The Union of Skills is a cornerstone initiative that has the potential to significantly increase participation in adult learning to 60% by 2030. However, it should consider all adults, including those who are not/no longer in employment, older people, people with disabilities, people with parenting and caregiving responsibilities, focusing on the importance of lifelong learning for social inclusion, wellbeing, and active and healthy ageing.
This can only happen if the needs of adult learners are put at the centre of policymaking and implementation of education programmes to promote engagement in learning and achieve high retention rates. Flexibility is a key solution allowing the learners to being supported by targeted policies to pursue an educational pathway compatible with the needs of their personal life.
Coordinated policies both on the European and the national levels are essential to provide high-quality policies and programs, coherent with other policy agendas, supported by robust public funding to adequately support the providers and the learners.
EAEA therefore calls for:
- Initiatives that highlight the importance of non-formal education in ALE, reskilling and upskilling, not only job related.
- A better consideration for well-being, health, citizenship and transversal skills as cornerstones for responsive, prepared and motivated citizens.
- The increase public funding for ALE allowing the creation of high-quality education and training programs.
- An improvement in the coordination at the European and national level, avoiding uncoordinated and ineffective policies and squandering of money.
- Better working conditions to adult educators along with adequate resources, competitive salary and career opportunities to upskill.