Vocational Education and Training - Key To The Future: Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: Mobilising For 2010
Vocational Education and Training - Key To The Future: Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: Mobilising For 2010
Vocational Education and Training - Key To The Future: Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: Mobilising For 2010
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Europe 123, GR-570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea)
Postal address: PO Box 22427, GR-551 02 Thessaloniki
Tel. (30) 23 10 49 01 11, Fax (30) 23 10 49 00 20
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: www.cedefop.eu.int
Interactive website: www.trainingvillage.gr
European Centre for the
Development of Vocational Training
Free of charge 4041 EN
9 789289 603294
ISBN 92-896-0329-1
This report puts together the main findings of a study (Maastricht
study, Leney et al. 2004) examining developments in VET and
progress towards the Lisbon and Copenhagen goals in 31 European
countries.
The report considers key challenges facing VET and looks at efforts
made at national and European levels. It compares and contrasts
the state of VET in Europe with that of competitor countries, such
as Australia, Canada and the US.
The report puts forward conclusions and recommendations for
future action to improve the contribution of VET to meeting the
Lisbon goal. This is for the EU to become the most dynamic and
competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, delivering
sustainable growth, generating more and better jobs and creating
more social cohesion.
The report is intended to inform reflection and act as a stimulus
for debate. It includes examples of practice and data on key
indicators to enable policy-makers to benchmark their own systems
in relation to others.
Manfred Tessaring
Jennifer Wannan
Cedefop synthesis of the Maastricht Study
Vocational education
and training
key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht:
mobilising for 2010
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Cedefop synthesis of the Maastricht Study
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2004
Vocational education
and training
key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht:
mobilising for 2010
Manfred Tessaring
Jennifer Wannan
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on
the Internet. It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://europa.eu.int).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
Luxembourg:
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2004
ISBN 92-896-0329-1
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, 2004
All rights reserved.
Designed by Colibri Ltd. Greece
Printed in Greece
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
The European Centre for the Development of
Vocational Training (Cedefop) is the European Union's
reference Centre for vocational education and training.
We provide information on and analyses
of vocational education and training systems,
policies, research and practice.
Cedefop was established in 1975
by Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75.
Europe 123
GR-570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea)
Postal address: PO Box 22427
GR-551 02 Thessaloniki
Tel. (30) 23 10 49 01 11, Fax (30) 23 10 49 00 20
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: www.cedefop.eu.int
Interactive website: www.trainingvillage.gr
Project manager:
Manfred Tessaring, Jennifer Wannan, Cedefop
Published under the responsibility of:
Johan van Rens, Director
Stavros Stavrou, Deputy Director
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Table of contents
Summary and main conclusions 3
Introduction 10
Section A Context and key challenges 14
A1 Image, attractiveness and participation in VET 15
A2 Labour market and demographic change 19
A3 Low skilled people 22
Section B Achievements and priorities at national level 24
B1 Implementation of agreed reforms and practices 25
B2 Training expenditure and incentives 29
B3 Economic performance the contribution
of education and training 33
B4 Social cohesion and people at risk 35
B5 Learning pathways and guidance in a framework
of lifelong learning 40
B6 Involvement of stakeholders and partnerships 46
B7 Innovative pedagogies and learning-conducive
environments 48
B8 The role of teachers and trainers in assuring
quality in VET 51
Section C The contribution of the Copenhagen process
to achieving the Lisbon goals 53
Annexes 58
References 65
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
List of Tables and Figures
Tables 1 Competitiveness indicators for selected OECD countries 16
2 Pupils in upper secondary education enrolled
in vocational stream (%) 19
3 Population scenario for EU15 until 2050 21
4 Educational attainment of adults in selected OECD
countries, 2000-2003 23
5 The relationship between national and EU policies for VET 24
6 Public and private expenditure on education and
training institutions (excluding tertiary education) in OECD
countries as a percentage of GDP 2001
and change 1995-2001 30
7 Employment and unemployment rates by sex
and educational attainment, EU25, 2003 38
A1 Population aged 26-64 years by highest level
of education attained 2003 (%) 4
Figures 1 Education and training 2010 -European strategies 10
2 Upper secondary graduation rates in selected European
countries, Japan and the US; 1998, 2002 18
3 Unemployment rates of the population by level
of education, 2003, EU25 (%) 20
4 Public expenditure on all levels of education and training
as percent of GDP, 1995,1998, 2001 29
5 Population aged 20-24 with at least upper secondary
education and training (ISCED 3-6), 1995, 1999, 2003 (%) 35
6 Early school leavers (a) in Europe, 1996, 2000, 2003 (%) 37
7 Participation of the European population aged 25 to 64
in lifelong learning; 1996, 2000, 2003 (%) 43
8 Participation in continuing vocational training courses;
1993, 1999; EU25 (% of employees, all enterprises) 43
A1 Pupils in upper secondary education enrolled
in vocational stream, 1998, 2002 (%) 63
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C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Summary and main
conclusions
A. Progress towards the Lisbon goals?
1. Over the last four years the overall performance of the European
economy has been disappointing, and the gap with North America and
some Asian countries has widened. This has been caused mainly by
structural weaknesses in the European economy. Few European
countries score high on competitiveness and performance.
Three clusters of competitive countries can be identified: the core
countries, including Germany and France, with high labour productivity,
social spending, and well-developed social partnership; the Nordic
group, including Norway, Sweden and partly Denmark, with high
economic performance and participation in the labour market and
education and training, and a pronounced social partner approach; and
the United Kingdom (together with the US) with high employment rates,
sufficient economic performance, lower social spending and less
developed social partnership.
2. In Lisbon in 2000, the European Council set the ambitious goal of making
Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in
the world by 2010. All Member States are responsible for ensuring that
adequate attention is given to the achievement of the Lisbon goals and
related benchmarks within their national contexts. They have made
considerable effort but, at this halfway stage, progress is mixed. This
reflects the varied starting positions of countries, their different
circumstances and specific challenges. Competitor countries are moving
forward in modernising their economies as well as their education and
training systems.
