The project has a number of aims, namely, the training and certification of railway track welders to assure the quality and reliability of railway tracks, thus reducing accidents and 'downtime' as a result of welding problems; the harmonisation of welding procedures and related education, qualification and certification, to facilitate welder exchanges at a national and EU level; enhanced quality assurance and access to continuing vocational education and certification for lifelong competencies and the improved employability of railway welders across national borders. These aims will be achieved through the education, training and certification of welders according to newly harmonised European guidelines. Industry requirements will be discussed in workshops held in five partner countries and will feed into the development of the project's practical welding courses. Hands-on courses for welders will be initiated, with the addition of a theoretical component. Educational material will be produced in paper and digital form. Education and training will be work-linked, with the integrated and transferable application of formal, non-formal and informal learning. Certification will include the periodic testing of welders' skills and knowledge. Pilot courses with selected groups of welders will verify the effectiveness of the developed training. Specific results of the project will include: an outline of industry requirements regarding performance objectives for the education of railway track welders and welding procedures; requirements for a database of certified welders; a welders 'passport' system; guidelines for the education, qualification and certification of railway track welders; guidelines for the specification and approval of welding procedures; a database of certified railway track welders and a series of pilot courses for railway track workers for use in the five partner countries. Dissemination and quality management are key elements and are integrated throughout the project's lifetime.