12 MAY 2026

13 MAY 2026

Event

Launching the new lifelong guidance framework

We are pleased to announce our flagship event in Thessaloniki on 12th and 13th May to launch and promote Cedefop’s forthcoming new framework for policy and systems development for lifelong guidance and to recognise the valuable contributions of those who supported this work, which is designed to provide inspiration and a platform for structured collaboration.

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This policy forum brings together stakeholders in Europe who have an interest in finding and re-locating common ground with the help of this shared framework, aligned with the aims of the Union of Skills and the European Pillar of Social Rights and related ambitions. The effort is aimed at enhancing the quality of policies, services and systems – through the winds of change – for the development of lifelong guidance, to adequately meet the changing information, guidance and advisory needs of a diverse population.

Europe faces unprecedented challenges, where frequent social, economic and policy changes have become commonplace - societal shifts, transitions and transformations, coupled with evidence of mounting resource constraints. The event provides a timely opportunity to contextualise the new framework in a broader perspective. This includes its relevance for unfolding developments affecting careers and learning across the lifespan, within and beyond education and training, including VET’s rising attractiveness; as well as labour market, and civil society contexts.

An open webinar was held in April 2025 previewing the work against the backdrop of Cedefop’s long involvement in the guidance field. Speakers discussed the changing expectations for guidance systems, calling for further cooperation, adaptation and innovation, while building on previous experiences in the countries, growing expertise, research and awareness of the benefits of guidance, and accumulated knowledge and know-how on the ground.

The new framework will inform Cedefop’s work including the online EU+ Inventory of systems and practices populated through the efforts of Cedefop’s CareersNet independent experts, and cooperation with national reference groups.

High-quality guidance and career support act together with other measures and policy fields recognised as helping achieve the aims of public policies supporting comprehensive skills development and social cohesion. They help connect and integrate other services and areas essential to lifelong learning, in turn, fostering societies that are more resilient, productive, sustainable and fair.

During the event, drawing on these wider perspectives and the structure of the framework and its essential messages, participants will hear from knowledgeable speakers and stakeholders, facilitating reflection. Focus will be placed on multifaceted implications for policy, implementation, research and frontline services across different contexts and for different actors in the wider ecosystems.

Join us as we present this new framework and explore how it can help shape the future of lifelong guidance across Europe.

#Lifelongguidance

Speakers

Jürgen Siebel

Executive Director, Cedefop

Jürgen Siebel joined Cedefop from the private sector in September 2019. As Executive Director, he is responsible for managing the Agency’s operations in accordance with the strategic direction of its tripartite Management Board.

With his management team and all staff, Jürgen has led Cedefop to strengthen its position as a go-to ally for the EU institutions, social partners, researchers and practitioners when it comes to analysing the impacts of megatrends on the labour market, on skills, and on training ecosystems – and on how vocational education and training enables a fair digital and green transition.

Jürgen has a background in human-resources management with particular emphasis on learning and education, earned his MSc in economics at the University of Hamburg, and his PhD in business administration from the University of Vienna.

Mara Brugia

Deputy Director of Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Mara Brugia is the Deputy Director of Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. She has been involved in vocational education and training (VET) since 1994. As Head of Department from 2004 to 2014, she managed teams of European experts working in research and policy analysis to support the development and implementation of the Union policy in the field of VET, skills and qualifications.

She holds a university degree in Economics and a Master in Economics, politics and law of the European Union. Her mother tongue is Italian (born in Perugia) and she is fluent in English, French, Greek and Spanish.

Cynthia Harrison

Policy officer at the Department of VET and Skills

Cynthia Harrison is a Policy officer at the Department of VET and Skills, area of learning and employability.

She is responsible for Cedefop’s strand of work on lifelong guidance and coordinates CareersNet. Her evolving focus is collaboration on common policy frameworks, systems and guidelines in E&T, most recently, in the field of guidance, also internationally as part of the TVET-IAG WGCG. Her team colleagues specialize in validation of informal and non-formal learning, financing, and statistics in adult learning/VET, where all engage in cooperation with stakeholders and field experts in developing tools, resources and building evidence for policy supporting participation in education and training.

Her academic background includes degrees in international and comparative education policy and sociology. She has engaged in mixed method research on civic competences and career aspirations, including joint work on a composite indicator. She has worked in the adult learning and youth sectors - and as a public relations account executive.

Ernesto Villalba-Garcia

Expert - VET supporting policies - validation

Ernesto Villalba-Garcia has worked at Cedefop since 2011. He is currently responsible for Cedefop’s work on validation of non-formal and informal learning. He has worked, together with the Commission, on the monitoring, implementation and evaluation of the 2012 Council Recommendation on validation, as well as on several updates of the European inventory of validation and the European guidelines. Ernesto has served in different committees and working groups of the European Commission, the OECD, and UNESCO. He holds a PhD in International and comparative education from Stockholm University and is on the editorial board of the European Journal of Education.