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This paper provides an analytical review of the current state of vocational education and training (VET) in the candidate countries in Eastern and Central Europe and the MEDA region (Cyprus and Malta). It is intended to form the basis for further discussion between representatives of the candidate countries and the European Training Foundation’s Governing Board, to support the accession process of the candidate countries through the definition of their human resource needs, and to support strategic planning of future work by the ETF in these countries. The paper is based on in-depth discussion with representatives from the countries and the experience and expertise gained by the ETF in the last five years.

The paper consists of two parts. The first part presents a cross-country overview based on the analysis of the development of VET in each individual country. This section draws together common key areas where further improvement is required. The second part contains the study of the current state of development of VET in Lithuania. The country study begins with an overall assessment and then examines initial vocational training and continuing vocational training. Elements such as the legal and conceptual framework, the administrative and institutional system, financing, human resources in VET administration and the key features of VET delivery, are described. The study concludes with an overview of key employment issues and identifies priority areas for future development assistance. The range of candidate country reports are indexed from TD/INT 60.291 to TD/INT 60.300 and from TD/INT 61.101 to TD/INT 61.102. Show less

This study is one of a series of background studies on the employment and labour market situation in Central and Eastern European countries seeking accession to the European Union. The studies are indexed from TD/INT 61.293 to TD/INT 61.298.

The study is part of the preparations by Hungary for accession to the European Union and was prepared according to the guidelines provided by The Employment and Social Affairs Directorate-General (DG) of the European Commission, the European Training Foundation and European Union experts. Its major objective is to provide a description of the employment and labour market in Hungary as a basis for the employment policy reviews prepared by The Employment and Social Affairs DG of the European Commission on the accession countries. The study draws on official data sources to describe the current circumstances in Hungary in relation to the employment situation, the employment policy institutions, employment policy delivery mechanisms and the relationship between vocational education and the labour market. The study identifies key issues which emerge from the analysis and may be addressed prior to accession. Several tables containing statistical data are included in support of the text. Show less

This European Training Foundation (ETF) study of the Ukrainian vocational education and training (VET) system outlines the socioeconomic situation and labour market trends, describes the system and recent developments associated with it and analyses various aspects of the system including: recent reform efforts; specialisations and curricula in initial VET; continuing vocational training policy and programs; vocational teachers and instructors at vocational schools; VET planning, management and finance; and the legal framework governing VET. Although the education system in Ukraine has produced outstanding results including high literacy and a substantial core of skilled workers, after years of neglect, the VET system is unable to maintain previous quality levels. The government recently began an education reform process that includes redefined underlying education principles and priorities for the whole sector. The Parliament has made a resolution on VET and the Cabinet of Ministers (COM) is reviewing a draft law amending the legal framework for VET. The Ministry of Education and Science (MOES) has, with the support of the ETF, undertaken the development of a new concept of VET, which will provide the foundation for future reforms. This ETF study confirms that the VET system is unable to sufficiently meet the needs of an emerging labour market. It suggests that successful reform of the VET system relies on a new understanding of VET and its role in Ukrainian society. This concept will guide the reform process forward both in terms of system-wide and system-deep reform initiatives. In light of this, this study makes recommendations under three main headings: (1) VET quality; (2) VET governance, planning and finance; and (3) the relevance of VET in terms of its initial curriculum, continuing vocational training, and training facilities. Show less

This paper provides an analytical review of the current state of vocational education and training (VET) in the candidate countries in Eastern and Central Europe and the MEDA region (Cyprus and Malta). It is intended to form the basis for further discussion between representatives of the candidate countries and the European Training Foundation’s Governing Board, to support the accession process of the candidate countries through the definition of their human resource needs, and to support strategic planning of future work by the ETF in these countries. The paper is based on in-depth discussion with representatives from the countries and the experience and expertise gained by the ETF in the last five years.

The paper consists of two parts. The first part presents a cross-country overview based on the analysis of the development of VET in each individual country. This section draws together common key areas where further improvement is required. The second part contains the study of the current state of development of VET in Bulgaria. The country study begins with an overall assessment and then examines initial vocational training and continuing vocational training. Elements such as the legal and conceptual framework, the administrative and institutional system, financing, and the key features of VET delivery, are described. The study concludes with an overview of key employment issues and identifies priority areas for future development assistance. The range of candidate country reports are indexed from TD/INT 60.291 to TD/INT 60.300 and from TD/INT 61.101 to TD/INT 61.102. Show less

The European Training Foundation (ETF) transnational project ‘Entrepreneurship in education and training’ was implemented in Russia and the Ukraine in 2001-2003. Its overall objective was to develop the vocational education and training (VET) system so that it caters for both wage/salary employment and self-employment, enabling graduates to respond to market demands either as employees or as entrepreneurs. Implementation involved four tasks: (1) development of the entrepreneurial approach in VET; (2) implementation of an entrepreneurial approach in the content of VET and development of the entrepreneurial education process; (3) introduction of the entrepreneurial approach to teachers’ training and training and retraining of VET teaching staff; and (4) creation of conditions and opportunities that promote the entrepreneurial initiatives of students and graduates. This final report on the implementation of the project has been written by the Russian and Ukrainian National Project Groups in cooperation with the ETF project manager. It consists of four parts: brief information about the project; major project results and a summary of the key changes and innovations in pilot schools; analysis of the internal project evaluation undertaken by the National Project Groups; overall conclusions and recommendations. Annexes contain detailed documents and materials developed within the framework of the project and published materials. Show less

