofors Test Centre in
Karlskoga, Sweden. Åke has valuable experience from the industry
where he has worked for more than 30 years. Åke Eriksson
has chosen some instructors for the students at the different departments,
which is a kind of mentorship to support the students.
- It is important for the students to have relevant background for
this education, Åke Eriksson says.
Åke plans the first period of the vocational training, and after the
students have experienced the departments, they have a choice
where to continue their further workplace training.
A facilitator in the Qualified Vocational Training programme for Technicians handling
pyrotechnical material in the explosives sector has the following tasks:
• Be the representative for the company and the education.
• Along with the educator plan for the student’s vocational training.
• Be responsible for showing and instructing the student at the workplace.
• Support and together with the student continuously organize, adjust and document the student’s
workplace learning.
• Be a link between the educator, the student and the company.
• Spread the thoughts about workplace learning among the staff.
• Work for a learning environment at the company.
• Reflect with the student.
- Be Prepared to Broaden your Knowledge
- It is important that the
students feel comfortable
in the group, Åke
Eriksson says. He always
invites the students
to meetings etc.
o study as an adult is something completely different from studying in the traditional
school system. Gunilla Wikström in Karlskoga, Sweden, was 40 years old
T
when she began studying at Learning Centre Masugnen
in Lindesberg. She has never studied at a distance
course before, and appreciates the flexibility to study
when it suits her best. It is indeed a privilege.
Gunilla Wikström is technically interested and is very
satisfied with the Qualified Vocational Training programme
for Technicians handling pyrotechnical material
in the explosives sector. The training is available at several
companies, and the students can use mini learning
centres with computers. The theoretical parts are based
on skills which the industry demands.
Gunilla Wikström at Saab Bofors
Dynamics, where the facilitator Lea
Mattsson works.
Gunilla Wikström has previously been unemployed and she is happy to get the opportunity
to learn about working in the explosives industry. Gunilla is keen to continue further
studies in the future.
- You have to be prepared to broaden your knowledge, Gunilla says. There is so much
happening in the world, so you have to accept the fact that you constantly need to develop
your competencies.

8
Swedish Employers Represented in EUExcert
e can see many differences in the partners’ problems, but there
W are also some similarities, Margaretha Rosberg says. She
represents both YFIND, which is a collaboration between employers’
and employees’ organisations with focus on educational and competence
matters and the Swedish Industrial and Chemical Employers
Association — Industri och KemiGruppen—which is an employer organisation
within industrial business.
A large number of retirements are expected within 10 years, and the
industry will suffer a huge loss of competence that has to be replaced.
Because of the risks in this sector, we need competence development
for the workers. It is urgent and it is all about preventing accidents.
SWEDEN
Margaretha Rosberg,
YFIND/
Industri och Kemi-
Gruppen.
The age distribution situation is the same all over Europe, so cooperation in this matter
is desirable.
Margaretha Rosberg has a long experience from the explosives industry. She once
started in a laboratory at Nobel Industrier and has also worked with educational matters
in the sector. She is now negotiating for agreements within the explosives sector.
Nordic In for European workers
N
ordic IN is a result of a merger between two Nordic federations,
Nordic Metal of the metalworkers and NIF
which represents employees in the chemical, paper and textile
industries. They have a total of 22 affiliated unions in five
Nordic countries. Nordic IN is a partner in the EUExcert project,
and is represented by Kent Kärrlander.
Nordic IN will through its European network play an important
role in the EUExcert work for dissemination.
- I wish there would be more collaboration within the explosives
sector than there is today. That would gain and improve
raising in knowledge, educational matters etc.
Kent Kärrlander represents
the union in the Nordic
countries.
Kent Kärrlander will also represent European workers in the organisation EMCEF.
- I would prefer a collaboration in the explosives sector in the whole of Europe – not
only within the EU countries.
The Defence Industry in Norway participates in EUExcert and Kent expects the Swedish
equivalent to do the same.
—The Swedish Defence’s resources are limited, but the need to develop
competence issues is big. That is why collaboration in these matters are
necessary.

