INFLOW will :

1. Develop a model(s) for the

• identification of informal learning taking place within SMEs in terms of e.g. IT skills /communication/ working as part of a team / other generic skills and making it more visible

• extension of this informal learning to other employees

• recording the evidence of this informal learning e.g. in an electronic portfolio or other e-records

2. Develop methodology for the accreditation of the achievements by a QCA accreditation body in the UK (Edexcel) initially to produce reliability and validity linked to reference points and / or standards of achievement

3. Pilot the methodologies in the engineering sector in the UK and modify methodologies where appropriate.

4. Initiate a dialogue between accreditation / government bodies in other Member States, training organisations and the appropriate sectors in order to develop appropriate integrated accreditation in other member states and to address issues such as technical and instrumental criteria (reliability and validity) s well as normative criteria (legality and legitimacy).

5.Test the transferability of the model between Member States by piloting the methodologies with the Engineering Sector in France, Germany and Sweden and between production and service sectors by piloting in the Hotel and Hospitality sector in Spain, France and the UK. This project will therefore also cover all of the 5 Cedefop report's country clusters with regard to informal learning and therefore a variety of methodological approaches.

This will be done through an innovative partnership comprised of National Accreditation Bodies, Training Organisations, Employers, e-specialists and research organisations.

It is in response to the Skills and Mobility Action Plan (2002) which included an objective of "working towards greater European recognition of informal and non-formal learning" as a step to ensuring that the labour force had the necessary skills as well as the capacity to adapt and acquire new knowledge throughout their working lives.

For more information about INFLOW please send us a mail.

How is informal learning recognised in your organisation? Please tell us more

Visit the INFLOW website at http://www.inflow.eu.com/