The overall objective of the strategy is to increase the share of adults participating in lifelong learning to 12% by 2027 through more and better formal, non-formal and informal learning.
The specific objectives of the strategy 2024-2027 are:
intensification of the role of partners/partnerships for the support and development of the strategic framework for adults' professional training,
improving personalised / tailored - made and specific learning offers,
facilitating adults' access to...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The strategy was developed with the support of EU funding (Erasmus+ 101051428-SNFA-ERASMUS-EDU-2021-AL-AGENDA-IBA).
During the design phase, the labour ministry consulted employers, professional training providers, social partners, regional employment agencies, and NGOs.
The cooperation pillar focuses on updating legislation and strengthening the role of partnerships in adult training, alongside capacity building for training providers.
The personalised learning pillar promotes flexible...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Education
National Centre for TVET Development (CNDIPT)
National Qualifications Authority (ANC)
National Agency for Employment (ANOFM)
Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of European Investments and Projects
National Institute for Scientific Research in the Field of Labour and Social protection (INCSMPS)
expand access to wide range training for working-age adults;
ensure ownership of adult learners in training based on their own and labour market needs;
keep individuals' training entitlements even when they change jobs,
reduce dependence of adult training choices on employer approval and financing;
strengthen involvement of social partners in training provision.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The pilot implementation takes place in the construction sector. It involves an analysis of existing ILA schemes in Europe and national feasibility study, simulations, an online portal (linked to the existing training provider authorisation platform), promotional campaigns, and a study on the use of ILA.
ESF+ and other funds are to support the implementation as of 2025. The implementation will initially last until 2027.
Main beneficiaries of ILA are the construction sector employees and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
National Agency for Employment (ANOFM)
National Institute for Scientific Research in the Field of Labour and Social protection (INCSMPS)
The National strategy for employment 2021-27 outlines, for the next programming period, an integrated vision of relevant labour market policies, from both labour demand and supply perspectives.
It was designed to respond to the European priorities set in the European package of measures for more social cohesion and in the European Green Deal promoting measures to address climate change challenges, and to the national priorities set to diminish and limit the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The strategy was developed in a challenging economic time. It needs to support the recovery of the labour market after the COVID-19 crisis and continue the previously implemented policies, including Youth Guarantee actions.
It is based on social innovation, models of public and private services and partnerships to offer adapted solutions and comprehensively address the increased societal complexity of contemporary Romania.
The strategy proposes a multi-annual framework plan with measures to be...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To aid lifelong learning and recognition of competences and qualifications through establishing a system of transferable credits used in the professional training of adults.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The development of the transferable credit system includes methodology for granting transferable credits for the professional training of adults including categories of skills to be considered for certification of competences: key, technical and occupation-related. It facilitates mobility and complies with the general provisions regarding competences acquired in education and training, including adult training.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To provide access to quality IVET, increase employment of recent VET graduates, better adapt qualifications to the labour market needs, create new VET paths, with more bridges to higher education, and improve school infrastructure.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Educated Romania underlines the commitment to adjusting the education system to current and emerging challenges. Education and skills-related measures and actions are to be implemented with the support of State budget and EU funds. The strategy foresees adopting a legislative package ensuring implementation of the vision and goals.
The National Centre for TVET Development, responsible for the organisation and implementation of IVET, contributes to the implementation of the goals set at...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To adapt teaching and learning to online activities, provide support for teachers and learners, and stop the spread of the virus.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Rapid changes in teaching took place: using online methods and new applications to create and develop resources. The pandemic also created the opportunity to develop new types of learning communities by learning from peers or sharing good-practice experiences. New online platforms and support channels (phone lines) were created to support teachers, learners and parents.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
National Centre for TVET Development (CNDIPT)
National Centre for Policy and Evaluation in Education (Unit for Research in Education)
To increase participation in initial vocational education and training (VET) programmes.
To offer every young person the opportunity to enjoy personal and professional development through IVET and to become self-assertive and proactive in making their own professional choices.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National Centre for TVET Development, together with the support of the education ministry, runs annual information campaigns to raise public awareness that initial VET can be a first option for young people. This can provide them with the opportunity to acquire competences (both general and professional) and attitudes and skills leading to a qualification at EQF level 3 or 4 that is recognised on the labour market as well as offering an option to continue to higher education.
