01.07.2025 digitalisation, financing, funding, lifelong learning, RALExILA

Building national ALE registries to support individual learning accounts

RALExILA is a strategic initiative to investigate and strengthen the structures that support adult learning (ALE), with a particular focus on the potential of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). New research report provides overview of how 10 European countries structure their ALE systems through financial incentives, management frameworks, quality standards and registries of learning opportunities.

Changing labour market demands and evolving competences and skills requirements for work, social and personal life are creating new challenges for lifelong learning and this initiative aim to respond to the need for adaptable systems that can support adult learners to improve their knowledge, skills and employability.

Across 2024, RALExILA researchers mapped the structure and strategies of ALE registers in 10 European countries (Cyprus, Croatia, Malta, Slovakia, France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland, Portugal, and Finland), through desk research, focus groups, in-depth interviews, surveys and design thinking workshops, investigating experiences, needs and obstables and opportunities perceived by adult learners and employers. The main objective was to identify good practice and potential gaps in the ALE registries of these countries, with a focus on governance, quality assurance and accessibility.

The results and recommendations, published in the report Building national ALE registries in Europe: Frameworks, insights and needs for supporting individual learning accounts in early 2025, constituted the base for the RALExILA approach to design and implement adult education registries and individual learning account platforms that are inclusive, user-friendly and in line with both local and transnational policy objectives.

The report provide an overview of how the European countries included in this study have taken different and tailored approaches to improving their ALE systems through financial incentives, management frameworks, quality standards and targeted programmes. However, further improvements are needed to ensure equitable access, increase participation and meet the changing demands of the digital and knowledge economy.

Key findings of RALExILA research

Individual Learning Accounts
Some countries have introduced ILAs to provide financial support and incentives for adult education and training. Examples include Malta’s “Get Qualified” programme, France’s “Compte Personnel de Formation” and the Netherlands’ “STAP Budget” These accounts aim to increase adult participation in lifelong learning and skills development.

Governance and cooperation
ALE systems are usually steered by coordinated efforts of different ministries, authorities and social partners, including employers’ organizations and trade unions. This collaborative structure helps to align ALE programmes with labour market needs, ensure the relevance of training and improve workforce integration.

Quality assurance
National qualification frameworks and accreditation procedures are used in various countries (e.g. Cyprus and the Netherlands) to ensure high standards in ALE programmes. These frameworks ensure that training meets certain quality criteria and is relevant to industry needs.

Funding sources
ALE funding is based on a mix of public funds, EU support (such as the European Social Fund) and contributions from employers and individuals. Financial support is provided in the form of grants, vouchers and loans to reduce barriers to participation and make ALE more accessible to different population groups.

Focus areas
ALE strategies typically focus on upskilling and reskilling to meet the changing needs of the workforce, improving digital skills, supporting disadvantaged groups and smoother transitions between education and employment pathways.

Ongoing challenges
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain in some countries, including low adult participation in VET, gaps in digital skills and fragmentation of ALE systems. Policy reforms and new programmes are being introduced to address these issues and improve overall effectiveness.

The RALExILA approach and models will be released in the last quarter of 2025, also through a series of events online and face to face.

What is the RALExILA?

RALExiLA is an initiative co-funded by the European Union born to develop a model for national registries for adult education to support the implementation of individual learning accounts in European countries.

The RALExILA approach proposes a foundational model that is scalable at national level across Europe, promoting knowledge exchange among countries and stakeholders and includes two main components: the registry of adult education learning opportunities (ALE registry) and the individual learning account platform features (ILA platform).