9
EFEE/FINLAND
Progress in Contacts with the French Experts
he European Federation of Explosives Engineers (EFEE) is a partner
of the EUExcert project. EFEE’s main objectives T are:
· Advancing European Explosives Engineering
· Expertise, Technology and Management
· Education and certification
· Health and Safety
Marie-Christine
Michel, EFEE.
EFEE is an strategically important partner in the project and embraces
all European countries, including those outside the European Union.
EFEE is open to national, but non-governmental, institutes, associations or societies that
are officially registered and whose members are professional explosives users and
whose aim is the advancement of explosives engineering. These member associations
represent their countries.
Today, the national societies of the following countries are members of the Federation:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Slovak Republic, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The federation is represented by Marie-
Christine Michel, France.
n April 2006 partners from the EUExcert project
got the opportunity to meet 75 repre-
I
sentatives from the French explosives industry
and the French Defence.
The purpose was to set up a French Reference
group for the EUExcert project.
The meeting started with an analyse of the
present situation in the French explosive sector.
In the near future, there will be a lack of
competencies in the explosives sector. Many
employed are close to retiring age, and efforts must be made to preserve and transfer
the competence in order to prevent future accidents.
Erik Nilsson, KCEM Sweden and head of the EUExcert project, described the work in the
project. Jackie Akhavan, Cranfield University UK, represented the developments in the
UK Occupational Standards NOS, and Vocational Qualifications, NVQ.
The French showed an interest in EUExcert and all agreed to set up a Reference group
and participate in the forth coming project.
A Need of Defining Qualifications in Finland
Markku Aaltovirta, KEMIA
There is a big interest for creating a Reference
Group in France.
EMIA, The Finnish Chemical Workers Union (Kemianliitto)
K has 35.000 members, working in a highly diversed industry.
The union bargains and concludes national collective agreement
in nine different sectors. But what about the need of EUExcert
in Finland?
- The work defining required qualifications is important for our
workers in the explosives sector, and we need to compare these
with the qualifications we ask for in the vocational education.

10
H andling
explosive
products is associated
with risks
that can usually
be dealt with, but
incidents that
have serious
consequences for
personnel and
materials do
occur from time
to time.
Investigations into the causes of such incidents have often found that these have been
due to human error and lack of necessary competence and training.
A common view within the explosives industry is that the cause of accidents in recent
years can be divided into 80 percent human and 20percent mechanical error. This is in
sharp contrast to 15-20 years ago when the cause could be divided into 20 percent human
and 80 percent mechanical error.
A survey in Nammo Raufoss AS, Norway, of the 56 years and older age group indicates
that competence transfer is more or less taken care of at the company, but there are
still a few things to improve. Based on the answers given in the survey there are many
ways in which to exchange competence, both at organizational level and between individuals:
- Strengthened and more systematized theoretical training.
- Salaried workers who shall work in and with explosive areas must have taken basic
courses, using visual and electronic aids, for example 3D models.
- Improved work instructions training objects and ”kits” for the purpose of training.
- Increased use of job rotation both between lines and departments.
NORWAY
Norwegian stakeholders at a meeting with Swedish Erik Nilsson, KCEM (to
the right). To the left: the represent from the Norwegian partner Nammo
Raufoss AS Hans-Frode Homb.
Norwegian Efforts to Keep the Competence
- Regular repetition of theoretical training with emphasis on safe handling of explosives
and on past near misses and incidents. Repetition must be concluded with a theoretical
and practical test to document competence.
- Improved survey of competence in the company and definition of the positions, products,
machines and production methods that require special competence in the future.
- A list of personnel approaching retirement age shall be made at regular intervals in
order to ensure continuity in competence transfer.
- Contingency plans should also be developed for replacement of key personnel and resources
must be allocated so that these are executable.
- Establishment of experience databases that are readily available, e.g. use of the Product
Data Management system (PDM).
The survey was made within the FEX project, www.fex.se
The report can be found on our website www.euexcert.org

