These methods and tools were created within the framework of project ValidAid: ‘Validation of skills and knowledge for strengthening the positions of low-qualified employees in the labour market, sectoral programme Leonardo da Vinci’. A dossier of documents was developed for each sector. The purpose was to aid the process of validation of knowledge, skills and competences acquired at the workplace by the low-qualified employees in the companies. The dossiers include:
- standards and substandards for identifying and validating the competences acquired in the process of work and through informal and non-formal learning;
- methods and tools for assessing acquired competences;
- interactive tests for preparation and training of candidates for validation;
- a training programme for assessors in the process of validation;
- an interactive handbook with guidelines for management teams of companies in the country on organisation and administration of the validation process.
The developed methods and tools for identifying and validating learning give the low-qualified employees a better chance to become aware of and develop knowledge, skills and competences which will improve their career opportunities.
The validation packages have been tested in different organisations in the three sectors. Results lead to the conclusion that the approach accepted, methodology developed and tools for validation of knowledge, skills and competences acquired through informal and non-formal learning can be applied in Bulgarian companies and enterprises.