You are here
- Home >
- Themes >
- Analysing policy >
- News
News
Pages
During the Covid-19 pandemic, most countries introduced distance learning in schools as part of protective measures. Czechia was no exception. However, at first, during the spring of 2020, student participation was not obligatory.
From March to June 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown and the school transition to distance learning, the Agency for VET and Adult Education (ASOO) conducted a survey on the experience, attitudes and needs associated with distance learning in Croatia. They asked 1348 IVET and CVET teachers to assess digital competences, distance learning delivery and available support. Further surveys were also conducted among pre-tertiary and provider levels to plan support and different scenarios for education and training delivery in 2020/21.
Measures taken rapidly by the government and the regions at the beginning of the health crisis (March 2020) have helped to avoid an economic shock. The announcement of a second pandemic wave could lead to the bankruptcy of many small and large companies and a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, calling for urgent action.
In October 2020, the training programme Youth + Digital (Jovem + Digital) was launched. This programme targets young unemployed people aged 18-35, who are upper-secondary or higher education graduates, aiming to improve their digital competences. It runs under the responsibility of the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), which is also monitoring its roll-out.
Work placement discrimination is a common and persistent problem among VET students. The #KIESMIJ [#CHOOSEME] campaign was launched in November 2020 in response.
The past decade was the turning point in reforming vocational education and training (VET) in Latvia. In 2009, the government concept for increasing the attractiveness of VET and social partner involvement in quality assurance launched the reform cycle that concluded with the 2020 draft amendments to the VET law envisaging fundamental changes in VET planning and provision.
On 30 September 2020, Minister of Education, Science and Sports Algirdas Monkevičius approved the new Procedure for the assessment of acquired competences, according to which formal vocational education and training qualifications are issued. The procedure has been coordinated with the Minister of Economy and Innovation and the Minister of Social Security and Labour.
The Covid-19 pandemic, and the restrictive measures imposed, have affected various aspects of young people's lives, as well as the activities of youth organisations. These are the conclusions of the ad hoc Covid-19 working group established by the Youth Board of Cyprus during the first lockdown.
Digital and environmental changes have a major influence on the retail industry, requiring updated skills and competences in response. In June 2020, the Swedish Parliament made amendments to the Education Act as a first policy step, replacing the upper secondary business and administration programme with a modernised sales and service programme by 2021.
Further education and training (FET) in Ireland has long played a critical role in labour market activation and in upskilling and reskilling people. In Oct 2020, 295 860 people were receiving the pandemic unemployment payment; after the second national lockdown was introduced on 21 October, the number increased by 51 707 in just one week. To these should be added 211 492 reported on the live register at the end of September.