There are several different forms of Permaculture training

France has two main Permaculture organisations, The French Permaculture Association and L'Université Populaire de Permaculture.

Using the permaculture principal of using the best and improving the rest the design for Permaculture organisations in France is based on existing and durable French models. The Université Populaire are such examples, the model has existed for over a century and they are dedicated to the task of sharing knowledge. The Université Populaire de Permaculture now organises and helps projects with stting up and running Introductory courses, Certified Permaculture design courses, Diplôma accreditation and Les Compagnons de Permaculture which is again based on a French model, one which has existed since the 16th century, organising apprentices and masters into what people today call a chaordic structure..

Cours d'initiation, Introductory events

These can be led by anyone who has completed a PDC, they are based around the subject matter of the first chapters of the syllabus. Students who have completed these courses have a 2 day credit towards the PDC.

Cours certifié de Permacultur, Permaculture Design Courses

These are led by those who have gained their Diploma of Permaculture Design. The courses are of a minimum of 2 weeks and preferably around a middle weekend which is less intensive, relaxation, site visits, design project orientated. On presentation of a design project of sufficient quality at the end of the course students can be awarded a Certificate of permaculture design. With this they can refer to themselves as Permaculteurs apprentis, lead cours d'initiation, pass on to the Diploma system, attend the in-house parts of the French, European and International Conferences.

There is a second PDC model which is 6 two day courses, again leading to a Certificate if the required standard is met.

Eventually these courses will be free with teachers paid through the Université. Initially this will be through funding that is currently being sought but in the longer term through Dana from PmC projects and from the abundance created by the resource infrastructure that will be developed and run by the Université (similar to the Hospice de Beaumes system)

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Diplôme de Permaculture. Diploma of Permaculture Design

Using either a mentor from the Université or passing into the Compagnons de Permaculture apprenticeship scheme a student can continue towards the Diplôme. This involves 2 years minimum work and the presentation at an accreditation event of their 'masterpiece°' and the format/syllabus they would use to lead a Permaculture Design Course.. These events have at least 2 Diploma holders present and a group of Diploma students. They are organised by the Université. The Diploma pathway/mentoring and Compagnon system are free.

First step

Working with your Designer-tutor, to develop a structure for your following 2 years of work-study

The criteria (your choice)

• Develop 12 designs for different areas, these can be gardens, farms, businesses, financial structures etc. Their installation need not necessarily be completed but the designs will demonstrate your capacities as a designer.

• Develop a full design whose installation will be well underway with financing, schedule of implementation and maintenance.

• Make contributions to the development and promotion of Permaculture. For example start or become active in your local group, lead introduction to permaculture courses, organise design courses with invite teachers, become involved in or with the creation of a National or international organisation. Develop media to help the dissemination of Permaculture, texts, films, multi-media etc. You may decide to undertake to work on projects in different countries, this is perfectly acceptable, indeed to be encouraged as experience of different cultures/ecosystems/climates etc is essential. You would also do several designs to demonstrate your capacities.

So the general idea is to become very involved in all things Permaculture, to well document all you do, photo's, text, films, data etc, and to show your capacity to work as a professional designer, you will also be asked to present your format for leading a full design course as after successful accreditation you will be qualified to undertake teaching them.

A Diploma of Permaculture Design can be issued in the following fields

Site design

Media and communications

Site development

Education

Administration

Trusteeship

System establishment and implementation

Manufacturing

Community development

Finance

Research

Assessment

For those who consider that they have sufficient experience and knowledge (and have completed a PDC+ a subsequent 6 months of project work) to shortcut the full Diploma scheme there is an assessment system where they can pre-present their work to at least 2 Diploma holders, should these decide that the required standard is shown said person can pass onto the next accreditation event.

To enroll on this scheme please contact L'Université from the 'Contact' page

Les Compagnons de Permaculture

This involves a Tour de France/world of Permaculture sites who agree to participate with the apprenticeship system and have a Diploma holder in residence who also has at least 5 years of practical project experience. The apprentice works out a Tour which will take them to the projects most relevant to their chosen areas of specialisation. After at least 2 years they can present their masterpiece° and the format/syllabus they would use to lead a Permaculture Design Course to a normal accreditation event.

The Université is currently asking for people to apply to be hosts, such projects would need to have a Designer in residence who has at least 5 years practical experience.

°A masterpiece is a the work produced by an apprentice to show they have developed mastery of their chosen field, generally for the Diploma these will be a collection of apprenticepieces which are the works completed during the 2 years.

Nous travaillons à informer tous les acteurs de la Permaculture de la situation actuelle et invitons ceux qui le veulent à participer à son évolution, assister aux stages, devenir apprenti, obtenir leur Diplôme, devenir Compagnon et à nous contacter.

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