Die Herausforderungen des 21. Jahrhunderts verlangen neue Ansätze für das Lernen für die Arbeit. Die Berufliche Aus- und Weiterbildung (VET) in Europa entwickelt sich weiter, aber wir brauchen eine klarere Vorstellung davon, wie moderne Berufsbildungssysteme gestaltet sein sollten. So lautet die zentrale Botschaft des Cedefop-Direktors (Cedefop: Europäisches Zentrum für die Förderung der Berufsbildung) James Calleja.
Vocational education and training in Europe: old roots for new routes
The challenges of the 21st century require new approaches to learning for
work. Vocational education and training (VET) in Europe is evolving, but we need
a clearer vision of what modern VET systems should look like. This was the
central message of Cedefop Director James Calleja’s presentation to the European
Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee, in Brussels on 29
January.
This year marks Cedefop's 40th anniversary. Citing its
theme, Old roots to new routes, Mr Calleja said: 'The old roots of established
European VET systems must provide new routes - pathways, options and
opportunities - to jobs and careers. VET has long-established roots in many
European Union Member States. These roots nurture skills that grow into
qualifications that sustain transition to work and further career development.
But those old roots need to provide new routes and new ways for people to update
their skills and gain new qualifications to find work, build rewarding careers
and enjoy quality of life. Modern VET systems also need to provide new routes
for enterprises to develop skills for economic excellence and competitive
performance.'
Mr Calleja highlighted that many of the features of
modern VET systems are emerging, illustrated by work Cedefop is doing. 'With the
European Commission, Member States and social partners, we are, for example,
rethinking the role of work-based learning for young people and adults. We are
working together on European instruments to make VET systems more flexible, so
that all types of learning count, mobility for learning and work is easier and
learning opportunities of all kinds are available throughout life.'
However, these different initiatives need to be integrated more closely. 'For
example,' he says, 'it is not just a case of improving how VET systems operate,
but also their interaction with and relevance to the labour market. Cedefop has
also shown that skill supply and demand forecasts that inform policy-makers
about labour market trends are an essential feature of any VET system.'
Mr Calleja stressed that it is for Member States to decide the features of
their modern VET systems. However, European cooperation has had a strong and
positive influence in this area. Debating, agreeing and translating those
features into a shared vision of what modern VET systems should look like may
help to focus and uphold VET reform during a difficult period following the
economic crisis when resources are limited and tough decisions needed.
For the Cedefop Director, 'modernising VET will probably always be a work
in progress.' He added: 'This underlines the case for having a point of
reference that sets out the features of modern VET systems. These features
should recognise the important role VET plays in both personal and economic
goals, of helping directly people and enterprises.'
The members
of the EMPL Committee are very focused on Commission President Jean-Claude
Juncker's investment plan. Their concern is social return on investment.
MEP Jutta Steinruck, coordinator of S&D in the EMPL Committee, said
that the agencies provide a valuable contribution to European policy. She
considers Cedefop and its work in the field of VET to be 'an important tool to
combat youth unemployment.' She also believes that MEPs and other policy-makers
need to be informed on which skills will be needed in the future.