3. In Barcelona in 2002, the European Council set an additional objective of
making education and training a world quality reference by 2010, in
particular through better insight into learning demand as the basis for a
lifelong learning strategy. Member States have agreed that coherent
lifelong strategies be developed by 2006; VET should form a key element.
Although many countries have initiated measures to promote lifelong
learning, coherent structures are generally lacking. Many fundamental
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
elements of quality including strengthening the status and roles of
teachers and trainers, quality assurance systems, information, advice
and guidance systems, and increased permeability between pathways
have not been implemented on a large scale in most European countries.
4. Vocational education and training is an integral part of promoting the
achievement of the Lisbon and Barcelona goals. The Copenhagen
process (2002) provides the overall Framework for European VET
development. It has raised awareness of key issues and has accelerated
cooperation, comparison and compatibility of VET policies in Europe.
However, there is much need for further action strengthening especially
at national level, implementation, cooperation and coordination with all
stakeholders, and further developing the open method of coordination.
B. Key challenges
1. Europe has committed itself to becoming a knowledge society,
combining economic performance with social inclusion. However, at
present 80 million EU citizens are low skilled. It is estimated that by 2010
almost half of the net additional jobs will require people with tertiary level
qualifications; just under 40 % will require upper secondary level and
only 15 % of jobs will be for those with basic schooling. This means a
dramatic decline in job prospects for the low skilled. Therefore, better
acknowledgement of the importance and value of learning, knowledge
and competences is required. More participation in education and
training and acquisition of at least basic skills and a good literacy level
should be top of the European agenda.
2. The workforce is both shrinking and ageing owing to the effects of
demographic change. Urgent action is needed to integrate those who are
currently inactive into the labour force. Europe cannot afford to waste its
most precious asset, its human resources. The unemployed and the
hidden labour force represent 33 million people in the EU25. It is not only
necessary to help more people especially women into jobs, we must
also help people to remain in jobs for a full working life. It is essential that
measures are taken to address structural unemployment, to increase skill
levels and to provide better access to, and delivery of, learning for all.
3. Employment and productivity growth are increasingly driven by
innovation. To harness the full potential of the new economy for higher
skilled, more stable and more rewarding jobs, Europes workforce must
be skilled and trained to meet modern labour market needs, and the
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C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
demands of new and rapidly changing technologies. Between 1995-2000
1.5 million jobs were created in the EU in the high-tech sector and 5.5
million in high education sectors. Highly-skilled occupations accounted
for over 60 % of jobs created. Skills and competences strongly influence
creativity, innovation and adaptability. Academic excellence and research
are crucial but the transfer and application of knowledge in companies
and organisations also require skilled workers with job-related
competences, acquired through initial vocational training and updated by
continuing training within a lifelong learning perspective. VET has an
important role to play in raising the quality of work, increasing job
satisfaction and motivating workers as well as enhancing productivity.
4. The low level of transnational mobility hampers achieving a true
European labour market. Having the right skills in the right place at the
right time is essential for labour markets to operate more effectively on a
European scale and help even out skills bottlenecks. In many areas
demand for skilled workers already outstrips supply and skills
mismatches are limiting the EUs capacity for growth. Selective
immigration to attract new talent and to offset labour market shortages,
demographic decline and brain-drain is also needed. Education and
training can help reduce barriers to mobility by recognising skills and
competences acquired abroad and making people, especially young
people, more familiar with training and work in other countries.
5. It is vital that skills and training do not become the preserve of the elite
few but are open to everyone. Social cohesion and inclusion are not only
social goals, but also economic ones. A high number of socially excluded
people is a burden on economies and limits growth and investment in
innovative and future-oriented areas and sectors. Raising skills and
literacy levels of low performers can yield large economic gains. Tailor-
made measures for disadvantaged and at risk groups are needed to
increase their participation in training and employment and to prevent
high social costs in the longer term.
Summary and main conclusions 5
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
C. Priorities for VET
To meet the policy goals and respond to the challenges outlined above, VET
in Europe needs to address five main priorities.
1. Tackling the large number of low skilled people. Although European
countries have made some progress in raising the skill levels of their
populations, and the benchmark set by the Council of increasing
completion of upper secondary education and training to at least 85 %
is likely to be reached, the number of people with low skills remains too
high and jeopardises social cohesion, competitiveness and future
growth. Canada, the US, Japan and others, all have higher skills levels,
especially at tertiary level. Barriers to access and take up of VET need to
be removed and provision made more flexible and attractive, including
entry routes to higher education and training as well as the labour market.
A thorough analysis of the characteristics of the low skilled and other
disadvantaged groups is needed to develop more learner-centred
targeted measures to increase their participation in, and completion of,
VET. Action to combat early school leaving (ESL) has an important role to
play in reducing the number of people with low skills. The Council
benchmark of reducing ESL to 10 % is in sight if efforts are reinforced.
Strengthening vocational streams and work-based learning helps prevent
school dropout. Lifelong guidance and counselling support increased
participation and completion rates by helping younger and older people
to find the most appropriate pathways. Countries should strive to put in
place more coherent and pro-active career guidance systems which
ensure access for all and which develop career and learning
management skills.
2. Promoting continuing vocational training (CVT). CVT is the weakest link in
lifelong learning (LLL). The number of companies in the EU providing
training remains low and participation of adults in LLL is still below 10 %.
All stakeholders, including the social partners, have to act to develop
lifelong learning in practice. Measures are needed, in particular, to
encourage companies to train more, to support the development of
provision for SME employees and to encourage the participation of non-
traditional learners, including women returning to the labour market and
older workers. In addition to financial and time incentives, more
systematic recognition of non-formal and informal learning is required.
LLL pacts in collective agreements between the social partners at all
levels, and more learning conducive environments in vocational schools
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C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
and enterprises, more flexible learning provision including work-based,
open and distance learning and e-learning represent important
practical ways of making progress. If efforts are reinforced and
accelerated, the Council benchmark to increase participation in lifelong
learning to 12.5 % is not impossible to reach.
3. Increasing mobility to promote the development of a European labour
market. The lack of mutual recognition of qualifications and competences
is a major obstacle to mobility within the EU. The European Qualifications
Framework, together with the new Europass system and more
transnational placements, as foreseen in the new generation of education
and training programmes, are essential tools for achieving this goal.
