Validation of non-formal and informal learning: where individual paths and collective strategies for employment cross

The European Commission, in cooperation with the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research was organising this peer learning activity (PLA).

The first main purpose of the PLA was to identify and describe enterprise involvement in the validation process in different countries (identification, documentation, assessment, certification), the employee groups targeted and the way results are documented and used.

Secondly the PLA identified and described at regional and/or sectoral level how validation can be used for managing skills and competences to respond better to economic needs, facilitate mobility and increase fluidity of labour markets. Country cases were used to provide insights into the role different stakeholders play in the validation process. It also put a focus on the impact of validation on qualifications design.

With his presentation 'Mapping the use of validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) for employment', Cedefop's Jens Bjornevold was looking at the state of play in Europe.

• How is VNFIL used by the private sector in the EU?
• What are main purpose of competence assessment, the standards and methods applied, the employee groups targeted and the way results are documented and used?
• How and to what extent do companies use skills audits?
• How do HR and career development link to VNIL?
• How are private and public validation initiatives connected?
• Is certification an issue?