The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To reduce early leaving from education and training through actions addressed in the 2015 national strategy:
to implement prevention, intervention and compensation programmes and measures to address the major causes of early school leaving, with a focus on reaching young people aged 11 to 17;
to reduce the share of young people aged 18 to 24 and lower secondary graduates not involved in further education or training (early school leavers). The goal is to reduce this share to less than 11.3% by...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The national strategy to reduce early school leaving in Romania was adopted in June 2015. It is based on prevention, intervention and compensation in thematic/policy areas and addresses the following directions of action/pillars:
ensuring access to quality education for all children;
ensuring the completion of compulsory education by all children;
reintegration into the education system of people who left school early;
developing adequate institutional support.
The strategy targets children...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
Institute of Education Sciences (until 2020)
Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-university Education
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
County school inspectorates
National Centre for Policy and Evaluation in Education (Unit for Research in Education)
To ensure high-standard and regularly updated teacher competences supporting quality teaching and learning.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National Centre for TVET Development implemented several projects through which continuing teacher and trainer-in-companies training was offered.
One of the projects aimed to improve the skills and competences of teachers and trainers involved in work-based learning, through an Erasmus+ pilot training programme (DALIVET 2014-16). An accredited training course was introduced to increase the competences of 23 vocational education and training (VET) school teachers and 22 trainers. The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
Directorate for Continuous Teacher Training
National Centre for Policy and Evaluation in Education (Unit for Research in Education)
To guarantee that teachers and trainers have the necessary competences for the teaching profession and can progress in their careers.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016, the Ministry of National Education changed the procedure for awarding the teacher confirmation certificate (Definitivat certificate). After completing a 1-year period of teaching, prospective teachers take a simplified teacher confirmation examination.
The written test consists of two parts instead of three: one part is focused on the subject in which the candidate specialises (60% of the total grade); the other is focused on the teaching methodology (30% of the total grade), while...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To raise teaching quality standards and implement a master programme for the teaching profession as part of initial teacher training.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A master degree has been legally required as a condition for entering the teaching profession since 2011 (Education Law), but the implementation of this provision did not start in 2015-16 as planned, leaving it as an option.
The law was revised in May 2015, focusing on the organisation and implementation of a master of arts (MA) for the teaching profession: a 2-year programme including academic studies, practical training (throughout three semesters) and research (linked to the MA...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To improve the level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills of adults (the unemployed, employees and the inactive) with a low level of education and training and/or help them acquire at least an EQF level 1 qualification.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2015-20 lifelong learning strategy addressed the acquisition and validation of key competences that help early leavers from education to find jobs. The measures included revision of the validation methodology, quality assurance and training of staff in assessment centres of prior learning. The allocated financing allowed 45 000 adults to acquire key competences.
In order to facilitate access to upskilling for low-qualified adults, the labour ministry introduced EQF level 1 qualifications...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To develop entrepreneurial spirit and competences of learners and teachers.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National Centre for TVET Development registers new training firms and corresponding activities annually.
The Business plan competition is managed through it and is organised annually. Students together with teachers create a virtual company, just like a real one, perform virtual transactions (buy-sell, including international), make payments and make balance sheets.
The competition takes place based on the approval of the education ministry at local, regional and national levels.
The number...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To reduce unemployment among young people, and especially young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs): all young people under the age of 25 who lose their job or who do not find a job after finishing their studies receive, within 4 months from registering with employment agencies or at youth guarantee centres, an offer of good quality employment, continuation of education, apprenticeship or internship.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2016, the Youth guarantee implementation plan has put emphasis on initiatives that combine employment with training of the workforce, which gives young people the opportunity to improve their skills obtained during initial education and to acquire new skills through participation in apprenticeships and traineeships. The new Youth guarantee implementation plan for 2017-20 continues all the measures of its predecessor.
The Youth guarantee implementation plan for 2017-20 focuses on...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
National Agency for Employment (ANOFM)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To allow comparing the qualification levels of different countries using the EQF grid description based on learning outcomes.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Romanian national qualifications framework was referenced to the EQF in April 2018 and the next revision of the referencing report is foreseen to take place in 2023.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
National Qualifications Authority (ANC)
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To improve the quality of validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL).
