Higher education and the labour market Andrée Sursock, EUA OECD February 2007

…2… Higher education’s response:  The boundaries between university/industry have become very porous: e.g., contract research and university spin-offs  In terms of governance, trend for external members on university boards, including employers or employer representatives  In terms of the curriculum:  stress on learning outcomes  flexible learning paths, ECTS and accreditation of priori learning, including work experience  development of a qualifications framework at European level shaped by HEIs, students, trade unions, employers and governments

…3… Higher education’s response: In terms of teaching methods: student-centred learning In terms of student records: the Diploma Supplement In terms of quality assurance: including employers on evaluation panels Access issues: outreach to secondary schools and to minority students. working with vocational higher education institutions

…4… What more needs to be done? Strengthening research partnerships with industry Developing career services and in general student services to deal with “first-generation” HE students Promoting lifelong learning and recognition of informal learning Implementing learning outcomes Rethinking student assessment Convincing universities and employers that it is possible to get a job after the first cycle Encouraging work experience between cycles Promoting a discussion about the kinds of graduates we need for the 21st Century