A national qualifications framework (NQF) is an instrument used to classify a country's qualifications at different levels. Each level is defined by a set of learning outcomes expected at that level. NQFs can be useful tools in education and training reforms and are vital reference points for lifelong learning and comparing qualifications across…

This short description contributes to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Romania by providing an insight into its main features and highlighting system developments and current challenges. Romanian VET offers diverse paths for learners. It comprises professional and technological programmes, regularly updated to…

Within the Middle East and North Africa region, more than 5,600,000 Syrian refugees are currently registered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as seen here https://www.unhcr.org/. Amongst university-aged refugees, only a small fraction (Jordan -- 8%, Lebanon -- 6%, Turkey -- 1%) are currently enrolled in higher education. This paper, based on…

This short description contributes to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Portugal, by providing insight into its distinctive features and highlighting system developments and current challenges. VET in Portugal offers a wide range of programmes, flexible in type and duration. Promoting equal opportunities and…

Adult community Education (ACE) is a recognisable education sector that offers accessible lifelong learning opportunities that are learner-centred and needs based. The Australian ACE scan profiles the sector in terms of its programs, features and provider types. The scan outlines ACE program participants, outcomes and the policy areas they…

Seamless and future-oriented: in essence, this is Finland's vision for lifelong learning in a world where adapting to new jobs and tasks and trends in society is becoming the norm. To make it a reality requires the support of the entire education and training system. This renewed emphasis on learning as a continuous process throughout life and the…

In 2017 the European Training Foundation (ETF) initiated mapping of the youth employment situation and policies in the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The aim is to support the countries' institutions and stakeholders in the development of effective policies and structures to facilitate youth transition to work and foster youth…

This investigation focuses on participation and related investment patterns in job related non-formal education (NFE) in selected European countries. Broadening previous research formats of NFE are distinguished by investment including financial and time investments by employers, employees and public authorities. By this, company-sponsored and…

This short description examines vocational education and training (VET) in Bulgaria. The overall aim is to help build bridges between VET systems, encourage learner and teacher mobility across Europe, and foster the understanding that Bulgaria's VET is first rate. Four sections focus on: (1) External factors influencing VET (demographics, economy…

This report specifically looks at young people and their school-to-work transition patterns in Moldova. The European Training Foundation (ETF) initiated a mapping of the youth employment situation and policies in the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries in 2017. The aim is to support the countries' institutions and stakeholders in developing…

One of the recommendations of the Third International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) held in Shanghai in 2012 was to explore the possibility of developing international guidelines on quality assurance for the recognition of qualifications based on learning outcomes. Following this recommendation, UNESCO Bangkok…

Purpose: Research has shown that the problem-solving skills of adults with a vocational education and training (VET) background in technology-rich environments (TREs) are often inadequate. However, some adults with a VET background do have sound problem-solving skills. The present study aims to provide insight into the socio-demographic,…

The system of validation and accreditation of professional qualifications in Spain is offered as a certification opportunity, especially for vulnerable groups. The procedure is presented as an evaluative proposal that allows some inequalities associated with training and employment to be addressed. In this article we analyse whether this system…

This research paper is one in a series produced as part of the Cedefop project The changing nature and role of VET (2016-18). The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of how CVET is conceptualised in various international level policy documents and how it is referred to across countries. It discusses national conceptions of CVET, the…

The purpose of this article is to assess the course content relevance in contributing to wage- or self-employment of adult non-formal education and training (NFET) in the context of South Africa. The concern that informed this article is that adults who face long-term unemployment due to a lack of marketable skills remain unemployed after…