These tools have to be reinforced and implemented on a large scale
under the particular responsibility of countries and social partners. Most
countries have not yet given sufficient attention to these issues. Regular
monitoring, evaluation and feedback are needed to measure progress
and improve the effectiveness of measures. To promote a closer match
between education and training supply and labour market demand,
strong links between VET institutes and the world of work are required
and should be complemented by European approaches for early
identification of new and changing skill needs. Strengthening training for
entrepreneurship can also reduce high failure rates of business start-ups
and contribute to job creation.
4. Investing in quality VET systems. The EU average public and private
expenditure for primary, lower and upper secondary education and
training is below that of competitors such as Australia and the US. More
investment is needed to close this gap and raise the skill levels of
Europes population. Despite the importance of skills and competences,
expenditure on training is often regarded as an immediate cost rather
than a longer-term investment. All actors must accept their responsibility
to raise the level and efficiency of spending on initial and continuing VET.
European and national budgets should also reflect the Lisbon priorities,
in particular education and training and R&D to promote
competitiveness. It is necessary to improve data and indicators on VET.
Quality assurance (QA) is a pre-requisite in ensuring a better return on
investment and more efficient and effective VET systems. Few countries
have implemented quality assurance systems. Training departments
have lagged behind production and marketing departments in adopting
a quality assurance approach. Steps need to be taken to ensure that QA
approaches are widely applied by public and private organisations
involved in VET.
Summary and main conclusions 7
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
5. Ensuring high quality and appropriately skilled VET professionals. VET
teachers and trainers are pivotal in promoting the Lisbon and
Copenhagen goals. The quality of VET depends primarily on the quality
of its teachers and trainers. VET has to keep pace with rapid changes in
work processes and content. The role of VET professionals is shifting
from pure instruction to encompass learning facilitation and innovation.
VET teaching is an ageing profession and in many countries the pay and
image of vocational teachers/trainers are low and shortages exist. As a
matter of urgency countries need to improve the status and
attractiveness of the VET profession. The right balance needs to be found
between further professionalisation of VET teachers/trainers and more
flexibility in policies for their recruitment. Special attention should be
given to their continuing training, including in how to exploit the learning
and innovation potential of ICTs as well as content specific training.
D. Making change happen
In the first phase of the Lisbon and Copenhagen processes, much has been
achieved at EU level, many agreements have been reached, concepts
clarified, common aims/principles and frameworks established and practical
tools developed to support EU education and training policy goals. In the
coming period up to 2010, to achieve real impact, the emphasis has to be
on moving to concrete action at national and regional levels. Because of its
close links to employment and the economy, VET policy has to be conceived
as an integral part of a wider policy framework, including all relevant
ministries and stakeholders from the education, social, employment,
finance, justice and other relevant domains. Moreover, to address effectively
the priorities outlined above, all the actors from the public, private and
community sectors need to mobilise and work together in partnership.
The EU will continue to provide support, both in the form of joint financing
and of exchange of experience, mutual learning and peer review. In turn,
Member States need to ensure that the financial possibilities for the
development of VET offered by the Structural Funds and by the new
education and training programmes are used to the full.
8
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
To move closer to a knowledge-based society, Europe needs an
innovation strategy to foster investment in, and the quality of, human capital.
More effective use of resources, a future-oriented design of VET and new
approaches to learning in schools and at work are essential ingredients of
such a strategy. Special attention needs to be given to the development of
key competences, including ICT literacy, learning partnerships (in particular
at local and regional levels) and the creation of learning-conducive
environments in all settings. To move forward, governments should identify
the key issues of such an innovation strategy, supported by public-private
partnerships and agreements on innovation pacts with social partners and
other stakeholders. Setting benchmarks and regular assessments of
progress made should become a joint activity for all those concerned.
Summary and main conclusions 9
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Introduction
The Lisbon European Council in 2000 agreed a strategy to transform Europe
by 2010 into the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy
in the world, delivering sustainable growth, generating more and better jobs
and creating greater social cohesion. Implementing lifelong learning has a
key role in achieving these goals. The Lisbon process was enhanced in
Barcelona and Copenhagen in 2002 as part of the Education and training
2010 strategy (Figure 1).
In Copenhagen, 31 ministers from the EU Members States, the EEA/EFTA
and candidate countries, the European social partners and the European
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
LISBON
EU COUNCIL
Strategic goal for the EU
'to become by 2010, the
most competitive and
dynamic knowledge-based
economy in the world,
capable of sustainable
economic growth with more
and better jobs and greater
social cohesion'.
STOCKHOLM
EU COUNCIL
Three strategic objectives of
ET systems and 13 associated
objectives:
1. Improving quality and
effectiveness of ET
systems in the EU
2. Facilitating access of all
to ET systems
3. Opening up ET systems
to the wider world
BARCELONA
EU COUNCIL
Working programme for
improving ET systems in
Europe
Strategic framework of a
European lifelong learning
system
Calls for an 'insight into
demand for learning'
approach as the basis of
lifelong learning strategy.
ET should become a world
quality reference.
Lifelong learning process
October 2000: Commission's Memorandum on lifelong learning
followed by Europe-wide consultation, resulting in the Communication
Making a European area of lifelong learning a reality,
November 2001: Priorities for action: valuing learning, information,
guidance and counselling, investing time and money, bringing together
learners and learning opportunities, basic skills, innovative pedagogy.
November 2002:
The Copenhagen
Declaration calls for
enhanced cooperation in
vocational education and
training.
2000 2001 2002
Figure 1: Education and training 2010 - European strategies
Commission agreed on the Copenhagen Declaration. It calls for enhanced
cooperation in vocational education and training (VET), prioritising the
European dimension; transparency, information and guidance; recognition of
competences and qualifications; quality assurance and teachers and
trainers. The Maastricht Communiqu (December 2004) calls for an
assessment of progress towards the Lisbon/Copenhagen goals for VET at
national and EU level and sets new priorities.
