Stakeholders and national experts directly involved in Cedefop’s thematic country reviews (TCRs) on apprenticeships took part in the first policy learning forum on apprenticeships on 7 and 8 September in Thessaloniki.
Cedefop launched the TCRs in 2014 to support cooperation among Member States at European level and to interact with individual countries wishing to develop quality apprenticeships in line with EU policies.
Opening the forum, which gathered 60 participants from 10 countries, Cedefop Head of Department for Learning and Employability Antonio Ranieri stressed that the improvement of Europe's economic context has had a favourable impact on apprenticeship schemes. He warned, however, that apprenticeships are not a shortcut to fighting unemployment – long-term planning is required.
European Commission’s Helen Hoffmann talked about inspirational cases of successful apprentices, pointing out the increasing importance of investing in apprenticeships as young people’s CVs now transcend borders.
Country representatives presented the main findings of the TCRs in their countries and ways of improving the reviews were discussed.
There have been three rounds of TCRs:
- the first round, in Malta and Lithuania, was concluded in 2015;
- the second, in Greece, Italy and Slovenia, finished in mid-2017;
- the third kicked off in early 2017 in Cyprus and Croatia. As part of this round, Cedefop is piloting a light version called flash TCRs in Belgium (French-speaking Community) and Sweden.
The forum workshops examined apprenticeships’ place in education and training systems, governance, training content and learning outcomes, and participation of, and support to, companies.
Cost-benefit analysis of apprenticeships and a lively exchange of views and recommendations for policy-making were on the menu on the second day.
In her closing speech, Cedefop Deputy Director Mara Brugia said that 'promoting interaction among national and regional actors and supporting it with in-depth analysis is at the heart of the agency's thematic country reviews.'
Ms Brugia argued that 'apprenticeships have experienced a revival in EU policy-making in recent years.’ She presented Cedefop’s work in the field, saying that it extends to much more than the TCRs: ‘Our mosaic of initiatives forms an integrated picture where knowledge and evidence inform our activities in a circular manner.’
According to Ms Brugia, due to their inclusive potential, apprenticeships risk being perceived as a cheap labour tool and it takes a joint effort to change this mindset: ‘Apprenticeships are vocational education and training programmes that promote various talents; they can lead to successful careers and can be a pool of talent for enterprises.’
The Cedefop Deputy Director stressed the need for companies to be involved, noting that ‘even the best-designed apprenticeship systems and governance structures will not work if companies do not buy in.’
The forum was a European vocational skills week 2017 event.
|
Prototype improvement, ideas for cooperation and suggestions for future actions were the main points of the European big data hackathon (#euBDhack) follow up, jointly organised by Cedefop and Eurostat, in Thessaloniki on 18 and 19 September.
The original competitive event took place last March in Brussels with the participation of teams from 22 European countries, which came up with innovative solutions to achieve a better match between skills and jobs in the EU.
Eight of these teams (Croatia, Estonia, Greece, France, Italy, Norway, Poland and Portugal) took part in the follow-up seminar, giving live demonstrations and presentations of their solutions.
In her opening address, Cedefop Deputy Director Mara Brugia said that the follow-up event’s aim was ‘to enrich the solutions proposed last time and, eventually, move from prototypes to production; so, this time, the focus is on cooperation and knowledge sharing, not competition.’
Ms Brugia presented Cedefop’s extensive work in the field of skills matching, adding that the agency is developing a pan-European, multilingual tool for gathering and analysing data from online vacancies in all EU Member States.
‘Analysing big data, combining them with traditional sources and visualising results in a smart way will further increase our capacity to provide targeted and understandable policy evidence on skill needs and mismatches,’ she argued.
Eurostat Head of Big Data Task Force Michail Skaliotis talked about great expectations for the outcome of the seminar, emphasising the strong momentum for the online job vacancy analysis in the EU.
