RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

EU policies for vocational training and adult education

Anna Barbieri
Vocational training, apprenticeships and adult education
DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
 EU policies for vocational training (VET)
and Adult learning
Content

 Riga medium-term deliverables (MTDs) for the period 2015-2020

 European Alliance for Apprenticeships

 A new Skills agenda for Europe

 European VET Skills week

 What's in VET and AL for civil society

Riga Medium-term deliverables
Overall framework

 Vision and objectives of Bruges Communiqué valid until 2020

http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-
policy/doc/brugescom_en.pdf

 New medium-term deliverables (MTDs) for the period 2015-2020

http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-policy/doc/2015-riga-
conclusions_en.pdf

 Part of ET 2020 Strategic Framework (Joint report of November 2015)

Riga Medium-term deliverables
With a view to develop high quality, labour market relevant vocational
skills and qualifications, based on the learning outcomes approach:

1. work-based learning in all its forms

2. quality assurance and feedback loops to I-VET and C-VET

For people's informed choice of pathways and long-term employability

and adaptability to evolving skills needs:

3. access to VET and qualifications for all through more flexible and
permeable systems, notably by offering guidance and validation
4. key competences in both I and CVET

In support of reforms to raise quality and efficiency of VET:

5. professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors

European Alliance for Apprenticeships
IMPROVING QUALITY, SUPPLY, IMAGE and MOBILITY OF
APPRENTICESHIPS

Definition : Formal VET programmes, combining company-based training with

school-based education and leading to a nationally recognized qualification.

Milestones and achievements

• Joint Declaration the European level social partners, the Commission and
the Lithuanian Presidency (02.07.2013)
• Member States have made individual commitments
• More than 100 pledges from social partners, chambers, companies, VET
providers, regions and youth organisations
• An active network of stakeholders meeting several times per year
• A EU level event in Riga in June 2015 – NEXT IN MARCH 2017
A new Skills agenda for Europe
I. HIGHER AND MORE RELEVANT SKILLS
1. "Skills Guarantee"
2. VET as a pathway to excellence
3. Initiatives concerning other DGs
II. MAKING SKILLS VISIBLE
Link to roadmaps :
http://ec.europa.eu/smart-
regulation/roadmaps/docs/2016_empl_
005_skills_initiative_en.pdf
http://ec.europa.eu/smart-
regulation/roadmaps/docs/2016_empl_
007_skills_pathways_en.pdf

4. European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

5. ECVET and EQAVET

III. BETTER ANTICIPATION AND SKILLS INTELLIGENCE

6. Create synergies among the different portals and networks concerning skills
7. Sectorial Cooperation on Skills
 Work-based learning – European Alliance for
Apprenticeships

Business-education partnerships – EU Pact for Youth

High-end skills, through

Advanced VET programmes
Vet as a
path for Updating and upgrading skills
excellence of the workforce (continuous VET)

Rewarding and promoting quality

Learner mobility

European VET Skills week

Attractiveness through excellence
European VET Skills week
• 2015 Riga Conclusions:
"Raise the attractiveness and
improve the image of VET"
• VET as a "smart" choice for learners
and parents
• VET for improved employability
• Critical role of VET in supporting
innovation and competitiveness
• Opportunities for quality
employment, attractive and
challenging careers, upskilling and
reskilling (cVET)
Planning for the VET Skills Week
• Activities at EU level & at national,
regional and local level (Open Days)
• Focus on both I-VET & C-VET
• Showcase "excellence" in VET
• Involving all relevant stakeholders
• Awards for excellence in various
categories
• Strong communication campaign
media to reach the grassroots
WHAT'S IN VET and AL FOR CIVIL
SOCIETY
• Information

• Consultation

• Activation / dissemination

• Results
Additional Links

• DROP PIN for youth https://ec.europa.eu/eures/droppin/en

• EU Pact for youth

http://www.csreurope.org/sites/default/files/publications/European_Pact_for_Youth.pdf

• Results ET2020 working groups VET and AL

http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/strategic-framework/expert-groups/2014-2015/index_en.htm

• EPALE for educators of adults https://ec.europa.eu/epale/

24 themes under five main topics in all EU official languages