Upskilling Pathways initiative aims to help adults acquire a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills and/or acquire a broader set of skills by progressing towards an upper secondary qualification or equivalent.
19.12.2018

EAEA statement on Upskilling Pathways

The European Council adopted the Upskilling Pathways strategy in December 2016. EAEA has collected feedback from its members on the state of the implementation and the impact of this strategy, and would like to highlight some key recommendations based on the feedback.

EAEA has very much welcomed Upskilling Pathways as it is an ambitious basic skills strategy that would enable many of the adults in Europe with low basic skills to have their skills assessed, receive tailored learning provision and have their learning outcomes validated. The feedback of our members, based on the Country Reports 2018, present a diverse picture of implementation of the initiative in different countries.

Upskilling Pathways has already had an impact in quite a few member states. Nevertheless, EAEA would like to highlight some key recommendations for the broader and better implementation of the Upskilling Pathways.

EAEA recommendations:

1.       Strengthen the governance of adult education and basic skills in the framework of lifelong learning. A comprehensive lifelong learning strategy will help link learning pathways. Within the Upskilling Pathways strategy the responsibilities need to be clearly spelt out.

2.       Reinforce cooperation between ministries, sectors and institutions of different backgrounds. A good strategy needs good cooperation between different sectors and institutions. Upskilling Pathways can be a real incentive to start building bridges.

3.       Cooperate with civil society and providers. Including them from the early stages of implementation will ensure outreach, adequate provision and ownership.

4.       Analyse and remove barriers that hinder people from participating. Barriers that hinder people from participating, especially from disadvantaged groups, need to be examined in depth.

5.       Link adult education and basic skills to existing strategies. In many countries, there are social inclusion strategies for disadvantaged groups, but they do not take adult education into account.

6.       Prioritise and invest in adult learning and basic skills. Public investment in adult education and learning and basic skills is crucial for outreach, making the system work and enabling the participation of those who need it most.

7.       Fund and support learning in communities. Communities are essential when wanting to support increased participation of potential learners who have had the least opportunities in the past.

8.       Strengthen non-formal structures. Better infrastructure for non-formal adult education through legislation, institutional development and continuous financing is needed.

Read the full statement on Upskilling Pathways (pdf)

More information

Gina Ebner
EAEA Secretary-General
tel: +32 2 893 25 24
gina.ebner(at)eaea.org

Text: EAEA  Photo: European Commission

20.09.2023 green transition

Transformative learning is at the heart of a sustainable future

We are facing the pressing need to transition towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly society. Through partnerships with grassroots initiatives and social movements, the Tale project explores how transformative learning can be a catalyst for the green transition.

20.09.2023 advocacy

How about some learning? Join new EAEA courses in 2023-24

The month of September brings out a “back to school” mood among many of us. Perhaps you’re walking back into a classroom to teach a class. Maybe you’re dropping off your kids at school in the morning. There’s also a chance that you’re feeling inspired to get a pencil case yourself and start a new course as a learner. Find out more about EAEA’s training offer and the six new courses taking place in the upcoming months!

15.09.2023 advocacy

European Education Area: More recognition and structural funding for ALE can make it a success

Three years into the European Education Area (EEA), it is time to take stock of what the EEA means for adult learning and education. EAEA has prepared a response to the European Commission's call for evidence for the interim evaluation of the European Education Area.