This synthesis report draws mainly on the Maastricht study (
1
) and aims to
help policy makers situate the Maastricht Communiqu in context and
stimulate debate.
Introduction 11
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
(1) This study was commissioned by the European Commission in early 2004 (Leney et al., 2004) to
assess progress in VET. It covered EU Member States, EFTA and candidate countries (including Turkey)
and it included a survey of Directors-general for vocational training (DGVT) and country reports.
Priorities:
European dimension in VET
Transparency, information,
guidance
Recognition of competences
and qualifications
Quality assurance, teachers
and trainers.
May 2003: The Education Council agrees on European benchmarks
for the improvement of ET systems until 2010, concerning:
Reduce early school leavers
Increase graduates in mathematics, science and technology
Improve basic skills
Completion of upper secondary education
Decrease low-achieving youth in reading literacy
Higher participation in lifelong learning
Investment in human resources.
BRUSSELS
EU COUNCIL
Implementation of a 10-year
programme on the objectives
for ET systems, ensuring
efficient and effective
investments in human
resources
Foster transparency,
recognition and quality
assurance of qualifications
across the EU
Put emphasis on basic skills,
languages, digital literacy and
lifelong learning in ET systems.
BRUSSELS EDUCATION
COUNCIL
Resolution on guidance
Conclusions on:
Quality assurance in VET
Identification and validation
of non-formal and
informal learning
Decision on Europass.
MAASTRICHT
The Maastricht Communiqu
takes stock of progress made
on the Lisbon/ Copenhagen
strategy and sets new
priorities and strategies
under the Copenhagen
process on Enhanced
European Cooperation in VET.
2003 2004 Dec. 2004
ET: education and training
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
The report is in three parts:
Part A provides a brief overview of the major challenges facing VET in
Europe today, including improving the image and attractiveness of
VET (A1); adapting to labour market needs and the impact of
demographic change (A2); and responding to the needs of low
skilled and disadvantaged groups for social cohesion and labour
market participation (A3).
Part B reviews progress achieved by Member States to date and national
priorities. Issues include implementing reforms and practices (B1);
training expenditure and incentives (B2); economic performance and
the contribution of education and training (B3); social cohesion and
people at risk (B4); open learning pathways and guidance (B5);
involvement of stakeholders and partnerships (B6); innovative
pedagogies and learning-conducive environments (B7); and the role
of teachers and trainers in assuring quality in VET (B8).
Part C summarises the contribution, at European level, of the Copenhagen
process in achieving the Lisbon goals.
Data and examples from Europes main competitors are in parts A and B.
A few examples of Member State actions are included in part B. A thematic
summary of the main measures taken by European countries to promote
VET under the Lisbon and Copenhagen processes, further references and
more detailed tables and figures are provided in Annex.
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C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Introduction 13
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
(2) More information on countries can be obtained from Cedefop which has published
comprehensive monographs for all European countries.
VET comprises all more or less organised or structured activities that aim to provide people with
the knowledge, skills and competences necessary to perform a job or a set of jobs, whether or
not they lead to a formal qualification. VET is independent of venue, age or other characteristics
of participants and previous level of qualifications. VET may be job-specific or directed at a
broader range of occupations. It may also include elements of general education. The major
importance of VET for individuals, enterprises and society is widely acknowledged, and is
perceived as a key element of lifelong learning.
VET takes a variety of forms in different countries and also within a given country. It can be
organised as prevocational training to prepare young people for transition to a VET programme
at upper secondary level. Initial VET normally leads to a certificate at upper secondary level. It
can be school-based, enterprise-based, or a combination of both (as in the dual system).
Completion of initial VET qualifies for access to a skilled job, and gives access to post-
secondary, and sometimes higher education. VET at post-secondary level provides access to
higher skilled jobs (e.g. master or technician) and can also open the way to higher education.
Continuing vocational training (CVT) takes multiple forms, ranging from short training courses
to participation in advanced and longer programmes. CVT can be organised by companies or
networks of companies, social partner organisations, and local, regional and state bodies.
Participants include employees, unemployed people or those returning to the labour market.
This report aims to provide a selective overview of developments in key aspects of VET (
2
).
Defining VET
SECTION A
Context and key challenges
Competitiveness is Europe catching up?
Estimates are that up to 30 % of workers in future will work directly in
producing and diffusing knowledge (Kok, 2004, p. 19). It is evident that
industrialised countries are transforming themselves into knowledge-based
economies. If Europe is to compete in the global knowledge society, it must
also invest more in its most precious asset its people. The productivity and
competitiveness of Europe are directly dependent on a well-educated,
skilled and adaptable workforce. (ibid., p. 33)
In its paper on Canada's innovation strategy (Knowledge matters, 2002), the Canadian
government emphasises that, by 2004, around 70 % of all new jobs will require some
form of post-secondary education, and another 25 % of new jobs a university degree.
Only 6 % of new jobs will be held by those who have not finished high school.
Competitiveness is a major Lisbon goal and includes economic and
employment performance, social cohesion and sustainable economic
growth. Competitiveness analyses the facts and policies that shape the
ability of a nation to create and maintain an environment that sustains more
value creation for its enterprises and more prosperity for its people. (IMD,
2004, p. 740). To assess competitiveness a number of indicators, including
investment in education and training, are required to rank countries.
Although subject to criticism, rankings if based on reliable data and
methods can show a countrys position in a comparative context.
How competitive is Europe today? Table 1 provides some indicators
based on detailed data from the OECD, the World Bank, the ILO, the UNO
and others.
Some European countries, especially Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg and Finland are
among the top 10 on economic performance, government and business efficiency.
Most EU countries, however, are less competitive than Australia, Canada and the US
in relation to economic and technological advancement.
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
The Maastricht study (2004) identifies three clusters of competitive
economies:
1. core countries (Germany, France) characterised by high productivity
(GDP/working hour), high social spending and an inclusive social partner
approach;
2. the Nordic group (Finland, Norway, Sweden and partly Denmark) with
the best economic performance such as growth and productivity in
Europe, high labour market and education-training participation, high
social spending and a pronounced social partner approach;
3. the Anglo-Saxon countries (the UK, the US) with high employment rates
and economic performance (but low productivity in the UK), lower social
spending and less developed social partnership.
