Lifelong learning and mobility for learning are taking place increasingly in a wide variety of contexts; formal, non-formal and informal and in different countries. A number of instruments have been developed to support European citizens, learning providers, companies, guidance counsellors and educational authorities and allow them to fully exploit the potential of the EU lifelong learning area and labour market.

The basis for European co-operation in VET was laid out in the Copenhagen Declaration . (The Copenhagen Declaration was the starting point of the Copenhagen Process). A central part of the process is the development of common European frameworks and tools to enhance the transparency, recognition and quality of competences and qualifications, making the mobility of learners and workers easier.

The system aims to facilitate the validation, recognition and accumulation of work-related skills and knowledge acquired during a stay in another country or in different situations. It should ensure that these experiences contribute to vocational qualifications.

more

EQF is a reference tool for the description and comparison of qualification levels in qualifications systems developed at national, international or sectoral level. The EQF’s main components are a set of 8 reference levels described in terms of learning outcomes (a combination of knowledge, skills and/or competences) more

EQAVET is designed to encourage mutual trust in national VET systems and to support lifelong learning strategies, European labour market integration and promotes a culture of quality improvement at all levels, while respecting the rich diversity of national education systems. read more about EQAVET in the EVTA thematic dossier on EQAVET.(opens in a new window)

People who are looking for a job – whether in their own country or abroad – need to be able present their qualifications and skills so that employers can correctly understand and appreciate them. The Europass service, provided through a network of national centres and an internet portal, provides a number of instruments to make this process easier. more (link to the EC website, opens in a new window)