About Learning outcomes

The use of learning outcomes is increasingly influencing the design and delivery of vocational education and training (VET), focusing on what a learner is expected to know, be able to do, and understand at the end of a learning process. The shared focus on outcomes facilitates the dialogue between education and training and labour market actors, as well as across different education and training sub-systems. Similarly, the increased transparency offered by learning outcomes acts as an important reference point for several stakeholders: policy- makers, labour market actors and teachers, making it easier to analyse the match between skills demands and education and training provisions. The focus on learning outcomes allows for a more systematic analysis and comparison of the content and profile of qualifications, notably focusing on balancing general knowledge and occupation-specific skills against transversal skills and key competences. Cedefop’s work in this area, including the publication of guidance material, influences and supports the design of qualifications, curricula, and learning methods as well as assessment and validation.

Cedefop has invested heavily in supporting the exchange of information on vocational education and training in Europe; yet, in-depth comparisons of the profile and content of VET programmes and their resulting qualifications have been few cases, and not comprehensive.  Our work on comparing VET qualifications aims to close this gap, to support mutual learning between countries, and to enable national policy-makers and stakeholders to evaluate their own priorities and solutions systematically.