Hello @bshambaugh / Brent
I believe you may be referring to the what of the People and Skills spec, and yes json web tokens aren’t far off the mark.
So, starting with:
WHAT do makers need to prove as part of the digital passport?
When attempting to establish a spec that could serve as a framework across a global network of fablabs/makerspaces - attempting to develop something that includes all possible skills needed is pretty far-fetched. The approach instead was to establish categories of skills (the WHAT), and develop a spec / input form to create a user record that allows for expansion/recognition of specific skills and knowledge at the local level. Following text analysis, literature review, interviews and surveys with makers and makerspace leaders across Africa, Europe, and North America, here are the categories:
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General Orientation
Examples: general understanding of a makerspace or fablab, what equipment is typically in the space, depending on population it serves, and standard approach for use.
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Health and Safety
Examples: general first aid training and knowledge, such as dressing wounds, CPR, or other emergency first aid procedures.
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Electronics
Examples: soldering circuit boards, microcontrollers/Arduino, Raspberry Pi, circuitry components/VCAs.
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Woodworking
Examples: Woodshop safety, operating wood lathes, bench/table/band/miter saws, CNC routers, handheld woodshop power tools, and widebelt/other sanding tools.
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Laser Systems/Cutting
Example: Laser cutters; etching on glass, wood, plastic or stone; engraving.
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3D Modeling/Printing
Example: Experience with 3D modeling software such as Maya/Autodesk, Sculptris, and SolidWorks; experience and training with common 3D printers such as Prusa, Ultimaker, Makerbot; printer maintenance and repair/extruder replacement, knowledge of filament and different printing types such as nylon, PLA, metal, etc.
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Sewing
Examples: repairing or making items such clothing or upholstery; using Singer (Quantum Stylus or others), Berina (Sergers or others), or Industrial Grade (Consew) machines.
Every space interviewed has a baseline orientation/operations training - whether in person, online (as a class), or documentation that is required for users to complete before using the space, whether a part of a membership program/package, or for day use.
And, research is ongoing!
The big takeaways from makerspaces/makers who are currently testing the spec, it is clear that it is tricky to give examples of ‘what training’ (that is to state, citing explanatory examples like Master Sewing and Design Professional (ASDP), *Laser Safety Officer (BLS), ANSI Z136.1 / Z136.3-*Compliant *Laser Safety trainings (health, industrial, cosmetic), CITF Trainings (Carpentry) and so forth is not useful, since certifications vary wildly by regional in some case - but more importantly, citing specific certification bodies gets back to the issue of traditional educational models/accreditation/degrees being at the root of the problem with credentialing systems.
So my question for you @bshambaugh is: would you like to be a part of the working group that is discussing these issues? I am in the process of setting up group chats for the remainder of the year, now that everyone’s back and sorted from summer holidays and fall activities are getting back into the swing.