Search Results

Skillset and match' is Cedefop's magazine promoting learning for work. The main story in this issue looks at how revised EU policy aims to ensure [vocational education and training] VET can play its pivotal role in the green and digital transitions and the recovery from the coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic. Also, in this issue: (1) a report and interviews with the Cedefop and [European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions] Eurofound executive directors on the findings of the joint European company survey and workplace practices that unlock employee skills and knowledge; (2) why too many adults see no need for learning and training, as Cedefop's latest opinion survey finds out; (3) how the coronavirus crisis has impacted the need for upskilling and reskilling to equip all Europeans with skills required to participate in the labour market; (4) articles on the European vocational skills week and the #CedefopPhotoAward 2020 winners; and (5) the latest VET developments in Portugal, the current holder of the rotating EU Presidency. The issue also contains information on the latest Cedefop publications and upcoming events.

Edited excerpts from publisher's website. Show less

This glossary, in CD-ROM format, provides terms relevant to the field of vocational education and training (VET), in nine languages. It is the result of a project initiated in 1984 to clarify VET terminology. The glossarium provides translations, definitions and further comments for included terms. The 1996 hard copy version is indexed at TD/INT 61.331. Show less

This report to the European Commission provides a detailed breakdown of the institutional and economic conditions of training in the food and beverages sector in Luxembourg, together with case studies of various companies in which technology, human resources, working conditions, markets and training programmes are analysed. The report is one of a series, each devoted to a different member state of the European Union. Show less

This booklet focuses on some of the main aspects of vocational education and training (VET) in Sweden. It provides an outline of the structure and characteristics of the training system and the challenges it faces. The booklet includes a chart of the Swedish education system and some education and training figures. Show less

This briefing paper examines the European efforts towards making education and training systems more flexible. Permeability in education is the idea that learners are able to move easily between different types and different levels of education and training as they choose. Current education and training systems follow a hierarchy of primary, then secondary, then tertiary and this can create institutional barriers which can restrict the options of learners. Show less

This report examines the economic return on vocational education and training (VET) for individuals across the [European Union] EU. The benefits analysed are the private ones that accrue to individuals who receive training. We find that returns on secondary (but non-tertiary) initial VET are of the same order of magnitude as those characterising tertiary general education. These benefits are in terms of earnings and the probability of being in employment. The research also focused on the extent to which continuing training complements initial vocational education (the 'skills beget skills' hypothesis), rather than the conventional view of training as a form of compensation for low levels of initial education. The method employed involves econometric analysis of large comparable data sets drawn from across the EU. Some attention is given to the problem of establishing the causal effect of VET. In addition to considering the overall impact of training, as far as the data allows, the report attempts to distinguish between initial vocational education, academic education and continuing training.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

Cedefop aims to support the implementation of lifelong learning in an enlarged European Union and an international conference was held as part of Cedefop's special activities to emphasise this commitment. As part of the preparation for the conference, four thematic workshops were held by Cedefop to provide background information for conference workshops that will further develop the four themes. This is the report of the thematic workshop on workplace learning - reaching those with low skills and older workers. Practitioners, researchers and policy makers from government, the social partners and European and international organisations participated in the workshop. They examined selected examples of innovative and good practice in workplace learning with particular reference to those with low skills and older workers. The aim was to gain insights into effective strategies to raise the participation of these workers in workplace learning. The workshop consisted of presentations and discussions on three issues considered to be crucial in promoting the participation of these workers in workplace learning: (1) access, quality and relevance of workplace learning; (2) new types of partnerships between enterprises, the social partners and education and training providers; and (3) the growing role of the workplace as an arena for the promotion and recognition of learning.

The summary conference report is indexed at TD/TNC 77.629. Other workshop reports are indexed at TD/TNC 77.625, TD/TNC 77.628 and TD/TNC 77.630. Show less

Qualifications frameworks across Europe are coming of age: following a period of initial development and formal adoption they are now becoming increasingly operational. Promoting the principle of learning outcomes, qualifications frameworks are, in some countries, evolving from a tool to describe qualifications systems into a means to reform and modernise them. With the exception of the Irish, French and UK frameworks, European [National Qualifications Frameworks] NQFs are still young, having been developed over the past decade, spurred by the [European Qualifications Framework] EQF recommendation of 2008. The future impact of these young frameworks depends on their ability to make a difference to end-users, be these learners, parents, education and training providers, employers or others. Developments during 2015 give some initial indications on the possible future role frameworks may play.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This study examines the added value of microcredentials for end users. Current knowledge gaps in the perceived exchange value of microcredentials within the labour market raise the question of whether they can be sufficiently trusted by those acquiring them to become building blocks for lifelong learning, employment, improving professional status, and inclusiveness in education and training. Study results show that trust, which shapes potential engagement, is underpinned by socioeconomic factors and an individual's learning-work trajectory. Due to the different configurations of [vocational education and training] VET systems and how they are governed, extensive debate continues about the measures needed to support different groups of microcredential end users in varying labour market contexts.

Published abstract. Show less

This glossary defines a selection of 100 terms used in the field of education and training policy in Europe. It is intended for researchers and practitioners and more generally for all those involved in education and training policy. It does not represent an exhaustive inventory of the terminology used by specialists; rather it identifies key terms that are essential for an understanding of current education and training policy in Europe. This glossary was prepared in cooperation with the European Training Foundation (ETF), the European Commission (DG Education and Culture) and Eurydice (The information network on education in Europe). It takes into consideration a series of recent policy developments, mainly: (a) the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF); (b) the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). It is available in six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less