European inventory on validation of non-formal and informal learning, 2023 update. Systems and arrangements to increase awareness of opportunities for validation of non-formal and informal learning - Outreach

This thematic report focuses on systems and arrangements to increase awareness of opportunities for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. Low awareness of validation continues to impede the take-up of validation as the potential benefits of validation opportunities remain relatively unknown. With a focus on validation that results in certification, exemptions, or other similar types of outputs, this report aims to explore how information on validation is made available and the type of outreach measures employed to reach different target groups. Key considerations include the types of actors involved, the coordination of awareness-raising activities and their connection with other support services.

The report also examines the content of awareness raising campaigns, the availability of information at different stages of the validation process, channels for presentation of the information, and extent to which information is accessible to different target groups. Finally, the report explores the extent to which both public databases and private platforms for qualifications/credentials include information on validation opportunities, identifying if they provide information on whether the qualification/credential can be achieved via validation of non-formal and informal learning. Success factors for awareness raising actions include a positive spin on communication, targeted information to different groups as well as continuity of information provided and coordinated follow-up actions. Furthermore, story-based forms of communication appear to work very well for some countries, particularly in connection with social media advertising and short videos.

This report is part of the 2023 update of the European Inventory on the validation of non-formal and informal learning. The inventory provides a comprehensive overview of validation practices across Europe, covering 32 systems in EU-27 Member States and EFTA countries.