R.2

Review of adult learning policies and practices

Launching a comprehensive and holistic review of adult learning policies and practices to identify gaps in provision, development bottlenecks and priority interventions for the future. This review could also be beneficial for the development of the longer-term strategy.

R.1

Longer-term vision of adult learning as part of lifelong learning (LLL)

The development of a longer-term vision and strategy for adult learning, which also meets the skills challenges posed by digitalisation and automation, is recommended. The LLL section in the Education Vision 2023 falls too short and should be expanded and fully fleshed out with targets and specific measures. Stronger alignment appears to be needed, with the objectives set by the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) and the EU Upskilling Pathways policy.

R.12

Implement 'gender-sensitive' public employment policies

Provide women-friendly communication and outreach campaigns, safe spaces, flexible schedules, proper career guidance, training to enhance women's self-esteem, a positive discrimination in the selection of jobseekers to benefit from active labour market measures, childcare facilities, linking training to job placements, as well as targeted measures addressing women from poor backgrounds and with multiple disadvantages on the labour market.

R.11

Increase the property ownership rate of women and female entrepreneurship

Increase the property ownership rate of women; strengthen women's professional networks and female entrepreneurship schemes.

R.10

Improve the education and skills of women

Ensure access, participation and completion of education of young females. Provide for second-chance education and skills training, taking account of women's profiles and needs.

R.9

Change labour regulations

Improve working hours and conditions for women with children and shift part of the financial burden for maternity leave away from employers, as it discriminates female job candidates.

R.8

Improve child and elderly care facilities

Have more high-quality, affordable child and elderly care facilities, particularly outside the capital and in rural areas.

R.7

Use 'Coaching for employment' approaches for young unemployed people

Foster partnerships between employment agencies, training providers, local youth centres and NGOs to exchange information on vacancies and provide services for young people. Apply targeted active measures to help young unemployed people into employment or self-employment, based on their specific profile and needs. Allow training centres more autonomy to adjust their training provision, to generate and re-invest own income. Provide better countrywide information on the courses on offer. Give incentives to employers to hire and train young people.

R.6

Combine skills training with entrepreneurial skills & mindsets and start-up support.

Embed entrepreneurial skills more systematically into curricula or courses and teacher training; provide grant financing and coaching to help people start up and run businesses.

R.5

Further align education and training provision with labour market requirements, help young people in their career orientation and improve practical skills

Ensure a structured cooperation of vocational schools, training centres and higher education institutions with businesses to adjust qualifications & curricula and to generate more practical assignments and work-based learning opportunities. Set up career centres in educational establishments for students to make more informed choices, following existing examples.