This paper provides an outline of the strategic framework for vocational training of the unemployed and job-seekers within an employment strategy established by the Transitional Department of Labour and Social Welfare in Kosovo. This training strategy, covering the period 2002-2003, has the core aim of 'capacity building' of vocational training services whilst ensuring training provision to meet the immediate needs of the unemployed. The strategy involves six core areas: (1) establishing a network of adult training centres; (2) building partnerships with non-statutory training providers; (3) providing staff development for vocational services employees; (4) introducing a vocational guidance service; (5) promoting equity in skills development; and (6) including social partners in vocational training developments. Show less

This study is one of a series of background studies on the employment and labour market situation in Central and Eastern European countries seeking accession to the European Union. The studies are indexed from TD/INT 61.293 to TD/INT 61.298.

The study is part of the preparations by Lithuania for accession to the European Union and was prepared according to the guidelines provided by The Employment and Social Affairs Directorate-General (DG) of the European Commission, the European Training Foundation and European Union experts. Its major objective is to provide a description of the employment and labour market in Lithuania as a basis for the employment policy reviews prepared by The Employment and Social Affairs DG of the European Commission on the accession countries. The study draws on official data sources to describe the current circumstances in Lithuania in relation to the employment situation, the employment policy institutions, employment policy delivery mechanisms and the relationship between vocational education and the labour market. The study identifies key issues which emerge from the analysis and may be addressed prior to accession. Several tables containing statistical data are included in support of the text. Show less

This paper provides an analytical review of the current state of vocational education and training (VET) in the candidate countries in Eastern and Central Europe and the MEDA region (Cyprus and Malta). It is intended to form the basis for further discussion between representatives of the candidate countries and the European Training Foundation’s Governing Board, to support the accession process of the candidate countries through the definition of their human resource needs, and to support strategic planning of future work by the ETF in these countries. The paper is based on in-depth discussion with representatives from the countries and the experience and expertise gained by the ETF in the last five years.

The paper consists of two parts. The first part presents a cross-country overview based on the analysis of the development of VET in each individual country. This section draws together common key areas where further improvement is required. The second part contains a study of the current state of development of VET in Malta. The country study begins with an overall assessment and then examines initial vocational training and continuing vocational training. Elements such as the legal and conceptual framework, the administrative and institutional system, financing, human resources in VET administration and the key features of VET delivery are described. The study concludes with an overview of key employment issues and identifies priority areas for future development assistance. The range of candidate country reports are indexed from TD/INT 60.291 to TD/INT 60.300 and from TD/INT 61.101 to TD/INT 61.102. Show less

The reform of education systems to provide for lifelong learning is a challenge for Central, East and South East European transition countries. This publication is the outcome of the European Training Foundation (ETF) project on the integration of work and learning, focusing on the experience of Hungary and Slovenia. The project was based on the view that a better integration of work and learning would increase the quality and relevance of vocational education and training for young people before entering the labour market and would become increasingly important for adults during their working life. A number of vocational schools and enterprises participated in pilot projects. National project teams cooperated with selected vocational training centres and enterprises. Training institutions were assisted in becoming ‘training companies’ and enterprises were assisted in becoming ‘learning organisations’. The cycle of activities included identifying the ‘work’ of the training company or the ‘learning’ potential of the enterprise, development of concepts, methods and materials, implementation of measures, development of the ‘train-the-trainers’ program, evaluation and dissemination. A change development approach focused on process learning was applied. The chapters are: Integration of work and learning: a challenge for education and employment systems in transition countries / Peter Grootings; Integration of work and learning: acting in processes - companies and schools on the way to a learning organisation / Gerhard Herz; The context for integration of work and learning in Hungary / Istvan Bessenyei, Gyorgy Martonfi; The context for IWL [integration of work and learning] in Slovenia / Ivan Svetlik; The Hungarian IWL cases / Gyorgy Martonfi, Istvan Bessenyei, Judit Saad, Eva Tot, Anna Imre; The Slovene IWL cases / Ivan Svetlik, Martina Trbanc, Anja Kopac; Policy recommendations for Hungary / Istvan Bessenyei, Gyorgy Martonfi, Eva Tot; Lessons and policy recommendations for Slovenia / Ivan Svetlik; Integrating work and learning: a lifelong learning perspective / Richard Sweet; Integration of work and learning: changing perspectives on human resources / Ben Hovels. Show less

Georgia has made great progress in economic reform in recent years and it wants to be seen as an attractive business location. Macroeconomic reforms have led to higher economic growth, increased levels of foreign investment and a reduction in corruption. This country report examines the situation in Georgia in respect of human capital, economic transition, the labour market and employment patterns, labour migration and employment policy. Georgia's population is both decreasing and aging and this has implications for the labour market and policy development. Government spending on education is low and unemployment amongst workers with higher education qualifications is high, and many skilled and educated Georgians have sought work outside Georgia. Vocational education and training (VET) is seen as an integral part of the government's commitment to poverty reduction, but this will take both time and money. Show less