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.

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.

Improving the evidence base for the overall public funding of adult learning and analysing its share compared to other segments of the education system. Revisiting existing funding schemes and gradually expanding the funding for adult learning to priority target groups and sectors.

Cooperation and coordination both within organisations (e.g. MoNE) and among organisations (e.g. various ministries, providers such as PEC and LLL Centres, universities and employer organisations) need to be enhanced. The role of the National LLL Council and the National Adult Learning Coordinator should be reviewed.

The two systems of IVET and CVET should not remain separate but should be more closely linked, or even dovetailed. Such a concept could offer people new and attractive career perspectives, as well as making VET more attractive.

A more systematic approach could start in key sectors of the economy as well as in the fields which suffer most from the traditional VET image problem.

Further research, analysis and more frequent monitoring is needed with regard to the large horizontal skills mismatch of VET graduates, including comparison with graduates from apprenticeships and general and higher education.

Current VET fields and branches should be reviewed to ascertain whether they correspond to current and anticipated labour market needs.

Clear and realistic targets for apprenticeships should be set and additional measures are needed to boost apprenticeship supply. The existing quality challenges of traineeships in VET should be addressed immediately, drawing upon the recently proposed Quality Improvement Plan for traineeships in IVET.

An expansion and redesign of the career guidance services is recommended and a coherent national system should be developed, including adult guidance. The current services must be better aligned and coordinated. Career guidance needs to start at an earlier stage and should also be embedded in the curriculum, with an emphasis on career management skills.