11
ITALY
Good Examples of Trans National Cooperation
uropean cooperation opens new
E possibilities for trans national
cooperation even when it comes to
producing traditional educational
material like books and compendiums
that are saved digitally. Nitrex’s
compendium shows good examples
of material that can be
translated into different languages.
Mara Battocchio and Dr. Roberto Folchi, Nitrex, Italy.
Nitrex, the Italian partner of EUExcert, is strongly supporting activities to
give practical evidence of the project both to authorities and stakeholders, since this is
the most effective way to disseminate the project and to attract people's attention. Nitrex
is developing basic multi-medial educational materials and teaching programs,
starting a series of early-stage-courses and validation. This also helped to get feed
backs which were used to increase quality of material and efficiency of the programs.
Different ways to present EUExcert to Italian stake-holders:
Power point presentations, Monthly instalments in the technical
magazine “Construzioni” (monthly circulation 20.000 copies), Banners
etc.
Educational hardware and software:
Before the beginning of EUExcert, Nitrex held courses organised by
other companies/institutions and, according to the requirements of
the organizer, uses different type of educational material and software.
After the beginning of the project, Nitrex committed to create
a common standard for educational hardware and software material
which was tested not only during the courses organized by other
companies or institutions, but also during the 6 courses organized
directly by Nitrex since the beginning of the project in 2004.
Dummy explosives, detonators, accessories and ignition systems:
EUExcert manuals:
Topic: Use of explosives
Theme: priming of civil
explosives (one of several
examples)
- The lack of Knowledge a Problem in Italy
P
eople are appointed top positions in the industry, police, army and fire departments
without having experience and competence in the matter of explosives, pyrotechnics
or general knowledge about energetic materials.
- The authorities, who are responsible for controlling the training, education and evaluation
of the personnel’s levels of qualifications, are not qualified themselves.
According to Dr Roberto Folchi the situation is urgent.

12
LEARNING FROM THE PROJECT
Partners Appreciate Working Trans National
anne Randle from the National Institute of Working life is evaluating the work in
H the EUExcert project.
At the partners meeting in Paris in April 2006,
Hanne Randle presented the progress in the project.
Each partner has described their experiences from
the project in a questionnaire. The report describes
several important steps in the project; the
progress, opportunities and obstacles, and about
collaborate and trans national work aiming for a
common goal.
Hanne Randle, APeL FoU, Sweden.
It also describes how the partners think about
future collaborative work and about their desires to continue to develop the project into
a next phase. The partners represent the industry, both employers and employees organisations;
educational institutions and networks in the explosives sector: both at national
level and at the European sector. Some results from the report:
•The project members have influenced many aspects of the project, the initial process
to set up the goals, bringing in their expertise into developmental work and spreading
information about the project to stakeholders and others.
•The overall picture is that the project has been very successful in creating a commitment
among project members, stakeholders and members in the reference groups. The
high level of interest is manifested by their activities such as spreading information
about the project and by providing resources to the project.
•The participants describe that they benefit from the variation in knowledge and skills
from their colleagues and project partners. By learning from each other and their experiences
and practice that can develop their own understanding of the project and
which they can use to improve their own practice and skills.
•Many project partners have developed
a deeper understanding of competence
issues from a European perspective
and seek to influence these matters at
the European level. They have also understood
that by working in partnership
it is easier to influence national
and international institutions when it
comes to education and competency
issues.
British experts visited Sweden in the year of 2005.

13
INFLUENCING THE EUROPEAN SYSTEM OF EDUCATION
A Deeper Knowledge on the European Level
he major obstacle the partners have to contemplate when working with competency
T issues is the understanding of competency between company managers and stakeholders.
There is always conflict between long-term planning and short-term economic
results. However, some partners have experienced a change in attitude and understanding
of these issues.
All partners will take part in future collaborations hopefully leading to a deeper understanding
of the problems.
The next phase of the EUExcert pilot project should be able to influence the system for
education in Europe and
highlight competency
issues in private and
public companies.
The partners participating
in the project have
gained a deeper understanding
of competency
issues at the European
level, a better insight
into competency issues
at the company level,
and the benefits of
building a competency
framework.
The project has highlighted
the benefits of
Partner Meeting. From the left: Kent Kärrlander (Sweden), Markku Aaltovirta
(Finland), Roberto Folchi (Italy), Mara Battocchio (Italy) and Jackie
Akhavan (UK).
competence development with a return in investments, and the lack of statutory regulation.
All participants in the project have the desire to continue the partnership.
At one of the partner meetings, the participants suggested some further subjects for
future cooperation:
• Setting up a Foundation and the issuing of EUExcert certificates.
• Participation in more projects with EU partners.
• Increasing collaboration between staff and students in different EU countries.
• Exchange of students and secondment of staff.
• Develop contacts with other trade union organisations in the sector.
• Develop cooperation for the exchange of experience.
• Sharing of material in order to reduce the work of partners.
• Joint collaboration to develop the Qualified Vocational Educational Training, QVET.
• Joint education and seminars.
The work continues in EUExcert II in October 2006.

