Background
In several European countries a high proportion of the most experienced and knowledgeable personnel in the explosives industry are retiring or nearing retirement. It is therefore necessary to replenish this expertise in this key technology area.

Pilot project
Within the limits of the Leonardo programme the pilot project will develop a comprehensive framework which will describe and categorise all of the competencies of workers engaged in the manufacture or use of explosives. The competencies will be underpinned by a training and education programme which will identify the curriculum of subjects and topics and knowledge necessary to generate and develop the competencies. A range of products including workbased learning programmes, e-learning packages using both the Internet and CD-ROM, and conventional teaching materials will be developed and trialled in partner nations.

European co-operation
The project is run in co-operation among Sweden, United Kingdom, Finland, Italy and Norway. The partners represent the explosives industry, universities, trade unions, consultants, organisations for vocational training and authorities.

Project meetings
A first project meeting was held in Karlskoga, Sweden on the 12th and 13th of November 2003. At that meeting the following topics were discussed.

• Communication in the project.
• Work packages.
• Project calendar.

EUExcert brochure

This project has been carried out with the support of the European Community. The content of this project does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Community or the National Agency, nor does it involve any responsibility on their part.