To improve the evidence-based approach to the validation of non-formal and informal learning by developing tools for collecting and analysing relevant data from the target groups.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2018, the regulatory framework for validation and recognition was revised with a view to introducing QA measures for validation and recognition. Specific criteria for certification of evaluator and external evaluator competences and additional requirements for assessment and certification, organised by the assessment centres, were introduced in legislation. By 2019, there were 37 fully functioning local assessment centres that could validate prior learning of candidates, mainly in...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
National Qualifications Authority (ANC)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
The main objective of the initiative is to develop and implement a national quality assurance system in continuing vocational training, using an approach compatible with the European reference framework for quality assurance in vocational education and training.
Improving the quality of vocational training is also one of the objectives of the Education and training strategy for 2015-20.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2017, the labour ministry has taken over the coordination of authorising vocational training providers and started drafting the legislation on quality assurance in adult learning. Relevant stakeholders have been invited to take part in the process: the Romanian Agency of Quality Assurance in Pre-university Education; the National Qualifications Authority; the National Accreditation Centre; the National Centre for TVET Development; and institutions responsible for regulated professions...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-university Education
To improve the relevance of initial vocational education and training (IVET) to the labour market needs and to update curricula in line with the needs of priority sectors and the green economy.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2013-16, the training standards for IVET (131 initial VET qualifications at EQF level 3 and 69 qualifications at level 4) were revised and, in 2016, were approved by ministerial order.
The professional training standards have been adapted to new technological developments and labour market needs; they include learning outcomes. They were developed/updated for improved articulation between the stages of schooling and to support mobility in education and vocational training from the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To offer financial incentives for learners to study in VET.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The government supports the implementation of initial VET programmes by offering financial support in various forms.
High school scholarship is a national social protection programme that offers approximately RON 250 (EUR 50 since 2018/19) of monthly financial support for upper secondary education learners in grades 9 to 12, including those in VET (technological and vocational programmes). The scholarship is linked to family income and is not available for all learners enrolled in any of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To develop an education and training system adapted to the demands of the labour market and its direct and indirect beneficiaries through fostering the labour market relevance of VET; improving participation and facilitating access to VET programmes; improving VET quality; and fostering innovation and cooperation in VET.
To reduce unemployment among young people, and especially young NEETs and ensure that all under age 25, who lose their job or who do not find a job after finishing their...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The strategy for education and vocational training in Romania for 2016-20 was adopted in 2016 (government Decision No 317 on 27 April 2016). It proposes the development of both an open-access and attractive and competitive system, offering quality education and training services in order to respond quickly and relevantly to the needs of people and the economy through efficient management of available resources. All individuals should benefit from the opportunity to acquire high-level...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
National Centre for TVET Development (CNDIPT)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To increase participation in lifelong learning and improve the relevance of VET to the labour market needs. To have at least 10% of the adult population (ages 25-64) participating in lifelong learning activities by 2020.
The objectives are centred on three main strategic pillars: access and incentives for participation, quality and relevance, and partnerships for better information.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Lifelong learning strategy 2015-20 was adopted in 2015. It addressed the need for strengthening partnerships between VET providers and enterprises, to increase the quality and labour market relevance of VET. Measures supported the take-up of apprenticeship contracts for people with low qualifications, with a target of 125 000 contracts to be awarded by 2020. Financial incentives (subsidies) were set to stimulate employers to engage in apprenticeship programmes, internships and job...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (until 2021)
To support companies involved in the implementation of initial VET programmes (tax exemptions and student scholarships are not subject to taxes).
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In December 2016, tax incentives (deductions) for businesses involved in dual IVET were introduced (government Emergency Ordinance No 84/2016):
companies can deduct from taxable income the expenses they incur when carrying out practical training with initial VET students, based on the partnership agreements concluded with schools;
companies can recover, by deducting the depreciation, the expenses related to the fixed assets and the investments made for the organisation and development of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To improve relevance of VET to the labour market needs, increase participation, facilitate access to VET programmes, and improve their quality.
To develop innovation and cooperation in IVET at national and international level.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
An amendment to the Education Law endorsed in November 2016 (Ordinance No 81/2016) introduced a dual form of initial VET for qualifications at EQF/ROQF (Romanian national qualifications framework) levels 3, 4 and 5.
Implementation of dual IVET programmes started in 2017/18 for qualifications at EQF level 3. Over 2 500 learners from the first generation of students with access to dual VET programmes enrolled in dual IVET. Setting up a methodology for organising and conducting entrance...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