14
Mobility Visits to set up Collaboration
MOBILITY PROGRAMME
n December 2005 UK beneficiaries travelled to KCEM in Sweden to visit their learning
I centres and industries who are taking part in the certified vocational qualification in
the explosives sector.
The UK beneficiaries were all
involved in developing core
competencies and National
Occupation Standards for
workers in the explosive industries,
some of the beneficiaries
will be the users
whilst others are the developers.
The outcomes of this mobility
project were:
· exchanging ideas and experiences
with the partners
in Sweden.
Mobility visits have been organized as a result of the EUExcert
project. A group of British experts visited Sweden in December
2006.
· Exploration of the Swedish Certified Vocational Qualification with the view to using
this in the UK.
· To set up collaboration between the two countries to support the exchange of students
in a web based vocational education in the explosives sector.
The mobility programme met all the objectives and more. This mobility project was the
2 nd phase of an exchange visit. In November 2004 a group of Swedish delegates, on a
mobility exchange project, visited Cranfield University to explore the UK vocational
training system and distance learning facilities within the explosives sector, with a view
to setting up a collaboration between both countries.
Trans National
Cooperation
for Students
he mobility project, initiated
by partners in EUEx-
T
cert has been approved by the
EU Programme Office.
8 Swedish students will participate
in work place training for
13 weeks in the UK explosives
sector.
The project time is June 2006 -
June 2008.
To develop distance learning by modern technology is an important
matter for the EUExcert project. Partners in Sweden and UK plan
to cooperate in educating personnel in the explosives sector.

15
WIDENING THE SCENE
The Cooperation has been Widened
Further cooperation between partners in
a new project about vulnerability
ranfield University UK and SecLinc* (a member of the Swedish competence centre
C KCEM) will start a new project as a result of the cooperation in EUExcert.
The project will meet the demand of a comprehensive framework which will describe
and categorise all of the competencies of workers and staff engaged in the supply of
energy in modern society.
The project “Understand” which works for a safe and sustainable European energy supply
will contribute to the development of European occupational standards for
security and safety coordinators. The training programme will be developed on the
trans-national level, identifying training material, manuals, handbooks and the continuous
work of the European occupational standards.
*SecLink is a cluster of authorities, organisations and companies working with safety matters
www.seclinc.se
Transnational Lecture between UK and Sweden
O
n the 13th May 2006 at 15.00 (UK time) the first ever pilot transnational lecture
between Cranfield University UK and Sweden took place. The lecture was given in
the UK via video conferencing to students based at one of the explosive factories in
Karlskoga. Dr Jackie Akhavan gave the 1 hour lecture in English on 'Introduction to Explosives'.
Accompanying this lecture was a Power Point presentation which the students
had assess to.
The pilot lecture was a success according to the students, who found it easy to follow
the lecture with the help of the lecturer Dr Jackie Akhavan and the Power Point presentation.
This experience demonstrates the possibility to access important knowledge even
between countries through work-placed learning.
The students also had the chance to discuss the forthcoming mobility project, initiated
by partners in EUExcert.
Introduction to Explosives by e-learning
r. Jackie Akhavan, UK, and Mr. Hans Wallin, Sweden, have initiated a demonstrator
CD-Rom on 'The Introduction to D Explosives'.
It will be used for the EUExcert project as part of the delivery of e-learning. The material
will be written in English with the intention for it to be translated in other languages
i.e. Swedish, Italian, Norwegian, French etc. The CD-Rom will demonstrate the various
techniques which can be used to enhance the learning experience of students.

