Recognising this, Cedefop has launched a new ‘information hub on validation of non-formal and informal learning‘, an interactive tool designed to support policymakers, experts, and stakeholders across Europe in harnessing the full potential of individuals’ knowledge and abilities.
The road to validation
For over 20 years, Cedefop has been at the forefront of validation, working closely with the European Commission and the European Training Foundation to analyse and shape validation policies across Europe. Following the 2012 Council Recommendation on Validation, EU Member States have made significant progress in developing national validation systems. However, challenges persist in ensuring broad accessibility and maximising the impact of validation.
The launch of Cedefop’s validation tool marks a major step forward in supporting the implementation of several pressing EU initiatives, such as the Competitiveness Compass and, in particular, its integral component, the Union of Skills. Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director, Cedefop
A one-stop hub for validation data and policy
Designed to be the go-to source for validation-related data and policies in the EU, Cedefop’s validation info-hub integrates the latest European Inventory data (2023) with policy guidelines, offering users a seamless way to explore validation trends, compare country policies, and access tailored information.
The tool primarily serves policy makers, technical experts in ministries, social partners, validation agencies, and civil society organisations, but it is also valuable for anyone interested in understanding how validation is structured in different EU countries. Key features include:
- Comprehensive country overviews, to explore validation arrangements across all EU Member States, EFTA countries, and soon, selected ETF partner countries.
- Comparative insights, with a side-by-side comparison function to benchmark validation practices across nations.
- Detailed thematic exploration, to dive into topics such as validation in the labour market, financing, and quality assurance.
- Interactive navigation, a user-friendly interface to access key validation data, policy trends, and best practices.
Validation: a key enabler for EU priorities
Validation works best if combined with other policies, playing a crucial role in addressing Europe’s key challenges, including:
- Competitiveness & skills shortages: the Draghi report highlights that Europe’s competitiveness is increasingly based on knowledge and skills. By making informal and non-formal skills visible, validation helps bridge the gap in high-demand sectors.
- Green and digital transitions: many workers in declining sectors possess transferable skills that can be repurposed for new industries. Validation ensures these skills are recognised and used effectively.
- Social inclusion and migration: validation offers a path for migrants and disadvantaged groups to integrate into education and employment, enabling them to contribute fully to society.
- Youth employment: many young people gain valuable skills outside formal education through volunteering and community work. Validation helps formally recognise these experiences, enhancing employability.
With this tool, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders have a powerful resource to foster peer learning, improve validation practices, and ultimately, create a more inclusive and skills-driven Europe.
Along with the development of credit systems and modularisation – including microcredentials – for increasing the flexibility and permeability of formal education, the future of learning is inclusive, flexible, and built on the recognition of all skills, wherever and however they are acquired. Cedefop’s information hub on validation contributes to making that vision a reality.
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