Parallel thematic sessions on the first day discussed in detail how to overcome challenges encountered by the teams when developing their prototypes. Discussions took place with experts in skills mismatch, big data analysis techniques and machine learning, and visualisations.
On the second day, the teams worked on improving their prototypes and draft suggestions to Eurostat, Cedefop and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion to take the work further.
Speaking at the final session, DG Employment’s Martin Le Vrang noted that big data are high on the political agenda and there is demand for more big data analysis of the labour market and more skills forecasting.
Cedefop Head of Department for Skills and Labour Market Pascaline Descy brought the seminar to a close, stressing the benefits of continued cooperation between the teams, Cedefop and Eurostat.
Ms Descy concluded: ‘This is a new and highly innovative field for both statistical and labour market research. Our ability to provide useful data and evidence for policy-making will depend on our capacity to exchange knowledge and understanding across disciplines, and with experts facing similar challenges to us.’
More information on the event together with the Agenda and the posters presented can be found here.
|
Following the resounding success of the first European vocational skills week in 2016, a second instalment will take place in Brussels and across Europe in 2017 (20 to 24 November). The week, organised by the European Commission, with Cedefop as one of the partners, aims to showcase vocational education and training’s excellence.
Events and activities related to the week, organised at national, regional and local levels, have started taking place across Europe from 1 September.
Cedefop is contributing with various events and active input in November’s Brussels showstopper. It starts with the policy learning forum on apprenticeships (7-8 September), followed by a conference on the impact of the national qualifications frameworks (9-10 November) and ReferNet’s annual plenary meeting (29-30 November) – all in Thessaloniki.
In addition, the first winners of 2017’s #CedefopPhotoAward will receive their award from European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen at the week’s closing ceremony on 24 November.
Last year, more than 900 activities and events registered as part of the week took place in EU Member States, EFTA and EU candidate countries, with over 600 people attending the closing ceremony. The organisers aim for even greater involvement this year.
As more and more activities are being registered for the second European vocational skills week, you can keep track and take part in the discussion on social media using #EUVocationalSkills.
|
The September 2017 issue of Skillset and match, Cedefop’s magazine promoting learning for work, is now available to read and download.
In this issue:
- A supplement on vocational training for the long-term unemployed, including an interview with renowned labour market expert John P. Martin who argues that it is time for people to take control of their skills.
- A feature on how to stop early leavers from education and training.
- Interviews with MEPs Tomáš Zdechovský and Thodoris Zagorakis, who visited Cedefop, and the European Commission’s Martine Reicherts on 30 years of Erasmus.
- An article on vocational education and training prospects for a gender-inclusive labour market.
The Member State contribution comes from Estonia.
And, as usual, you can browse through the latest Cedefop publications and upcoming events.
|
As the current framework for cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) approaches its 2020 expiry, Cedefop is now looking further ahead to stimulate the debate on European VET cooperation until 2030.
The first step has been to take stock of the current features of European VET systems, to identify similarities and differences.
