Cedefop's conference at the European Parliament last week (24-25 November) examined the role and responsibilities of employers and trade unions in making the EU tools a reality for citizens.

Social partner organisations from across Europe met last week at the conference organised by Cedefop at the European Parliament to discuss what they expect from the EU tools and principles - such as Europass, the qualification frameworks, validation,  and credit systems - and how they can best contribute to the implementation of these tools and principles. 

Participants at the conference stressed that they need to be directly involved in the definition of learning outcomes and how they are used in standards, curricula and teaching methods.  Both employers and employees pointed to the growing importance of the systematic identification and assessment of skills and competences acquired outside the formal education system, at work and in life, and the need to involve sectors, trade unions and employer organisations in developing and implementing such systems.

Common EU tools for education and training – Working together for shared vocational education and training policies

Brussels, 24-25 November 

 https://events.cedefop.europa.eu/EUtools2011/