What is the ECC?
The ECC has been developed as a basic entry certificate in the care sector through a Leonardo Da Vinci project from the European Commission ending in 2008.
The ECC provides employers with evidence that the holder of the certificate understands the basic knowledge required to work safely in the care sector. It covers the knowledge for workers starting out in the care sector and can be delivered through work-based training, a single short course or as part of a larger and/or longer course.
Why is ECC needed?
In many European Countries, there are shortages of care staff that is leading to an increase of foreign workers in the sector. There are also a significant number of unqualified workers who are currently working across Europe but, contrary to many other professions, there is no common European understanding about the entry level needs of workers. The ECC project has provided a benchmark for all countries for the basic knowledge outcomes for the care sector for the benefit for those who use care services.
The ECC addresses gaps in the fast growing care sector and promotes workers’ mobility across Europe. It establishes a comparable base for frontline care staff across Europe and provides an accessible and transferable certificate for workers and employers, backed by a central database held in Brussels and a system of Lead and Delivery Partners in member states.
What is the CCFC Project?
Creating a Common Foundation for Care is a second LEONARDO project aimed spreading the ECC to at least 15 member states and more if possible. It also aims to establish the ECC on all the National Qualification Frameworks and on the European Qualification Framework (EQF). For more information on the CCFC project look under News.
About ECC - Short presentation
German - Power Point presentation click here to download
English - Power Point presentation click here to download