Rückblick und AusblickDEDOI: 10.2801/18587TI-BB-17-004-DE-NISBN: 978-92-896-2327-810/10/20171.01 MB Rückblick und AusblickDEDOI: 10.2801/54081TI-BB-17-004-DE-EISBN: 978-92-896-2328-510/10/20172.88 MB
Με οδηγό το παρελθόν και το βλέμμα στο μέλλονELDOI: 10.2801/404982TI-BB-17-004-EL-NISBN: 978-92-896-2329-210/10/20171.07 MB Με οδηγό το παρελθόν και το βλέμμα στο μέλλονELDOI: 10.2801/577079TI-BB-17-004-EL-EISBN: 978-92-896-2330-810/10/20172.89 MB
Looking back to look aheadENDOI: 10.2801/114247TI-BB-17-004-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2332-220/09/2017845.26 KB Looking back to look aheadENDOI: 10.2801/42013TI-BB-17-004-EN-EISBN: 978-92-896-2331-520/09/20172.88 MB
Echar la vista atrás para mirar hacia el futuroESDOI: 10.2801/112651TI-BB-17-004-ES-NISBN: 978-92-896-2334-610/10/2017853.36 KB Echar la vista atrás para mirar hacia el futuroESDOI: 10.2801/177462TI-BB-17-004-ES-EISBN: 978-92-896-2333-910/10/20172.89 MB
Vaatame tagasi, et vaadata tulevikkuETDOI: 10.2801/15445TI-BB-17-004-ET-NISBN: 978-92-896-2439-820/09/2017846.98 KB Vaatame tagasi, et vaadata tulevikkuETDOI: 10.2801/280624TI-BB-17-004-ET-EISBN: 978-92-896-2440-420/09/20172.88 MB
Regards sur le passé pour éclairer l’avenirFRDOI: 10.2801/7858TI-BB-17-004-FR-NISBN: 978-92-896-2335-323/10/2017688.3 KB Regards sur le passé pour éclairer l’avenirFRDOI: 10.2801/57888TI-BB-17-004-FR-EISBN: 978-92-896-2336-023/10/20172.89 MB
Uno sguardo al passato per anticipare il futuroITDOI: 10.2801/928189TI-BB-17-004-IT-NISBN: 978-92-896-2337-710/10/2017839.5 KB Uno sguardo al passato per anticipare il futuroITDOI: 10.2801/44173TI-BB-17-004-IT-EISBN: 978-92-896-2338-410/10/20172.89 MB
Przeszłość dla przyszłośćiPLDOI: 10.2801/204255TI-BB-17-004-PL-NISBN: 978-92-896-2339-123/10/2017828.41 KB Przeszłość dla przyszłośćiPLDOI: 10.2801/849119978-92-896-2340-7ISBN: TI-BB-17-004-PL-E23/10/20172.89 MB
Analisar o passado para perspetivar o futuroPTDOI: 10.2801/372835TI-BB-17-004-PT-NISBN: 978-92-896-2342-110/10/2017694.59 KB Analisar o passado para perspetivar o futuroPTDOI: 10.2801/203413TI-BB-17-004-PT-EISBN: 978-92-896-2341-410/10/20172.89 MB
|
This publication is the final report of Cedefop’s thematic country review of apprenticeship in Slovenia, conducted between June 2015 and March 2017 at the request of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia.
The report presents the key findings and suggestions for action, including reflections on the Law on Apprenticeship that was evolving at the time of the review and was adopted in May 2017. The review suggests starting by laying the foundation for a clear vision of, and broad policy for, apprenticeship. It should continue with the building blocks of careful piloting and monitoring, building on the existing knowledge base; motivating companies and learners through flexibility and customised support, including improved career guidance; enhancing communication, cooperation and coordination among all actors and acceptance of their responsibilities; ensuring that companies have competent mentors; and developing a sustainable funding model accompanied by non-financial support.
Since May 2014, Cedefop has carried out Thematic Country Reviews on Apprenticeships in five volunteer countries: Lithuania and Malta as part of a first wave (2014-2015); Greece, Italy and Slovenia as part of a second wave (2015-2017). Cedefop has carried out a third wave of reviews in two more countries, Cyprus and Croatia, and piloted a lighter version of the TCR (flash TCRs) in Belgium (French-speaking Community) and Sweden.
Apprenticeship review: SloveniaENDOI: 10.2801/715527TI-02-17-828-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2465-720/09/20172.46 MB
Pregled vajeništva: SlovenijaSL
DOI: 10.2801/063712TI-02-17-828-SL-NISBN: 978-92-896-2521-019/03/20182.74 MB
|
This short description contributes to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Estonia by providing an insight into its main features and highlighting VET policy developments and current challenges.
