TRACE - training for consumer empowerment www.beuc.org - European Consumers' Organisation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can participate in these courses?

The courses are currently ONLY open for personnel from consumer organisations and european consumer centres from the EU member states, EEA countries, the candidate countries and potential candidates countries (Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia).

You can find information about national consumer organisations at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/empowerment/cons_networks_en.htm

However, even if you don't work in a consumer organisation you can always register to receive information on our courses.

Where do these courses take place?

All courses are run in Brussels, Belgium.

Selected participants will be provided with more detailed information regarding training facilities.

Do I have to pay to attend the courses?

No, these courses are fully funded by the European Commission. This means that your travel, food and accommodation linked to the course are covered according to the financial regulations of the European Commission.
If you are selected to attend a course more detailed information will be communicated by e-mail by the TRACE training team.

What is the difference between Introductory and Specialised courses?

Introductory courses are more basic general courses created with the purpose of providing a general knowledge and overview of three main areas: Management, Consumer Law and Public Relations and Lobbying.

Specialised courses were created to explore into more depth the main themes introduced by the introductory courses. To provide you an example: falling under the theme of management, we run a course on 'Team Leadership'.
Training methodologies and strategies may vary according to the course type and goals.

To know more about our courses, please see the website section 'Our Courses'.

Should I apply to an introductory or to a specialised course?

To help you decide if you should apply to a specific course, whether it would be an introductory or specialised one, please have a look at the description of each of the courses and to their course content. Your decision must depend on the self-assessment of your knowledge and skills.

Are these courses suited to me and my organisation's needs?

These courses are developed to address consumer organisation's needs and are constantly adapted considering participants feedback.

How should I select whom to register for the courses?

Whether you are selecting someone from your organisation to register or you wish to register yourself, it is important that the person can play a multiplier role on return to their organisation, passing on what they have learned.

In which languages are the courses run?

The courses are always run in English and depending on need, with interpretation into another official EU language.

The second language will be decided once the deadline for a call has passed and the selection has been done.

Is there a deadline to register myself?

No, you can register yourself at any particular time, at which point your data is stored in our database once your form is fully complete. Once you are registered you will receive information related to our courses such as open calls.
To register yourself please see our 'MyTRACE' page.


Is there a deadline to apply for the courses?

Yes, for each course a deadline is fixed and should be respected. Please bear in mind that registered users can only apply for a course if the call is open.

How are participants selected?

Participants are selected taking in consideration several criteria to have a balanced group and also to provide participants the widest possible networking opportunity.

Selection criteria:

If I apply to a course, how will I know if I have been selected?

Shortly after the deadline to apply you will be contacted by e-mail to inform you as to whether you have been selected or not.

If I am selected to the course - do I have to attend the whole course?

Yes, 100% participation is required. Please note that your presence will be monitored and you will be required to sign in each day.

If you still have more questions please feel free to get in touch with the training team - contact details can be found on the 'Contact us' page.