Adult Learning and education in VET: the role of Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVEs)

The ETF core initiatives, Creating New Learning (CNL), and Network for Excellence (ENE)- are joining forces to promote peer-to-peer learning for achieving VET Excellence and to recognise the role of VET providers in the skills ecosystems to improve adult learning. ETF’s Creating New Learning (CNL) initiative is aimed at encouraging the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative teaching and learning practices based on successful practices and experiences. The ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) is an international network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVEs).

Adult learning can be defined as a range of formal, non-formal and informal learning activities undertaken by adults after leaving initial education and training. While acknowledging the variety of contexts, learners and delivery modes across countries, the EU recognizes the critical role lifelong learning is playing in improving employment, competitiveness and social inclusion. In the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic, flexibilization and digitalization of adult learning have gained track in policy debates and actions, as well as the need to increase upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all. 

Most relevant (and recent) policy initiatives on adult learning are: European Pillar of Social Rights, European Skills Agenda, and Council Resolution on a new European agenda for adult learning 2021-2030, while other important reference EU documents remain to be inter alia Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, Osnabrück Declaration on vocational education and training, Upskilling Pathways Recommendation (2016, to be renewed in 2022), Upskilling Pathways - New opportunities for adults, Pact for Skills, EU Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts, EU Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability.

Objectives of the event

Recognising the need for increased adult participation in learning and education, the overall objective of the ETF activities in the area of adult learning and education (ALE) and centres of vocational excellence (COVEs), as well as the Creating New Learning (CNL) initiative, is to 

(a) empower VET providers in the ETF partner countries in providing education and training for adult learners -in hybrid learning contexts-, 

(b) strengthen in this regard the role and the capacity of COVEs, and –

(c) contribute to sharing good practices and innovative approaches among practitioners, as well as (d) leverage the power of networking.

The participation to the event is upon invitation only, it will take place face to face in Turin on 25-26 November 2024.