Insufficient data and indicators for VET hamper assessment
of progress
It is difficult to assess the contribution of education and training to
competitiveness, even harder to calculate the specific impact of VET. Data
from national systems differ in their characteristics and are hard to compare,
especially over time. Similar constraints are faced by all countries. In the
US, for example, the reliability and validity of much of the data on VET is
poor (NAVE, 2004). There is a need to improve information and provide a
better picture of comparative trends for VET across European countries to
help policy makers monitor and evaluate policies.
A1. Image, attractiveness and participation in VET
The attractiveness or image of any education or training route is subjective.
Deciding factors include access to further studies, career prospects,
earnings and social status. A possible indicator for the image and
attractiveness of education and training is enrolment. However, data on age-
specific enrolment rates in upper secondary education and training
especially in vocational programmes, are not available (
3
). Figure 2 shows
the development of graduation rates from upper secondary level over recent
years.
SECTION A
Context and key challenges 15
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
(3) One of the reasons is that enrolment is spread over a broad range of ages years in different
countries.
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010 16
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
BE
CZ
DK
DE
EE
EL
ES
FR
IE
IT
LU
HU
NL
AT
PL
PT
SI
SK
FI
SE
UK
CH
IS
NO
AU
CA
CN
KR
JP
US
E
c
o
n
o
m
i
c
p
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e
(
2
0
0
4
)
C
o
u
n
t
r
i
e
s
RANKING US $ RANKING RANKING RANKING RANKING RANKING per 1000 % CHANGE %
G
o
v
e
r
n
m
e
n
t
e
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y
(
2
0
0
4
)
T
o
t
a
l
2
0
0
4
L
a
b
o
u
r
p
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
v
i
t
y
(
a
)
(
2
0
0
3
)
L
a
b
o
u
r
f
o
r
c
e
g
r
o
w
n
(
b
)
2
0
0
3
T
o
t
a
l
2
0
0
4
P
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
o
v
e
r
6
5
(
c
)
(
2
0
0
2
)
C
o
m
p
u
t
e
r
s
p
e
r
c
a
p
i
t
a
(
d
)
(
2
0
0
3
)
20
28
32
4
29
45
22
13
6
39
3
47
7
21
57
42
33
46
31
25
14
27
15
26
19
8
2
49
17
1
44
48
5
34
15
49
22
41
13
56
9
43
25
14
58
32
47
26
4
19
29
11
7
17
2
6
21
36
37
10
20
50
9
34
31
39
38
43
11
54
12
47
15
14
56
48
51
46
10
16
21
25
5
27
4
8
35
29
37
1
40.58
18.03
37.06
34.89
16.06
29.58
30.55
42.38
45.10
39.31
53.37
18.03
38.10
36.41
16.33
20.34
22.83
17.52
34.22
30.65
30.93
27.68
31.78
43.56
34.16
31.99
4.39
16.56
29.88
40.72
8
36
13
15
42
25
23
6
3
10
2
37
12
14
41
35
31
39
17
22
21
27
20
5
18
19
57
40
24
7
0.66
-0.08
-0.35
-0.33
1.20
-0.07
2.63
0.78
3.51
0.65
2.88
1.06
1.00
1.40
-1.38
0.48
-1.33
0.34
-0.38
0.66
0.19
0.70
0.25
-0.21
1.49
2.16
1.25
0.17
-0.34
1.14
38
49
54
52
26
48
9
34
4
39
7
30
32
24
58
42
57
44
55
37
46
35
45
51
22
15
25
47
53
27
18
34
5
10
35
39
31
16
25
37
21
32
14
17
47
36
38
42
7
4
24
3
8
11
13
6
41
27
2
1
16.9
13.9
14.8
17.1
15.5
19.2
17.1
16.2
11.1
18.3
14.4
15.4
13.6
15.5
12.5
16.6
14.4
11.4
15.4
17.2
15.9
15.4
11.7
14.9
12.6
12.5
7.3
7.9
18.5
12.5
535
236
680
511
240
143
233
440
515
339
639
164
638
501
122
224
309
195
680
706
547
656
684
675
650
652
33
391
509
745
14
33
5
17
32
40
34
24
16
28
10
38
11
20
42
36
30
37
4
2
13
7
3
6
9
8
55
27
19
1
Table 1: Competitiveness indicators for selected OECD countries
Business efficiency
RANKING
SECTION A
Context and key challenges 17
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Business efficiencyInfrastructure
RANKING RANKING RANKING RANKING per 1000
I
n
t
e
r
n
e
t
u
s
e
r
s
(
e
)
(
2
0
0
3
)
H
i
g
h
-
t
e
c
h
e
x
p
o
r
t
s
(
f
)
(
2
0
0
2
)
T
o
t
a
l
e
x
p
e
n
d
i
t
u
r
e
o
n
R
&
D
(
g
)
(
2
0
0
2
)
H
u
m
a
n
d
e
v
e
l
o
p
m
e
n
t
i
n
d
e
x
(
h
)
(
2
0
0
1
)
435
294
645
442
399
241
307
361
410
408
440
247
565
508
218
555
410
230
589
648
508
582
659
629
601
594
61
605
566
597
23
37
3
20
30
40
35
32
27
28
22
39
13
18
42
15
26
41
9
2
17
10
1
4
6
8
55
5
12
7
10.5
14.3
21.7
16.6
12.0
9.9
6.9
21.2
40.6
9.0
18.9
24.8
27.7
15.3
2.8
7.0
5.2
3.2
24.2
16.4
31.4
21.0
5.5
22.3
16.5
14.3
23.3
31.5
24.5
31.8
40
35
18
29
38
42
47
20
6
43
26
13
12
34
59
46
49
58
15
32
10
22
48
17
31
36
16
8
14
7
2.2
1.3
2.4
2.5
0.8
0.6
1.0
2.2
1.2
1.1
1.7
1.0
1.9
1.9
0.6
0.9
1.2
0.6
3.4
4.3
1.9
2.6
3.1
1.6
1.6
1.8
1.2
2.5
3.1
2.7
16
26
12
11
42
47
38
15
33
34
23
37
19
18
46
39
31
49
3
2
20
9
5
24
25
22
30
10
6
8
6
35
11
21
40
30
23
18
11
26
11
38
5
17
37
29
33
39
11
3
11
9
2
1
4
6
54
34
9
6
BE
CZ
DK
DE
EE
EL
ES
FR
IE
IT
LU
HU
NL
AT
PL
PT
SI
SK
FI
SE
UK
CH
IS
NO
AU
CA
CN
KR
JP
US
C
o
u
n
t
r
i
e
s
Shaded areas: top ten
(a) Estimates: GDP (PPP) per person
employed per hour, USD
(b) Percentage change
(c) Percentage of total population
(d) Number of computers per 1000
people / Source: Computer
Industry Almanac
(e) Number of internet users per
1000 people / Source: Computer
Industry Almanac
(f) Percentage of manufactured
