Discovering the Impact of CECRA Training: Personal Growth and Professional Skills

CECRA (Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas) is a training program designed for agricultural and rural advisors. It focuses on enhancing soft skills and practical knowledge essential for effective advisory work. The program includes various modules that cover topics like communication techniques, facilitation skills, group dynamics, and conflict resolution. The aim is to equip advisors with tools and methods to better support farmers and rural communities, fostering interactive innovation and sustainable development. The training typically involves workshops, mentoring, and hands-on exercises.

Within the framework of the IALB (International Academy of Rural Consultants), standards were developed during the four-year project stage (2009-2012) to enhance the qualifications and competences of rural consultants, culminating in the CECRA certification.

CECRA combines a series of seminars, featuring various modules and consultation visits to rural regions and structures, providing participants the opportunity to build a transnational alumni network.

The training targets practicing counselors, offering a standardized program and a certification process.

A consultant from Slovenia also participated in one of the trainings, here are her impressions.

I can say it was a good decision to enrol into the program. We usually considered that you were either “born” with the qualities to do advisory work or you got the skills during your early development. So some people were good advisors with the touch for people and agriculture, some were maybe little less successful. We all got plenty of expertise and knowledge in our fields of work, bot no one ever taught as soft skills which would help us work with people, with difficult situations, lead constructive conversations, facilitate, motivate, moderate or lead various types of groups, gatherings, workshops. It was all left down to the person who did it. Now we have tools, exercises, approaches to do all that easier. We are more confident in working with people in groups and one to one. I use the skills I gained with farmers, on workshops, with general public in our awareness raising caimans and also with students, and you won’t believe even with my family at home. The correct listening and responding can do magic. 😊Some times when you walk in to the room with papers, crayons, stickers and start a session with an icebreaker, people think you’re strange and sometimes hold back at first. But when you get them going, you usually can hardly stop them. And all this participatory “bottom-up” approach is very relevant in most projects we work on. So I can say that CECRA approaches also made my project management and task fulfilment easier by facilitating the work with people (project partners, stakeholders, target groups).

Tamara Korošec (Slovenia)

Edgars Dzelme (Latvia)

The biggest benefits of the training were the new contacts and knowledge I gained. It was a great opportunity to grow and develop as an individual.

During the training, I constantly felt the need to step out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to assess my abilities and ultimately trust myself.

In my daily work, I definitely use the knowledge I gained about work organization, as well as my approach and perspective on the consultation process and clients as a whole.

I would definitely recommend this training to other consultants.

Vendija madara Kancāne (Latvia)

Participating in the CECRA training was a transformative experience for me. It provided not only new knowledge and networking opportunities with young consultants from various countries but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal growth. Initially, I had little understanding of what it means to be a consultant—how to ask the right questions, truly listen to farmers, and provide meaningful solutions. This training built my confidence, especially in public speaking and engaging with strangers. It laid a solid foundation for continuous learning and self-development essential for a consultant's role.

Another significant aspect of the training was the assignment of mentors to each participant. We had the opportunity to meet with our mentors on Zoom at least once a month to discuss any questions about our work as consultants. This support system is crucial for new consultants, as it provides a sense of community and reassurance. Starting in this field can sometimes feel isolating, and knowing there is someone experienced to turn to for advice and guidance is invaluable.

As part of the Erasmus+ "Young EUFRAS-YPARD Mentoring and Training Program 2022/23", CECRA training for young mentors was held by EUFRAS together with partners.

It was a comprehensive, international 200-hour learning cycle in which participants compared the transformative experience to the thrill of launching a rocket into space.

Explore the stories and insights on the benefits of the CECRA training program:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Project No. 2022-1-LV01-KA210-VET-000082892