Lifelong Learning in Europe: An Analysis of Raw Materials Professionals’ Learning Needs

Abstract

Professional refresher courses build decision-makers’ self-knowledge, which can influence behaviours and choices. This work aims to illustrate the training needs of European professionals working in the raw materials sector, in order to identify any educational gap. A needs and target analysis is carried out within the context of the European project RefresCO—Professional Refresher Courses, funded by EIT Raw Materials. A sample of trade associations, entrepreneurs, and managers involved in raw materials was built using a bottom-up approach and a computer-assisted Web interview survey was conducted through the Limesurvey platform. Results show the existence of the ‘ROW (Return Over Waste) educational cube’, which combines technological aspects of waste treatment and economic aspects helping professionals to identify related business opportunities. The research identifies similarities and differences in training needs in the Italian versus the European context. The chapter provides an original contribution to the debate on lifelong learning, underlining some priorities in the raw materials industry. The methodological approach creates a new future research path since the work can be extended to other fields in order to plan and manage an overarching professional educational system in Europe.