Flexible and permeable education and training systems

Achieving flexibility can involve modularising education and qualification programmes into smaller units, allowing for greater movement across educational pathways. This can be supported by credit transfer mechanisms and the recognition of prior learning, or even opportunities to acquire qualifications awarded outside the formal education and training system, such as microcredentials, non-statutory (market) or supplementary qualifications, professional/ vocational/occupational qualifications and awards.

Modularisation and partial certification enable learners to pursue learning at their own pace and follow more personalised learning pathways. They can obtain new knowledge, acquire new skills, and upgrade their competences at anytime, anywhere, at any length, from any provider, using both paid or free options, and engage in any form of learning that best suits their needs.

Modular qualifications are also more responsive to changes in the labour market, as they can be more easily updated to reflect emerging needs. In vocational education and training (VET), modularisation supports the accumulation and integration of microcredentials alongside traditional qualifications, including those from different institutions and sectors. This flexible structure not only enhances the portability and relevance of learning but also fosters a sense of achievement with each completed module. For NEETs, these incremental successes can positively reshape their attitudes toward education. Furthermore, modular pathways allow early leavers from education and training as well as NEETs to re-engage with learning and address specific skills gaps without needing to restart entire courses.

Young people who left school early or find themselves in the category of NEETs need alternative routes to achieving a formal qualification. Strengthening the links between mainstream education and second chance or compensatory programmes is essential to provide NEETs with opportunities to complete upper secondary education. These connections can enable flexible transitions—such as referrals between alternative and mainstream systems—and support the recognition of learning outcomes achieved outside traditional classrooms. In addition to second chance programmes, other viable routes for NEETs include on-the-job training, the validation and recognition of prior learning which offer more flexible and accessible ways to accumulate credits toward formal qualifications. For NEETs, flexible education and training options can significantly enhance their employment prospects by offering pathways that align with their individual interests, strengths, and circumstances. With innovative thinking, approaches as well as systems, NEETs can be better engaged and supported in developing and applying their knowledge, skills, and talents in meaningful ways.

VET can provide NEETs with valuable pathways not only into employment but also into further lifelong learning and career advancement. To support this, education and training systems should facilitate progression from VET to higher education. Strengthening collaboration between VET providers and higher education institutions is crucial to ensuring smooth and successful transitions. Such partnerships are particularly important for NEETs who wish to re-engage with education as a means to achieve their long-term professional goals.

Generally speaking, flexible and permeable education systems enable learners to move within and across education, training and employment. Flexibility refers to the ability of learning pathways to adapt to the evolving interests, needs, and abilities of young people as they progress. Permeability, on the other hand, ensures that learners can move between different programmes, sectors or advance to higher levels of education, helping them to realign with their long-term career goals.  In practical terms, flexibility in the delivery of learning opportunities means that young people whose education was interrupted may benefit from an extended period to complete their studies, the possibility to study part-time, or alternative delivery methods (e.g. online) as well as the use of micro-credentials. These features help create inclusive and responsive systems that support diverse learner journeys.

Flexibility in learning delivery is key. Part-time, distance, and blended learning options—which combine online instruction with traditional face-to-face teaching—can play a crucial role in supporting young people who face external barriers to learning. These flexible formats are especially beneficial for those with caregiving responsibilities, as they allow learners to pursue qualifications through evening classes, remote study, or a combination of both. By accommodating diverse personal circumstances, such approaches can make education more accessible and inclusive for NEETs and other vulnerable youth.

Effective guidance and counselling play a critical role in helping young people build the confidence and motivation to choose and pursue meaningful educational and career pathways. For NEETs in particular, these services offer a space for reflection, enabling them to assess their goals and identify the most appropriate route back into education, training, or employment. Strengthening the connections between guidance and counselling services across the education and employment sectors—especially within both initial and continuing vocational education and training —can support more personalised and flexible learning journeys. This integrated approach helps young people align their educational choices with their long-term aspirations and promotes greater engagement with lifelong learning and career development.

NEETs who are considering a return to education or training can benefit significantly from a skills audit or the development of a learning portfolio. These tools help individuals identify programmes that best match their profiles, strengths, and professional goals. Recognising existing knowledge and skills—whether acquired through previous education, work experience, or informal learning—enables the creation of tailored learning plans that avoid unnecessary repetition of content. The validation of non-formal and informal learning not only provides a more efficient pathway back into education but also helps NEETs rebuild confidence in their abilities and see value in upgrading their qualifications.

Educational technologies can significantly enhance the learning experience by supporting the development of key competences and transversal skills—such as problem solving skills, digital literacy, communication, and technical proficiency —that are essential in today’s labour market. The thoughtful integration of digital tools into education and training not only modernises learning delivery but also helps bridge the digital divide. For vulnerable groups—such as migrant learners, individuals with chronic illness, or those with attention difficulties—digital tools can remove traditional barriers to participation and achievement. By increasing opportunities for interaction, flexibility, and engagement, education technologies promote more inclusive and equitable learning environments and help reduce the risk of educational underachievement and social exclusion.