16
FINAL MEETING PART ONE
Meeting in Italy Ended the Pilot Project
Second row from
left: Marie-
Christine Michel,
Hans-Frode
Homb, Kent Kärrlander,
Sofie Andersson,
Gisela
Spak, Alan Debat,
Erik Nilsson, Maria
Lindstedt,
Margaretha Rosberg,
Sigmund
Sofienlund, Jackie
Akhavan. Front
row: Hans Wallin,
Roberto Folchi,
Hanne Randle and
Mara Battocchio.
he final pilot project meeting was held in Sirmione,
T Italy, 7th-8th of September 2006. The Italian partner,
Nitrex, had arranged an interview with a journalist from the
magazine Costruzioni, that regularly reports about the progress
in EUExcert.
The partners discussed the outcomes and the contents of
the final report. A kind of mentorship for the new partners
was discussed on initiative by Kent Kärrlander, representative
for Nordic IN.
Roberto Folchi, Nitrex, and
Hans Wallin, Sweden, in a discussion
about dissemination of
the project.
Interesting meeting with well known expert
he partners were pleased to meet Dr.
T Romano Schiavi from Commissione Armi
ed Esplosivi in Sirmione. Dr. Schiavi is a well
known and respected expert in explosives in
Italy, and has written an valuable book which
he showed the EUExcert group.
The meeting was held in Palazzo Callas in Sirmione.
From left: Sigmund Sofienlund, NAM-
MO Raufoss AS Norway, Margaretha Rosberg,
YFIND/Industri och KemiGruppen Sweden,
Hans-Frode Homb, NAMMO Raufoss AS and
Mara Battocchio and Roberto Folchi, Nitrex
Italy.
Roberto Folchi, Dr. Romano Schiavi and Mrs. Teresa
Schiavi discussing explosives business of today.

17
FINAL MEETING PART ONE
Norwegian Company Cooperates with the Defence
ammo Raufoss AS will participate in the continuous work in
N EUExcert II, but not represented by Hans-Frode Homb. He is now
retired and in Italy he introduced his successor Sigmund Sofienlund,
Health, Environment and Safety Manager at Nammo Raufoss AS in
Norway.
- The most important issue in the project has
been the network within the project, according
to Hans-Frode Homb. We have learned
how the partners organize educations, mapping
competencies etc. and we have implemented
many of the ideas in our company
and in our country.
Sigmund Sofienlund is looking
forward to working in the
EUExcert II project.
Hans-Frode Homb
has handed over
the work in EUExcert.
- A spin off effect is our collaboration with
the Norwegian Defence. We now use their 16
hours introduction course for all our employees
and we cooperate with teachers. We also plan for a common
Basic level course in 120 hours.
- It is important to share the competencies. The explosives industry
and the Norwegian Defence diminish, so at the moment
we are looking into further cooperation within special courses.
The collaboration with a public and private sector is unique,
Sigmund Sofienlund says. We see the Defence Force as a resource,
and we can both use the same model for mapping the
gap in competencies.
Hope for Collaboration in Military and Civil Sector
t is indeed an ambitious project.
I Mr. Alan Debat, working with Civilian Security in France is impressed of EUExcert. He
participated at the partner meeting in Sirmione, Italy, in September 2006.
Mr. Debat is aware of obstacles working within
the explosives sector concerning transportation
regulations, manufacturing laws etc. that differ in
the EU.
The European organization EFEE is represented in
the project by Marie-Christine Michel. She points
out the advantages with collaboration within
safety regulation, and asks for structure in European
education. EUExcert could even enable a
joint effort between the military and the civilian
side in the explosive sector.
Alan Debat and Marie-Christine Michel are
the French participants in EUExcert.
Alan Debat, who previously worked in military
education, appreciates the efforts to produce a
glossary in the explosives sector.

18
GOOD STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY IS ESSENTIAL...
Sofie’s advices regarding Project Economy:
• A separate account for book keeping.
• A separate file with copies of invoices.
• One file for every partner where contracts,
budget and accounts are collected.
• One document for specification of cost for
every expense.
• Continuous follow-ups, 18 months control
and — of course — a control at the end of
the project.
Sofie Andersson Works with the Economy
ofie Andersson got in to the EUExcert project just in time for the 18 months report.
S To bear the responsibility for the finances in a project is hard work, but also a good
experience. Sofie Andersson at KCEM in Sweden has put a lot of effort in improving the
structure and organizing the paper work in the project.
The partners have appreciated the structure, and so has the Swedish Programme Office
who invited Sofie Andersson to a meeting with the new Leonardo da Vinci projects in
October 2006.
Sofie shared her experiences and advised the new project participants about methods
for a good book keeping within a Leonardo da Vinci project (that differs from other EU
programmes she is involved in). The most important issue, according to Sofie, is to
make sure that all partners are familiar with
their own budget and the content of the contract.
Sofie has worked intensively with the application
for the new project. There are so many
partners involved that the models for accounts
needed an update.
To separate the two tasks project leading and
financial reporting is necessary, says Sofie. It is
not a good idea that the project leader has to
get involved in every single financial issue.
To better organize the book keeping, Sofie
made a document for specification of cost.
Every single cost has a document of its own. It
has helped a lot.
- It can be used in all kinds of projects. It is
simple and easy to understand.