Estonian VET has been changing over the past decade, reflecting both demographic trends and the changing needs of the labour market. The VET school network has been optimised to raise its efficiency, with small providers merged into bigger regional centres offering a wide range of qualifications. Participation in lifelong learning has increased, VET having an important role in this process. The share of adults in VET has more than doubled since 2010/11 and reached about a third of the total VET population. Apprenticeships have also been expanding: while their share is still relatively low, the number of apprentices has doubled in the past year. These and other changes are supported by reforms that aim at making VET a more attractive option for learners.
Vocational education and training in EstoniaENDOI: 10.2801/15844TI-02-17-959-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2473-214/09/201721.91 MB
Eesti kutseharidusETDOI: 10.2801/63570TI-02-17-959-ET-NISBN: 978-92-896-2470-117/11/201739.05 MB
|
This flyer provides a concise overview of the UK’s vocational education and training system.
Spotlight on VET United KingdomENDOI: 10.2801/84437TI-04-17-599-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2432-911/09/20172.4 MB
|
This flyer provides a concise overview of Estonia’s vocational education and training system.
Spotlight on VET EstoniaENDOI: 10.2801/013371TI-01-17-677-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2436-711/09/20172.42 MB
Valgusvihus kutseharidus EestiETDOI: 10.2801/75177TI-01-17-677-ET-NISBN: 978-92-896-2433-612/09/20172.48 MB
|
This flyer provides a concise overview of Luxembourg’s vocational education and training system.
Spotlight on VET LuxembourgENDOI: 10.2801/186330TI-04-17-598-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2431-211/09/20172.41 MB
|
This flyer provides a concise overview of Austria’s vocational education and training system.
Spotlight on VET AustriaENDOI: 10.2801/852867TI-04-17-597-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2429-911/09/20172.4 MB
|
This flyer provides a concise overview of Germany’s vocational education and training system.
Spotlight on VET GermanyENDOI: 10.2801/85706TI-02-17-882-EN-NISBN: 978-92-896-2468-811/09/20172.44 MB
|
Policy learning forum on vocational training for the long-term unemployed: learning from inspiring practices, 15 and 16 June 2017, Thessaloniki
|
Policy learning forum on vocational training for the long-term unemployed: learning from inspiring practices, 15 and 16 June 2017, Thessaloniki
|
Policy learning forum on vocational training for the long-term unemployed: learning from inspiring practices, 15 and 16 June 2017, Thessaloniki
|
|
The preparation of Cedefop’s pan-European skills supply and demand forecasts is supported by a network of experts in forecasting and labour market analysis from each EU Member State. Individual Country Experts (ICEs) contribute to increasing the quality of the forecasts by commenting and validating the methods, tools and results. Cedefop organises regular technical workshops to provide a platform for experts to meet and provide feedback to Cedefop. The aim is to involve national experts in the process of preparing the forecasts, drawing on their knowledge and expertise, and to obtain country specific insights.
Workshop rationale and objectives
The workshop will provide an opportunity to bring together the research team and the group of individual country experts, together with Cedefop staff, to:
- Outline the programme of work under the current Framework Contract;
- Validate the final results of the updated projections;
- Discuss inputs for the two sensitivities that will accompany the baseline projections;
- Discuss progress on the methodology to develop a more detailed disaggregation of occupations and the new rules of the EUROSTAT microdata dissemination, and how they are intended to improve or affect the existing approach;
- Present Eurofound’s research on the Future of Manufacturing in Europe, looking at the impact on employment skills of alternative future scenarios;
- Discuss alternative ways of presenting the results via the Skills Panorama;
- Discuss how to extend and improve the dissemination of and engagement with the outputs of the research.
Workshop structure and methods of working
The workshop will be organised as a series of presentations and discussions. Background notes will be circulated in advance. These will be prepared by team members so that participants are informed on the key issues to be debated. The aim of the sessions is to develop a focussed dialogue with individual country experts. For the structured group discussions, each country expert will be allocated to a country group. In each country group, the discussions will be facilitated by a member of the research team and a Country Group Expert (CGE). The CGE will synthesise the country group discussion and report back to the complete workshop group.
|
|