EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents the European Competence Framework for Mountain Bike Trail Building, developed under the Erasmus+ project DIRTT – Developing Intereuropean Resources for Trail Builder Training. The framework provides, for the first time, a common European reference for competence expectations in sustainable trail design, construction, and management. It establishes clearly defined competence requirements at EQF Levels 4 and 5, supporting both education and future certification in the trail building sector.
The framework is the result of a multi-year, evidence-based development process carried out across two Erasmus+ project phases (DIRTT 1.0 and DIRTT 2.0). It builds on extensive sector research, including the European Trail Building Sector Survey (2024) and the Stakeholder and Consumer Report (2020), and has been shaped through continuous dialogue with trail building companies, educators, public authorities, and national mountain bike organisations. This collaborative process has ensured that the framework is grounded in real professional practice while fully aligned with EQF principles.
The document outlines the framework’s structure, methodology, and guiding principles, and provides detailed competence profiles for two qualification levels:
● EQF Level 4 – Mountain Bike Trail Technician, describing the practical skills and applied knowledge required for safe, sustainable hand-built trail construction and maintenance.
● EQF Level 5 – Mountain Bike Trail Building Manager, defining the broader analytical, planning, coordination, and supervisory competences needed to lead trail development projects.
The full competence requirements for both levels are included in the Annex, organised across three competency groups: (1) Mountain Biking in Society, (2) Trail Design and Management, and (3) Trail Construction and Maintenance.
The framework is designed to support its use in education, training, procurement, and future assessment development. By clarifying competence requirements and establishing a shared professional language, it strengthens workforce mobility, improves quality and consistency in trail development, and contributes to the long-term professionalisation of the European trail building sector. Its adoption by training providers, employers, authorities, and future certification bodies will help ensure that the right competence is assigned to the right task, ultimately supporting the creation of safe, sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality trail infrastructure across Europe.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Read the full report here
Go directly to the DIRTT Competence Matrix