19
...AND SO IS SPREADING THE INFORMATION
re the Newsletters
A of crucial importance
for the development
in the EUExcert?
Newsletters Important in Dissemination
- It is an honour working
in a project that is
so important in the EU,
says Maria Lindstedt,
Learning Centre Masugnen
in Sweden.
Information in
English, Italian,
Swedish and
French.
- We know for sure that they play an important role in disseminating
the work. We reach groups at work places at all levels. Among
our readers there are students, decision-makers, professionals in
the explosives sector and others who are interested in following
the work in this area. We send Newsletters to different continents
on request and we notice a increasing interest from all over the
world for EUExcert.
Working in a prosperous project as EUExcert is indeed a challenge.
A lot has been done within the project, and the partners
continue their work in EUExcert II. Reports are written and presented
at various conferences and on the EUExcert web site. Easily
accessible Newsletters can be seen as a good compliment of
the information about the project.
Communication within Europe is a important question and so is
information. We need to influence public opinion
and unite both the work in the sector and the people
in Europe to be competitive.
The partners have discussed which language to use
in the Newsletters. There have been some produced
in Italian, Swedish and English. We have also information
brochures in English and French. But English
is the main language in the project, therefore most
of the information will be written in that language.
Each partner can — if requested — translate the information
on their own.
Since Maria Lindstedt was asked to work with information
in the EUExcert project in June 2005, 4
Swedish Newsletters, 2 Italian and 3 English have
been produced . EUExcert has a website with continuously
updated articles. There are posters and
every partner has participated in meetings and conferences
with power point presentations etcetera.

20
The Work Continues in EUExcert II
European Competency and Qualification Framework, Glossary
and Transfer of Educational Material - Aims in New Project
he partners of EUExcert continue
T the cooperation in a new project,
EUExcert II, along with some
new European partners.
The aims of the new project are:
1. To build-on the UK competency and
qualification framework developed in
UK during the previous EUExcert programme
and investigate if they can
be transferred to a European competency
and qualification framework.
2. To increase the number of partners
and associated partners in Europe.
3. To set up a Foundation who will advise,
regulate and issue certificates.
4. To transfer the educational material
already developed for the EUExcert
programme and to make it trans national
and deliverable in a flexible media.
5. To form a new network of industries
and institutions in the explosives sector.
6. To produce a Basic European glossary
for the European market which includes
terminology which can be
transferable and used in each country.
Top stair from left:
Erik Nilsson and Hans Wallin, KCEM Sweden, Marie-
Christine Michel, EFEE France, Ian G Wallace, Cranfield
University UK, Kent Kärrlander, Nordic IN, Gisela Spak, Masugnen
Sweden, Margaretha Rosberg, Industri– och Kemi-
Gruppen Sweden, Hanne Randle, APeL AB/Karlstad University,
Sweden, Mara Battocchio, Nitrex Italy, Hans-Frode
Homb, Nammo Raufoss Norway and Jackie Akhavan, Cranfield
University UK.
7. To build on the exchange programme
between the UK and Sweden and
transfer this to a student exchange
programme or distance education programme between other European countries.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS:
Please visit our website
www.euexcert.org
KCEM, Sweden
APeL FoU AB, Sweden
Learning centre Masugnen, Sweden
YFIND, Industri– och Kemigruppen, Sweden
Cranfield University, UK
EFEE, European Federation of Explosive Engineers (represented by France)
Nitrex, Italy
NAMMO RAUFOSS A/S, Norway
Kemia, Finland
Nordic IN, A Nordic Trade Union Federation
University of Pardubice, Czech Republic
Sprengschule Dresden, Germany
Technical Inspectorate, Estonia
Union Española de Explosivos, Spain
University de Coimbra, Portugal
Newsletter Production: Maria Lindstedt maria.lindstedt@masugnen.lindesberg.se