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Abstract: Cedefop’s fourth annual report on developments in national qualification frameworks (NQFs) in Europe confirms that these frameworks are considered a key way of making qualifications easier to understand and compare within and between countries. It has also found that such frameworks are increasingly used to encourage changes in education and training. For instance, during 2012 some National Qualifications Frameworks opened up to include qualifications awarded outside the formal public ...; [Read more...] Cedefop’s fourth annual report on developments in national qualification frameworks (NQFs) in Europe confirms that these frameworks are considered a key way of making qualifications easier to understand and compare within and between countries. It has also found that such frameworks are increasingly used to encourage changes in education and training. For instance, during 2012 some National Qualifications Frameworks opened up to include qualifications awarded outside the formal public system. Most of the 36 countries working together on the European Qualifications Framework – the 27 EU Member States, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey have now agreed on the overall structure of their national frameworks. In addition to the fully operational frameworks in France, Ireland, Malta and the UK, ten more countries are now entering an early operational phase.

Abstract: This Cedefop report covers the development of national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) in the 27 members of the European Union, in two candidate countries to the EU (Croatia and Turkey) and in Iceland and Norway.

Abstract: The 27 EU member states, five EU candidate countries and Liechtenstein and Norway are making rapid progress towards establishing and implementing national qualifications frameworks (NQF). By the end of 2011, 12 countries have linked their national qualifications levels to the European qualifications framework (EQF) levels. Cedefop’s third review of NQF/EQF development shows that countries consider NQFs as tools that support national reforms and coherent lifelong learning policies. By p ...; [Read more...] The 27 EU member states, five EU candidate countries and Liechtenstein and Norway are making rapid progress towards establishing and implementing national qualifications frameworks (NQF). By the end of 2011, 12 countries have linked their national qualifications levels to the European qualifications framework (EQF) levels. Cedefop’s third review of NQF/EQF development shows that countries consider NQFs as tools that support national reforms and coherent lifelong learning policies. By promoting the use of learning outcomes they address barriers between vocational education and training and higher education. This report also highlights that the links between NQFs and validation of non-formal and informal learning are becoming stronger in most of the countries reviewed, an issue that is currently high on the policy agenda.

Abstract: The preservation of the historical memory of the development of the European Union and its policies, which have helped to mould European history for almost 60 years, has never been more important in a world of rapid change. The growth of fast publication of documents in print or on the various websites of Europa is alarming. A Eurolib working group on EU grey literature was set up in 2010. This first Eurolib Working Paper presents the major findings and recommendations issued after a d ...; [Read more...] The preservation of the historical memory of the development of the European Union and its policies, which have helped to mould European history for almost 60 years, has never been more important in a world of rapid change. The growth of fast publication of documents in print or on the various websites of Europa is alarming. A Eurolib working group on EU grey literature was set up in 2010. This first Eurolib Working Paper presents the major findings and recommendations issued after a detailed analysis.

Abstract: This Cedefop report reviews progress made across Europe during 2007-10 in developing guidance policy coordination, quality assurance mechanisms, access to services and career management skills. According to the review, the overall EU policy framework and changed economic conditions are bringing national governments and authorities (policy level), guidance communities (practice) and academic bodies (research) closer and building collaboration, consensus and partnerships. Together they a ...; [Read more...] This Cedefop report reviews progress made across Europe during 2007-10 in developing guidance policy coordination, quality assurance mechanisms, access to services and career management skills. According to the review, the overall EU policy framework and changed economic conditions are bringing national governments and authorities (policy level), guidance communities (practice) and academic bodies (research) closer and building collaboration, consensus and partnerships. Together they are locating assets and resources, identifying and engaging stakeholders, defining and completing joint goals and objectives, and balancing a diverse range of interests in order to achieve success. Increasing cooperation among guidance stakeholders aims at creating better synergies between the different sectors (education, training, employment), levels (European, national, regional, local) and guidance service providers (educational institutions, public employment services, guidance centres). A synthesising observation is that a future challenge for Europe will be to define the characteristics of a lifelong guidance system and to agree on what needs to be done next to make such a system a reality to support lifelong learning, better employability, sustainable employment, social inclusion and active citizenship for all.

Abstract: Low-qualified jobless adults have suffered a greater rise in unemployment than any other group in Europe. This report shows how programmes combining key competence development, contacts with employers and hands-on learning can be of value in helping this group rejoin the labour market.

Abstract: Attention has clearly focused on helping young people remain in, and return to, education and training through work-based learning routes. Building on their joint work in the last decade, countries have advanced in setting up qualifications frameworks and devising approaches to assure quality in VET, but much work is still in the planning stage. More attention to the professional development of VET staff, better monitoring of VET labour market outcomes, and considering incentives where ...; [Read more...] Attention has clearly focused on helping young people remain in, and return to, education and training through work-based learning routes. Building on their joint work in the last decade, countries have advanced in setting up qualifications frameworks and devising approaches to assure quality in VET, but much work is still in the planning stage. More attention to the professional development of VET staff, better monitoring of VET labour market outcomes, and considering incentives where appropriate, could help progress in the coming years.