exports
(g) Percentage of GDP
(h) Combines economic - social -
educational indicators / Source:
Human Development Report
Source: IMD World Competitiveness
Yearbook 2004
% GDP %
DE
93
93
JP
92
96
PL
90
90
CH
90
84
FI
85
89
EL
85
83
HU
82
90
FR
82
87
IT
82
73
CZ
81
80
IS
79
92
BE
79
84
IE
77
87
US
73
74
SE
72
79
ES
68
67
LU
68
62
SK
61
60
100
75
50
25
0
(a) Denmark and Luxembourg: 2001
(b) Denmark and Italy: 1999; Poland and Slovakia: 2000
Source: OECD, Education at a glance, several issues
2002 (a)
1998 (b)
Table 2: Pupils in upper secondary education enrolled in vocational
stream (%) (
a
)
Countries
Males Females
Share in 2002
70 % and more CZ, SK, AT, SI, RO, NL, BE, CH CZ, UK, SK
60 % - 69 % PL, DE, UK, LU, BG, NO, FR, FI BE, AT, NL, SI, LU
50 % - 59 % DK, SE CH, DE, RO, FI, NO, PL, FR
25 % - 49 % EE, EL, ES, IS, IT, JP, LT, LV, MT, PT BG, DK, EL, ES, IS, LV, SE
less than 25 % CY, HU PT, IT, JP, LT, EE, MT, HU, CY
Trend 1998-2002
Increasing CZ, AT, NL, UK, NO, FI, DK, SE, IS, UK, AT, NL, FI, NO, SE, DK, BG, ES,
EL, ES, PT, HU EL, LV, IS, PT, HU
Decreasing SK, SI, RO, PL, DE, LU, BG, LV, CZ, SK, SI, LU, DE, RO, PL, IT, LT, EE
EE, LT, IT
(a) Percentage of all pupils in upper secondary education
Source: Eurostat
A2. Labour market and demographic change
Employment growth and creation is insufficient in some European countries.
Structural unemployment caused by mismatches in the labour market, is a
persistent phenomenon, with a high number of long-term unemployed
people and simultaneously unfilled vacancies. Longer-term needs of the
labour market indicate an increasing demand for skilled and highly skilled
labour driven by the change towards knowledge-intensive services, high-
tech manufacturing, globalisation and technological developments.
Structural unemployment a challenge for the European labour market
In 2003, the EU25 unemployment rate was 9.0 %, some 19 million people.
Long-term unemployment, is a continuing challenge for most European
countries. After falling between 1994 and 2001, long-term unemployment
rose to 4 % of the total labour force. Half of the long-term unemployed has
been out of work for two years or more.
SECTION A
Context and key challenges 19
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
More targeted vocational education and training, and in particular retraining within
active labour market policies, is urgently required to reduce the level of structural
and hidden unemployment and to raise employment rates. Integrating the inactive
part of the potential labour force into employment is all the more important in view
of the ageing of the European workforce over the next decades.
Demographic change the time bomb is ticking
The average age of the European population will increase from 39 (2000) to
around 45 by 2050. Table 3 illustrates the demographic challenge for the
EU15 in the next decades (
6
). By 2030, the number of people aged 20-54
will fall by 27.2 million. At the same time, the number of older people of
working age (55-64) will increase by 13.5 million. As a consequence, the
old-age dependency ratio will increase significantly.
Table 3: Population scenario for EU15 until 2050
Age group 2000 2020 2030 2050
Share in total population (%)
0 - 19 23 20 19 19
20 - 64 61 59 56 53
65 and older 16 21 25 28
Change since 2000 (million persons)
20 - 54 0.6 27.2 42.6
55 - 64 + 17.9 + 13.5 + 8.0
Source: Eurostat baseline population scenario, revision 1999.
The shrinking and ageing of the European workforce underlines the urgent need to
upgrade the skills of young people and increase employment rates, particularly of
women. Europe cannot afford to waste its human resources. Efforts must continue
to keep older workers in employment longer, to adapt their skills, and make visible
the competences they have acquired through non-formal and informal learning.
SECTION A
Context and key challenges 21
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
(6) Eurostat population scenarios for the new Member States are not yet available.
and the US (Table 4). These countries and Australia have higher adult
educational levels, especially at tertiary level. However, on average,
secondary and post-secondary levels, and particularly vocational training,
are higher in Europe.
Table 4: Educational attainment of adults (
a
) in selected OECD countries,
2002-2003 (
b
)
Low skilled Upper/post-secondary Tertiary
EU 25 32 47 21
Australia 39 30 31
Canada 18 40 43
Japan 16 47 36
South Korea 30 45 26
USA 13 49 38
(
a
) 25 to 64-year old population; low skilled: ISCED 0-2; upper/ post-secondary education: ISCED 3-4;
tertiary education: ISCED 5-6
(
b
) EU: 2003 (partly estimated); other countries: 2002
Sources: EU: Eurostat-NewCronos database; OECD: Education at a glance, 2004.
The high proportion of low skilled people in the EU means that we are a long way
from becoming the world-leader in high-quality human capital. Our competitors are
upskilling their populations which are already among the highest skilled in the world.
