Cedefop expert workshop - The role of credit transfer systems in opening access, admission and exemption between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE)
The workshop invites 30 to 35 European experts in VET and HE to discuss how credit transfer systems open access, admission and exemption between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE).

• At higher levels i.e. EQF levels 5 and 6;
• Between EQF 4 (school leaving) and higher levels;
• In relation to validation of non-formal and informal learning.

Participants will investigate to what extent it is necessary and possible to achieve compatibility, comparability and complementarity of the two credit transfer systems, and which alternatives can be foreseen.  Interaction between credit transfer systems and validation of non-formal and informal learning will also be addressed. More...

The conference is organised in support of the European Alliance for Apprenticeship and addresses Government officials responsible for apprenticeships and social partners, employers and employees, who are involved in apprenticeships. By showcasing examples of approaches to apprenticeship, the event will offer the chance to discuss challenges and success factors for quality apprenticeship and find partners for cooperation and experience exchange. Contact details: . More...

The objective of the consultation is to collect the views of stakeholders on the problems faced by learners and workers with regard to the transparency and recognition of their skills and qualifications when moving within and between EU Member States, on the adequacy of the related European policies and instruments and on the potential benefits of developing a 'European area of skills and qualifications'. More...

Digital learning is expected to offer multiple advantages enabling people of all ages to learn at their own pace. The potential benefits include diverse knowledge sources, often provided for free, no geographical limits, flexible timetables and methods that can be easily personalised, and the possibility for teachers to share and create content with colleagues and learners from different countries. More...

Greece’s participation in a survey of adult skills organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the support of the European Commission was launched on 31 March at the Mapping skills shortages, planning the future, conference in Athens.
The survey, known as ‘survey of adult skills’ (PIAAC), will assess the level of proficiency in key foundation skills among approximately 5 000 adults and the extent to which these skills are used in the workplace. Greece, along with eight other countries including Chile, Turkey and New Zealand is taking part in the second round of the survey. The first round covered 24 countries, including France, Germany and the USA. More...

Employment in the EU is projected to grow by about 2% over the period 2013-2020 but the (EU’s) target of 75% of people aged 20 to 64 being in a job by 2020 looks beyond reach.
This is the result of the crisis, followed by a modest recovery and average GDP growth rate in the EU of 2.0% a year. But there are big differences in the forecasts for employment growth in the different Member States. In Luxembourg, employment should grow by just over 1% a year between now and 2020. In contrast, in Germany, employment is expected to fall by 0.2% a year.
These data come from the baseline scenario of Cedefop’s latest skill supply and demand forecasts, which are now available online. The forecasts cover the period 2013 to 2025, but as the mid-point of Europe’s 2020 strategy, launched in 2010, approaches, this analysis uses the forecast data to consider whether the EU’s benchmarks for employment and educational attainment set out in the strategy, will be met by 2020.
More information can be found here. More...

Want to contribute to the listing of what English language learners know and can do at different levels? Join the English Profile Network.
English profile programme
The English Profile network involves schools, universities and other establishments around Europe - all working together to support the English profile programme - but more members are needed!
The objective of the European Commission co-financed English Profile network is to develop a 'Reference level descriptions for English', with information what learners of English know and can do at each level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
A complete listing of all the words (and their different meanings) and phrases that learners have mastered from basic (A1) to proficient (C2) user, is already available via the English Vocabulary Profile . You can subscribe to it for free via the English Profile website. More...