In the framework of the project "Professionalization of adult education in Ukraine" a pilot training for tour guides trainers from different regions of Ukraine was held in Kyiv.
Economic transformations that take place in the modern society make people constantly update their knowledge. Of course, this applies to tourism professionals, directly tourist guides, who, according to their specifics, should simultaneously raise their level of knowledge and skills, as well as teach others.
Tourism is a promising opportunity for local economic development. However, the lack of interesting and modern tourist services still remains an obstacle in the development of this area in many regions.
What do tourists often want? It’s an existing, not boring, excursion. The excursion has always been one of the forms of cognition and education, as well as the acquisition of new experiences. Today, the methods of conducting excursions should also change. From passive presence of tourists it should move to active participation and independent search of information. The role of the guide is gradually changing. At the forefront are the ways of interpretation and the very personality of the guide. Knowledge and experience that tourists receive during excursions should express intellectual and emotional feedback, as well as the acquisition (expansion) of new skills - a critical approach to judging others and the independence of their own judgments.
New standards for the industry
Since September, 2016, the European standard EN 15565-2008 operates in Ukraine. This document regulates the approaches of the coaching of guides, ensuring continuity in the training. One of the most urgent tasks is the constant change / increase of the level of their competencies. This also applies to the competences of adult learning, taking into account the fact that groups at the local level include people who do not have a professional education in this area and people of all ages.
Within the framework of the pilot training on February 21-27, 20 guides-trainer from all over Ukraine learnt modern approaches of adult education to train guides-practitioners according to European standards. Subsequently, participants of the training in the framework of pilot lessons will prepare about 400 guides including the practicing guides and interested local residents. Participants of these trainings will acquire professional skills to will be able to improve their potential in the labor market, which will positively affect their ability to find a job or have and additional income.
This pilor training involves trainers who have been trained withing program "Professionalization of adult education in Ukraine" and specialists with an international certificate of tourism trainers. (World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations).