Leonardo da Vinci INFLOW Project -
Informal Learning Opportunities in the Workplace

This Leonardo da Vinci project worked towards greater European recognition of informal and non-formal learning. It worked to ensure that the labour force had the necessary skills as well as the capacity to adapt and acquire new knowledge throughout their working lives.

• identification of informal learning taking place within SMEs in terms of, for example:

  • IT and communications skills

  • working as part of a team

  • other generic skills

• 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

The project's innovative partnership was comprised of National Accreditation Bodies, Training Organisations, Employers, e-specialists and research organisations. They piloted the models with the Engineering Sector in France, Germany and Sweden and between production and service sectors in the Hotel and Hospitality sector in Spain, France and the UK.

The model and framework for the recognition and validation of informal learning in the workplace has been completed and published. Associated with this, two types of awards have been developed by the partnership - The European Initiative for the Promotion of Informal Learning (EIPIL) Company /Enterprise award and two accredited awards for individuals.

The Company Enterprise Award has been successfully piloted across 6 European countries with over 70 companies. The Individual Awards were also piloted by partners. To date 100 individuals have achieved certification through ASET (UK), the VAE in France, the Latvian National Certification body and REK in Sweden.