Finally, GreenVET4U testing phase has brought the project’s innovative training approaches and digital tools into real learning contexts in Uganda.
The project testing phase was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and practical application of the training solutions developed by the project. It focused on two green job areas identified as particularly relevant to the project: eco-tourism and waste management. The first pilot was led by Great Lakes Safaris (GLS) and focused on the design and delivery of innovative curricula for skills related to eco-tourism. The second was led by Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and focused on waste management.
Both pilots followed the testing methodology developed within GreenVET4U and focused on involving VET professionals and/or in-company trainers who will subsequently design and deliver practical learning experiences for the target beneficiaries. This approach allowed the project to move beyond the development of training materials and explore how innovative curricula and work-based learning approaches can be applied in real contexts.
The testing phase also provided an opportunity to put the project’s digital solutions into practice. In particular, the GreenVET4U e-learning Platform and the Competence Assessment WebApp, which was designed to support the assessment and micro-credentials-based validation of skills for green jobs. The testing process therefore brought together several elements developed throughout the project: innovative curriculum design, competence assessment and micro-credentials-based validation. Before the testing phase, the project partners received dedicated training on the testing methodology, micro-credentials-based validation and the use of the WebApp and the e-learning Platform.
An important part of the testing phase has been gathering feedback from the participants involved. The conclusions and recommendations will be feeding into the project’s final Guidelines with recommendations for design and deliver of innovative curricula. This practical experience is an important step in ensuring that the approaches developed by GreenVET4U are relevant to the Ugandan VET context and can respond to real skills needs in emerging green job areas.
As GreenVET4U moves towards its final phase, the experience gained through these pilots will help consolidate the project’s resources and support their continued use by VET practitioners, in-company trainers and other stakeholders working to strengthen skills for green jobs in Uganda.
