Challenges and opportunities in Upskilling Pathways – results from Partner UP and the Upskilling Pathways Forum
To start the meeting, the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) provided an overview of the project objective, recent results, and the general framework of the Upskilling Pathways recommendation. Tina Mavrič highlighted the current challenges faced by many adult Europeans, such as struggling with basic skills like reading, writing, math, and digital tools. This was the reason behind the adoption of the Upskilling Pathways recommendation. The results of a stakeholder analysis conducted by Partner UP were also presented, revealing a lack of specific strategies, differing definitions among stakeholders, complex governance systems, and coordination challenges. These results set the priorities of the development groups, including strengthening collaboration, creating coherent policies, and increasing participation. Key discussion areas were identified, such as existing opportunities for collaborations, best practices, untapped resources, challenges of cooperation and funding, and possible solutions. Gina Ebner, the Secretary General of EAEA, participated in the Upskilling Pathways Forum hosted by Cedefop to learn from other organizations tackling Upskilling Pathways and confirm the findings from the stakeholder analysis. She shared the main findings presented at the forum, including results from country reports of France and Italy. Key challenges identified included outreach, funding issues, accessibility, and coordination difficulties in policy implementation and governance.
National initiatives for Upskilling Pathways
During the main part of the meeting, three organizations showcased their initiatives in up- and reskilling efforts. The Digital Skills Initiative Austria presented its extensive rollout of 3500 free digital skills workshops nationwide, raising awareness and enhancing technological proficiency. They also presented their plans to provide even more workshops as well as additional modular courses to enable participants to practice their skills. Welfare for All, a community social service organization in Nigeria, shared strategies for upskilling and reskilling through formal, informal, and non-formal procedures, emphasizing mutual benefits for employees and employers. Their presentation focused on practical examples across different sectors as well as remaining challenges and funding opportunities. City Institute Lviv from Ukraine illustrated its commitment to providing non-formal education in libraries, targeting disadvantaged groups and facilitating community integration and skill acquisition. Through innovative practices, such as creating learning centres for adults and establishing a network of adult education centres, their efforts underscore the transformative power of education in empowering individuals and communities alike.
The meeting concluded with participants noting the connections and similarities among the challenges and solutions discussed. It served as an informative platform for peer learning and sharing innovative approaches, sparking inspiration for further collaborations and stakeholder engagement in upskilling initiatives in the future.
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The Partner UP project aims to improve the implementation of the Council of the European Union’s Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways to benefit adult learners and increase their participation in lifelong learning. For this cause, Partner UP facilitates consultations and peer learning activities with major stakeholders to enhance cooperation, improve engagement and develop implementation plans.
Join us for our next Partner UP events in person and online:
- 19. March 2024 – in-person development group on Outreach
(Register here: https://forms.gle/RGDSZq6rUKC6kpDB8) - 11. April 2024 – online development group on Guidance
- 29. April 2024 – in-person development group with EUCEN on Quality Assurance
Learn more on the Partner UP project website
Text: Lisa Steinkampf