Europe must not only strive for academic excellence but should also strengthen
work-related skills acquired in VET and by non-formal learning.
As upgrading the (formal) qualifications of the population is mainly
achieved by increasing the skills of the younger age cohorts, this process
will take time.
Low-skilled people most often left school early or dropped out of post-
compulsory education and training. Reducing the number of early school
leavers remains an important means of upgrading the skills of populations.
In 2003, the Council set benchmarks for both groups: to increase
completion of upper secondary education for young people, and to reduce
the proportion of early school leavers. Progress towards these benchmarks
is summarised in Section B4.
SECTION A
Context and key challenges 23
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
SECTION B
Achievements and priorities
at national level
National agendas are taking on board approaches and instruments defined
in Lisbon and Copenhagen for lifelong learning; cooperation between
European countries in VET has increased (Table 5).
Broadly, there is coherence or compatibility between national and
European priorities. However, progress towards the Copenhagen
recommendations will be made according to varying sets of priorities.
European countries will continue to develop reforms most appropriate to
their own diverse traditions, challenges and aims.
Table 5: The relationship between national and EU policies for VET
EU15 Belgium-WA; Denmark; Finland; Austria; Belgium-Fl; Greece
France; Germany; Ireland; Italy;
Luxembourg; Netherlands;
Portugal; Spain; Sweden; the UK
EU10 Czech Republic; Estonia; Hungary; Cyprus; Malta; Poland; Slovakia
Latvia; Lithuania; Slovenia
Candidate countries Bulgaria; Romania Turkey
EEA Iceland Norway; Liechtenstein
Source: Maastricht study, 2004 (DGVT inquiry).
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Coherence exists
between the EU and
national policies for VET
The Copenhagen or Lisbon
processes do not directly
influence national policies.
But they are, nevertheless,
broadly compatible
Reforms of education and training in Australia, Canada and the US
Australia has implemented major VET reforms in the last decade, including:
Introduction of a competence-based approach to training;
Implementation of the Australian qualification framework;
Development of the training market with a view to the needs of students and industry;
Mechanisms to enhance learning pathways;
Reform of apprenticeship training (New Apprenticeship scheme);
Introduction of a national framework for quality assurance and nationwide recognition
of training providers.
In its innovation strategy, the Canadian government has given priority to:
Building a foundation for lifelong learning for children and youth,
including fostering apprenticeship training;
Strengthening accessibility and excellence in post-secondary education;
Building a world-class workforce;
Helping immigrants to achieve their full potential.
A regulatory reform process will begin in 2005, focusing on sustainable funding, partnerships and
innovation-related skills, and on an inclusive and skilled workforce (Government of Canada,
2002).
In the US, the national goal is for at least 14 years of education to be the norm. The Perkins III Act
(1998, sets the following goals:
Integration of academic and vocational education;
Linking secondary and post-secondary programmes;
Collaboration with employers;
Expanding the use of technology.
The Act called for rigorous academic standards and accountability.
The US National assessment of vocational education (NAVE) is concerned about the diffuse
nature of federal priorities which impede efforts to develop clear focused educational
interventions. It proposes to set clear priorities: either to put the emphasis on learning academic
or occupational skills, or to focus primarily on workforce development with emphasis primarily on
the job (in particular for post-secondary vocational education).
B1. Implementation of agreed reforms and
practices
Improving transparency and fostering mobility
More transparency of national qualification frameworks or systems in which
VET qualifications at different levels are located is important. Various
countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, Malta, the
Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, the UK) are developing or
implementing such frameworks. These efforts will be linked to the European
SECTION B
Achievements and priorities at national level 25
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Slovakia, Sweden). However, Spain, Italy, Malta, Portugal (and, outside of the
EU, Bulgaria, Iceland and Romania) have rates more than double the
benchmark. Most countries have reduced the share of early school leavers
considerably, especially Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg
and Norway. However, in Belgium, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Finland,
Sweden and (outside of the EU) Romania, dropout rates have increased.
Figure 6: Early school leavers (
a
) in Europe, 1996, 2000, 2003 (%)
The relatively high proportion of dropouts does not occur just in Europe.
One in eight young Canadians does not complete high school (Canadian
Government, 2002a). In the US, the official dropout rate in 2001 was around
11 %, although the percentage of students who fail to obtain a high school
diploma is estimated to be much higher, more than 20 % (NAVE, 2004).
Most European countries have policies to reduce the number of early school leavers
(European Commission, 2004c). Measures range from increased cooperation
between schools, companies and regions (Germany and the Netherlands), to more
adapted pedagogy and increased personalised guidance of pupils, as in France,
Luxembourg and Austria. However, those countries with a high share of early school
leavers need to substantially increase their efforts. And those countries where the
share has been increasing over the past years need to take steps to reverse this
trend. As shown in Section A1, strengthening vocational streams can help prevent
and reduce school dropout.
SECTION B
Achievements and priorities at national level 37
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
50
40
30
20
10
0
(
a
) People aged 18 to 24 with ISCED 0-2 as highest level of education or training and who declared having not received
any education or training in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.
NB: partly estimated by Eurostat; break in time series 1999, 2000 and 2003 for several countries (see Eurostat information).
