SIGOLD project

The SIGOLD project has brought together three key players’ groups – 50+ workers, their employers (HRD managers), and educators (teachers and trainers) in order to contribute by their shares and prepare the win-win situation for all of them. The main idea of the project SIGOLD was to support the creation of age integrated society, help 50+ workers to get a chance for active ageing as active participants in an age-integrated society and ageing well at work, at home and in their communities.

 

Aim of the project described

 

The main objective of the project:

  • to improve the position of 50+ workers in the labour market and society and to increase knowledge, skills, competence and understanding of the direct target groups 50+ workers, HRD managers, educators, and trainers through newly developed e-learning courses, awareness raising and dissemination activities.

The main project objective was decomposed into the following partial aims:

  • to analyze the present situation in the field of lifelong learning, workability and employability of 50+ workers
  • to develop three blended courses for the identified target groups
  • to test the newly developed courses in pilot runs and adjust them according to the obtained feedback
  • to ensure the effective and efficient project management, implementation and project products exploitation
  • to disseminate project products, information on project, its activities and progress

 

Short description (methodology)

 

Within the project the situation of 50+ workers has been investigated, HRD policy implemented for this age group in companies, and education and training methods suitable for target groups used. Based on the data from 5 project partner countries (Slovakia, Cyprus, UK, Austria, and Greece) and their analysis the report State of the arts and needs analysis which served as the main input for the development of blended courses for 50+ workers, HRD managers and educators has been elaborated. The developed courses were tested – the pilot runs of all 3 courses in 5 project countries in four languages – English, Slovak, German, and Greek were carried out. During and after the pilot runs the feedback from both participants and trainers has been gathered and analysed. The adjustment of the tested courses according the obtained data has been carried out. Such approach reinforced the contribution of Lifelong Learning to social cohesion, gender equality and personal fulfilment of 50+ workers, contributed to participation in lifelong learning by people of all ages, and supported the development of innovative ICT- based course content. Project activities have also contributed to creation of favourable environment for 50+ workers through the dissemination and awareness raising activities focused at the indirect target groups: public administrators, labour offices, trade unions, social services providers. The final international conference organized in April 2013 hosted almost 100 participants from 10 countries.

 

Results of the project

 

  • The questionnaire focused on course content, course delivery and organization, and communication in the course.
  • Report State of the arts and needs analysis in the field of lifelong learning, workability and employability of 50+ workers
  • English prototypes of the blended modular courses and their national versions in German, Greek, and Slovak languages, which were tested/piloted and then based on the obtained feedback adjusted to the final form
    • Course for 50+ workers: Active Ageing, Ageing well
    • Course for educators & trainers: How to educate and train 50+ workers
    • Course for HRD managers: How to turn silver to gold
  • English guide How to study in Moodle in the Sigold courses
  • International conference & conference proceedings

 

Assessment / feedback from users

 

There were 2 different tools used for the assessment and feedback gathering:

  • Pilot Training: Participants’ Feedback Questionnaire: This part covered the questions focused on the course content, course delivery, and communication and support during the course.
  • Pilot Training: Feedback Questionnaire for Trainers: This part covered the questions focused on the course content and quality of study materials, course delivery with the main focus on the ratio between F2F and independent study and Moodle use, and group dynamics.

Feedback questionnaires were used by all partners to collect information from pilot course participants and trainers. All gathered information was processed and the published in the Report from the pilot runs. In general, the feedback was very positive in all participating countries and only very little adjustment was requested.

Testimonials example:

  • “These courses were really challenging. The instructors were extremely helpful and the way we worked it was something new to me. Not only the on-line course but also the face-to-face ones were very well organized and helped me understand how to keep a positive attitude towards ageing.”
  • Sometimes people should stop and think about life events regarding to the ageing. We did it and it was very interesting and motivating
  • During the training I received encouragement; I think it would be great for others too…
  • “The way these seminars were structured helped me understand the needs of 50+ workers. The discussions we had during the seminars were very exciting and I enjoyed them.”
  • “The seminars helped me understand what 50+ workers need in the market and the society. My interaction with the instructors was fantastic.”

 

Lessons learned

Based on the feedback from both trainers and participants but also from the participants of the final project conference we can conclude that it is crucial to look at the problem – challenge from the perspective of all key players (in or case 50+ people, their trainers and teachers, and employers represented by the HR managers) which can directly influence the situation at the lower level and then influence it and push to the decision makers acting at the higher levels (e.g. politicians).