No. 1/1999

The 1999 Work Programme builds on the results of last year's projects. The two publications are presented in this issue of CEDEFOP Info. What emerges is how insights gained in the course of the Centre's current work programme are being channelled directly into its project planning so as to ensure that the three priority objectives of promoting competences and lifelong learning, monitoring developments in vocational education and training in the Member States, and serving European mobility and exchanges are attained by the start of the new millennium.

CEDEFOP's projects were far more closely intermeshed in 1998, rendering the links between project content and activities more apparent. This enabled results to be evaluated more generally, instead of in strictly project- or activity-related terms,thus enhancing their impact and informational value. CEDEFOP is adopting the same approach in its 1999 Work Programme.

The link between research, policy and practice in matters of vocational training was a principal focus of CEDEFOP's work in 1998 and will continue to be so this year. Plans are not confined to strengthening relations with vocational training circles in individual Member States; the 1998 Electronic Training Village launched so successfully in 1998 has expanded rapidly and, with over a million 'hits' from all over the world reaching it through the Internet in its very first year, has already become a global platform for vocational training specialists. CEDEFOP is steadily developing this forum and plans to include a sector dedicated to the social partners.

Acquiring further knowledge and insight, the exchange of opinions and experience, and informing the public were the three main areas on which CEDEFOP worked in 1998, adhering closely to its medium-term priorities. Encouraging the acquisition of skills in micro-enterprises was the subject of a special research project which this year will be extending its scope to cover small and medium-sized enterprises. Key qualifications and the need for a renewal of vocational training curricula were other aspects given particular attention in a total of 11 projects. CEDEFOP published a European synthesis report and several new country reports on the situation with regard to identification, accreditation and validation of non-formal learning. In 1999 the project will be extended to cover the private sector.

Monitoring developments in vocational training in the Member States resulted in a series of reports in various languages in 1998. Descriptions of the systems in countries that joined the European Union in 1995 are currently being processed for inclusion on a CD-ROM publication. The Electronic Training Village last year acquired a window giving up-to-date information on vocational training systems. CEDEFOP responded to the need of policy- and decision-makers for clear vocational training classifications with a special publication of 'Key Data on Vocational Training'. The aspect of transition from school to the world of work will be the main focus of the 1999 Key Data publication. CEDEFOP last year studied the question of the sources and allocation of funds to different forms of training and produced 10 reports on the subject. These will be followed in 1999 by detailed structural studies.

The spread of innovative methods of vocational training at the level of both policy and actual practice is a valuable means of encouraging vocational training. In 1998 CEDEFOP identified five areas on which it is now working to produce an overview of methodology and courses.

Last year CEDEFOP, with the European Commission, created a European forum designed to enhance the transparency of vocational qualifications. In doing so it paved the way for a regular European-level meeting of specialists in this field from 18 states together with representatives of the social partners. In parallel with this initiative CEDEFOP looked at what was being done to ensure transparency of qualifications in the chemical industry, tourism and the health sector.

Another project in 1998 was an in depth study of the additional skills acquired through mobility. Preliminary results show young people with practical experience of working abroad to have the edge in terms of foreign language knowledge and self-confidence. This raised the question of how employers can exploit these additional skills more frequently and efficiently than hitherto.

In 1998 CEDEFOP also collaborated with the European Training Foundation in Turin in evolving a concept for vocational training scenarios that it will be developing further in 1999.

The thematic network on trends in occupations and qualificatons concentrated its efforts on a comprehensive three-volume work of reference entitled 'European trends in occupations and qualifications'. This will include both research results and recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners. The training of trainers network developed a prototype database designed to be actively used by network members who can input their own data.

The Study Visits programme last year gave 700 researchers, policy-makers and representatives of the social partners an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas. They in turn provided considerable impetus for CEDEFOP's project work. The 'Agora Thessaloniki' meetings were used by research specialists, policy-makers and practitioners to study the connection between worker mobility, and vocational training and the situation of the low skilled on the labour market.

CEDEFOP last year published a research report entitled 'Training for changing Society' and this year is preparing a follow-up report to be published in the year 2000.

Source: CEDEFOP/SK