Advancing validation of non-formal and informal learning – networking and peer learning event

Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) is an important element of lifelong learning policies. It allows for identification, documentation assessment and certification of skills that individuals acquired outside of education systems, through work life, civic engagements or hobbies. 

The ETF Partner Countries have engaged in development of their national validation systems, often inspired by the European policies and linking validation to newly established qualifications frameworks. ETF has been monitoring these developments since 2018 through the inventory on VNFIL which confirms that most of ETF Partner Countries included validation in their education agendas, introduced relevant legislation and are working on scaling up validation schemes 

In 2023 ETF has launched an informal network on validation that includes countries covered by the inventory works with a plan to organise peer learning opportunities on an annual basis. The proposed event will be organised in collaboration with the French AFPA – National Agency for Professional Training of Adults, and will present an opportunity to gain an understanding and practical insights into the establishment and management of effective validation systems, thereby supporting ETF partner countries in their efforts to develop or enhance their own systems. 

VAE in France

The French Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience is one of the most mature and advanced approaches to validation of non-formal and informal learning in Europe. It has been in place since 2002 allowing individuals to obtain full or partial qualifications, based on their experience. It is linked to the national qualifications framework and widely used across the education and labour market sectors. VAE is seen as a vital tool in upskilling the workforce and supporting lifelong learning initiatives in France. Funding for validation is available through major state investments in labour market integration as well as through a digital Personal Training Account available universally to each citizen. 

For further information about the French VAE see: Hampe-Nathaniel, A. (2024). European inventory on validation of non-formal and informal learning 2023 update: France. European Commission and Cedefop. https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/country-reports/european-inventory-validation-non-formaland-informal-learning-2023-update-France

Afpa

The Agence nationale pour la formation professionnelle des adultes (Afpa) plays a crucial role in France's adult education and training landscape for over 65 years. As the largest public provider of vocational training for adults, Afpa has been a key player in the implementation of the VAE system, offering comprehensive support to individuals seeking validation of their experiential learning. With its extensive network of 116 training centers across France, including the Afpa Centre in Lyon, the organization provides practical assistance, guidance, and evaluation services for candidates undergoing the VAE process. In addition, Afpa is a training and a consulting partner to more than 6,000 companies. Afpa's expertise and experience in delivering professional training and validation services make it an invaluable partner for this peer learning event.

Participants

The targeted participants are policy makers in the area of skills development and qualifications (Ministries of Education, Qualifications Agencies, Ministries of Labour, representatives of economic sectors (employers’ associations) and representatives of validation service providers from the ETF Partner Countries.

The countries participating in the network are: all Western Balkan economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia), Türkiye, Eastern partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), from the SEMED region: Algeria, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, and five Central Asian countries supported by the EU DARYA project (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).

Objectives of the event:

• to build an understanding about the French VAE system among policy makers from ETF partner countries to inspire development of refinement of their own national validation arrangements
• to build capacity by sharing best practices, methodologies and tools used in France
• to reflect and discuss the conditions necessary for establishing effective and sustainable validation systems
• to strengthen mutual exchange of experiences and partnerships among the ETF partners.