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Projet Valoriste (Waste Valoriser Training Programme)
Published on 11 January 2021
Belgium
Prov. Brabant Wallon
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Waste prevention, re-use and repair activities are key in the transition to a circular economy and require workers with a specific set of skills and know-how. Through a particular training programme, ‘Waste Valorisers’ deal with varying incoming waste streams such as textiles, furniture, electronics and more. They are taught to recognise the value of waste materials and products and to distribute them towards the appropriate re-use or recycling streams.
However, while the Waste Valoriser profession always existed, it was not officially recognised and valued by the Belgian authorities. Therefore, RESSOURCES, the Belgian federation of social and circular enterprises, implemented this training programme and strongly advocated for its official recognition. The job and training programme is now legally recognised by the Belgian regions of Brussels and Wallonia. The operator running the training programme is 'Mission Locale de Forest' (MLF).
Social and circular enterprises active in re-use and repair provide training and job opportunities to people distant from the labour market all the while giving a second life to items. It creates opportunities for individuals to reinsert themselvers into the labour market by working in a collective environment promoting integration through socialisation and team work.
However, while the Waste Valoriser profession always existed, it was not officially recognised and valued by the Belgian authorities. Therefore, RESSOURCES, the Belgian federation of social and circular enterprises, implemented this training programme and strongly advocated for its official recognition. The job and training programme is now legally recognised by the Belgian regions of Brussels and Wallonia. The operator running the training programme is 'Mission Locale de Forest' (MLF).
Social and circular enterprises active in re-use and repair provide training and job opportunities to people distant from the labour market all the while giving a second life to items. It creates opportunities for individuals to reinsert themselvers into the labour market by working in a collective environment promoting integration through socialisation and team work.
Resources needed
Ressources has set up the training programme with other regional stakeholders.
1 project coordinator = 35.000 €
Although the subsidy covers other elements.
Mission Locale de Forest is the operator running the training programme.
1 project coordinator = 35.000 €
Although the subsidy covers other elements.
Mission Locale de Forest is the operator running the training programme.
Evidence of success
MLF organised 2 training sessions: one in 2018 and one in 2020.
+/- 30 participants took parts in both sessions.
Half of the participants took the exams and passed.
Ressources estimated the potential of valorisation jobs of 250 to 450 additional FTEs by 2020.
It is too early to consider the training programme a success or a failure.
Because the goals have not been met, the MLF decided not to run the programme in 2021.
+/- 30 participants took parts in both sessions.
Half of the participants took the exams and passed.
Ressources estimated the potential of valorisation jobs of 250 to 450 additional FTEs by 2020.
It is too early to consider the training programme a success or a failure.
Because the goals have not been met, the MLF decided not to run the programme in 2021.
Potential for learning or transfer
1. It allows an underqualified public to see their knowledge and skills officially recognised.
2. During the job recognition process, training course standards have to be drafted. These standards give re-use centres a frame to re-orientate their practices.
3. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with organisations in other sectors.
2. During the job recognition process, training course standards have to be drafted. These standards give re-use centres a frame to re-orientate their practices.
3. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with organisations in other sectors.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Mission Locale de Forest and RESSOURCES
Belgium
Prov. Namur
Contact
Communications and Advocacy Officer