Source: Eurostat - NewCronos database - Structural Indicators - Social Cohesion (cited 04.11.04)
SI
4.3
SK
4.9
CZ
6.0
PL
6.3
NO
10.9
13.3
6.6
CH
6.1
7.3
7.7
SE
7.5
7.7
9.0
AT
12.1
10.2
9.0
DK
12.1
11.6
10.0
FI
11.1
8.9
10.7
HU
13.8
11.8
EE
14.2
11.8
LT
16.7
11.8
IE
18.9
12.1
BE
12.9
12.5
12.8
DE
13.3
14.9
12.8
FR
15.2
13.3
13.7
NL
17.6
15.5
15.0
CY
15.1
15.1
EL
20.7
17.1
15.3
EU25
16.0
UK
18.3
16.7
LU
35.3
16.8
17.0
LV
18.1
BG
22.4
RO
22.3
23.2
IT
31.3
25.3
23.5
IS
28.6
27.3
ES
31.5
28.8
29.8
PT
40.1
42.9
40.4
MT
48.2
BENCHMARK FOR 2010:
10% ON EU AVERAGE
16.0
1996
2000
2003
Vocational education and training key to the future
Lisbon-Copenhagen-Maastricht: mobilising for 2010
Other disadvantaged groups need for targeted measures
Education and training can help prevent and tackle social exclusion. In
addition to school dropouts and people with poor levels of basic skills, groups
at risk of exclusion include women (in areas of low female employment, and
labour-market returners), the long-term unemployed, migrants, ethnic
minorities and people left behind by industrial reorganisation, older workers
and young people facing problems in their transition to work. Targeted and
integrated measures should be provided for these groups, particularly at local
and regional levels. In the EU25, 8.6 million women of working age are not in
paid employment, although they want to work. Together with the 9.8 million
unemployed women, the scale of the untapped female labour supply is
considerable (
14
). The differences in labour market participation and
unemployment rates between women and men are huge (Table 7). However,
as for men, prospects for women with high educational levels are much better
than for those with upper secondary or lower levels.
Table 7: Employment and unemployment rates by sex and educational
attainment, EU25, 2003 (%)
Educational attainment of population aged 15-64
Low (ISCED 0-2) Medium(ISCED 3-4) High (ISCED 5-6) Total
Employment rates
Women 24.3 55.8 74.5 43.4
Men 45.1 68.0 78.4 59.9
Unemployment rates
Women 14.1 10.4 5.6 9.9
Men 11.0 8.9 4.4 8.4
Source: Eurostat - NewCronos database (cited 12.11.04).
The unemployment rate of non-EU nationals in 2002 was twice that of EU
nationals. The Kok report (2003) cites inappropriate or low levels of skills as
well as cultural and language barriers as the main cause.
Recognition of skills and competences acquired abroad by formal and
non-formal learning (a major feature of Canadas VET strategy), targeted
integration measures including guidance, language courses and provision of
education and training preferably at the workplace are some of the
measures already taken. However, given the scale of demographic changes,
38
(14) Report of the High Level Group on the future of social policy in an enlarged European Union, 2004.
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
SECTION B
Achievements and priorities at national level 39
they must be considerably reinforced and made more responsive to labour
market, individual and societal needs.
People left behind by industrial restructuring are often helped by
measures financed by the ESF or ERDF. Poland has established initiatives in
the coal-mining sector to improve occupational mobility, job creation,
retraining, guidance and counselling, and support job creation through SME
development. Similar measures also apply to the long-term unemployed
whose skills are outdated or no longer needed in the labour market. A range
of measures to prevent and reduce long-term unemployment has been
taken as part of the European Employment Strategy.
Numerous initiatives provide training opportunities for older workers, but
there is little evidence of constructive strategies in national lifelong learning
plans. In addition to policies withdrawing early retirement schemes and
raising the retirement age, initiatives should focus on adapting the labour
market to enable older workers to remain in work. Since 1998 Finland has
implemented a comprehensive strategy to foster employability of older
workers and adaptation of the work environment.
The Maastricht study (2004) identifies four types of initiatives:
1. Labour market and employment related measures. Active labour market policies with a
training element, human resources policies, earnings and pensions: Austria, Belgium, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Liechtenstein, Greece, and the UK (planned);
2. Provision of training for older employees. Recognition of their non-formal and informal
learning, qualification programmes, second chance schools, enterprise training, involvement
of social partners: Belgium, Estonia, Greece, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland;
3. Provision of wider lifelong learning to stay active. Internet access, computer literacy, adult
education, active ageing initiatives, distance and e-learning: Austria, the Czech Republic,
Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein and Sweden;
4. Provision of training or lifelong learning for non-employed people. Qualification measures,
return to work for women, New Deal for 50 plus: Ireland, Austria, the UK.
Targeted measures are needed to raise the motivation and capability of disadvantaged
groups to participate in initial and continuing education and training, to recognise their
skills and competences, and to integrate or keep them within the labour market and
society. Education and training are important for social cohesion. However, their
influence on the major characteristics of social cohesion political, social and cultural
participation, etc. tends to be indirect through reducing poverty and raising
awareness of societal goals. A prerequisite is, that the values important for social
cohesion and citizenship form an integral part of education and training curricula.
C O L I B R I L t d - F I N A L V E R S I O N
Given the future needs for highly skilled labour, the skill levels of active workforce
must increase dramatically. This is a priority in realising the Lisbon goals. The world
of work can provide many, but not all, curricula and learning opportunities for
developing competences and preparing workers for the future. Formal education and
training is still needed.
B8. The role of teachers and trainers in assuring
quality in VET
There have been few attempts at European level to tackle the specific
challenges of the education and training of vocational teachers and trainers.
Special attention is warranted in view of the direct and indirect influence of
vocational teachers in system quality and skill development. Cedefops
network for training of teachers and trainers (www.trainingvillage.gr/etv/
Projects_ Networks/TTNet) provides a platform for exchange and
cooperation in this field.
In the US, the NAVE report (2004) is concerned about the competences and lack of opportunities
for continuing training among vocational teachers. They are less likely than academic teachers to
have bachelors degrees and many do not feel they have received sufficient professional
development. NAVE concludes that upgrading the techers workforce is essential and that
substantial investments in new recruitment and in-service training approaches are required.
A key challenge is that while vocational teachers and trainers are essential
to supporting skill development in the workforce, their status is low. The
salaries and image of vocational teachers tend to be quite low, especially in
some Mediterranean and new Member States. VET teaching, in schools and
colleges, is an ageing profession, and many are not inclined to undertake
continuing training or adapt to new technologies or pedagogic concepts.
Teacher shortages exist in many countries. In Germany and Austria, there
are shortages of teachers of specific subjects, especially those in high
demand in the external labour market.
Training has diversified in the workplace and the profile of VET teachers and trainers
has grown more varied. Teachers and trainers within companies are extending their
roles from instruction to learning facilitators and innovators and are increasingly
involved in additional tasks, such as human resource development, guidance and
coaching, and assessment of competences.
SECTION B
Achievements and priorities at national level 51
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