While VET systems are changing in response to trends and challenges, participation in training and adult learning remains too low. We must overcome the paradox that people who need upskilling/reskilling the most participate the least. The skills revolution Europe needs cannot happen without including the low skilled, older workers, people not in employment, self-employed and people working with fixed-term or casual contracts, platform workers and all other groups in need of up- or re-skilling.
The sectoral, regional and local implications of digital and green transformation, ageing and other megatrends and the simple fact that a lot of fundamental change needs to be driven by grassroots level players put the ecosystem approach to skills policy implementation in the spotlight. To make things happen, we need to further develop continuing VET (CVET), especially its non-formal component, which has been the missing link in lifelong learning systems in most EU countries. The training capacity of VET institutions and employers needs to be upscaled and embedded in a systematic approach to meet the enormous upskilling and re-skilling needs of the adult population. Offering upskilling and reskilling opportunities should become an integrated part of enterprise work organisation and innovation strategies. Companies cannot do this on their own: especially SMEs, will need support and tailored approaches that fit their needs. This includes forging stronger relationships with stakeholders in charge of upskilling and reskilling policy design and provision.
Key Cedefop publications
- Cedefop and ETF (2020): discussion paper ‘the importance of being vocational: challenges and opportunities for VET in the next decade’.
- Cedefop (2020) Empowering adults through upskilling and reskilling pathways, Volume 1: adult population with potential for upskilling and reskilling.
- Cedefop (2020) Perceptions on adult learning and continuing vocational education and training in Europe, Second opinion survey – Volume 1: Member States.
- Cedefop (2021) More perceptions: opinion survey on adult learning and continuing vocational education and training in Europe, Volume 2: views of adults in Europe.
- Cedefop (2020) Adult learning and continuing vocational education and training valued by Europeans briefing note.
- Cedefop (2022) High esteem but low participation, Briefing note.
- Cedefop (2023) Thematic country review on upskilling pathways for low-skilled adults in France, Key findings of the first research phase.
- Cedefop (2023). The future of vocational education and training in Europe: volume 4: delivering lifelong learning: the changing relationship between IVET and CVET.
- Cedefop (2022) Looking back to look ahead: what is the future for VET in Europe? Briefing note.