Lifelong learning in Europe: an analysis of raw materials professionals’ learning needs

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) educa-tional cube”, which combines technological aspects of waste treatment and eco-nomic aspects helping professionals to identify related business opportunities. The research identifies similarities and differences in training needs in the Italian ver-sus the European context. The chapter provides an original contribution to the debate on lifelong learning, underlining some priorities in the raw materials indus-try. 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.