The Skills for Freelance Technicians project supported the recognition and validation of competencies acquired by freelance professionals in the event and theatre technology sectors – groups that often remain outside formal education structures. The project also aimed to enhance their opportunities for continuous learning.
The project was based on the observation that there is no systematic method or widely recognized authority for identifying and validating competencies acquired informally through work or leisure in the event and theatre technology sectors. While competencies gained within formal education systems are well recognized and documented, making so-called non-formal skills visible is considerably more challenging. During the preparation of the project, it was recognized that without an effective model for recognition and validation, a significant share of the expertise within the sector remains hidden and underutilized.
The aim of the project was to develop practical methods for recognizing and validating skills in the field of performance technology. These methods were designed to support professionals with low levels of formal education in pursuing further training and improving the match between their skills and the needs of working life.
The primary target group of the project included working-age individuals in the event and theatre technology sectors – especially self-employed professionals, freelancers, and solo entrepreneurs – who are underrepresented in formal education. The second key group consisted of employers, particularly companies and organizations in the event sector, that make extensive use of freelance and temporary labour.
The aim of the project was to define effective continuing education models tailored for working freelancers who are unable to take long breaks from work but still need training. It developed and piloted small, modular learning packages. These flexible offerings helped freelancers participate in education by providing training options that respond to real-world needs and are accessible alongside their work schedules.
The understanding developed during the project regarding the current practices for identifying and recognising competences in the field of performance technology, as well as the related development needs, was consolidated into a model describing the key stakeholders and the relationships between them. The model also illustrates the shared thematic areas required for the identification and recognition of competences in the performance technology sector, as well as for the development of these activities. In addition to describing the current state of the process, the model presents emerging opportunities and tools and systems that are still under development.
By implementing cross-sectoral recognition of skills, the project's aim was to enhance mobility, employability, and lifelong learning opportunities – not only within the event and theatre technology sectors, but across related industries.
Project results and actions can be found at the project´s official website (in Finnish).
The project was funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the "Innovation and skills in Finland 2021–2027" EU regional and structural policy programme.
Project duration: 1.1.2025–28.2.2026.
Essi Santala
Project Manager
essi.santala [at] metropolia.fi (essi[dot]santala[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Kiika Sarpola
Project Coordinator
kiika.sarpola [at] metropolia.fi (kiika[dot]sarpola[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
