1. 1 Cedefops policy progress reporting 2006 - 2008 PLE on National LL Guidance Policy Forums Cedefop, 4-5 June 2008 presented by György Ispánki Policy Analysis and Reporting

2. Content Background and context of reporting Main objectives Thematic areas explored Sources of information G & C related findings and challanges Fields of cooperation and joint benefits

3. Background and context of reporting Helsinki Communiqué –Underlines the importance of reporting for enhancing the successful implementation of the Copenhagen process –Reinforces Cedefops reporting and monitoring role on progress in the VET policy priority areas

4. Main objectives To overview policy progress in the Copenhagen priorities, in particular on developments since 2006. To present the results of the overview: –at the informal meeting of Education Ministers at Bordeaux on 26 November 2008. This presentation will be supported by a brochure highlighting the main results and messages; –By means of a publication in spring 2009 at an Agora conference.

5. Main issues to be covered: MS national VET policy developments EU policy aims and achievements

6. Thematic areas explored MS national VET policy developments: Improving access to and equity in VET; Lifelong learning through VET; –Transfer between VET pathways; –guidance; –validation; Improving the quality of VET; –quality assurance; –teachers and trainers; Strengthening the links between VET and the labour market; –involving stakeholders; –responding to changing skills needs; Governance and funding; –changing institutional structures & funding arrangements –promoting partnerships.

7. Thematic areas explored Success in achieving EU policy aims: Implementing EU tools; –EQF/NQF; –ECVET; –Europass Developing better statistics.

8. Sources of information Cedefop experts working on the thematic areas of the report; self-assessment on progress and information on policy strategies - provided by the DGVTs reports and analyses of specific policies within the themes - provided by Cedefops ReferNet; other Cedefop networks as well as studies prepared by Cedefop; EU policy documents, relevant studies of the European Commission and other international and national organisations.

9. G & C as seen by DGVTs DGVTs acknowledge the importance of G & C and consider them one of the key priorities in VET Furthermore, G & C should be among the priorities of VET beyond 2010, to reach the objectives and consolidate the related policies The role of G & C is interrelated and underlined in most of the themes discussed

10. G & C related challenges General challenges: Low attractiveness of VET Information and coordination difficulties Competence development of VET teachers and trainers Motivation and guidance of individuals Raising awareness of opportunities for validation and its benefits (also among educational institutions, employers) Specific challenges: Consistent and easily accessible guidance systems still missing in most countries Guidance provision (services, measures, tools) not always visible Low awareness of guidance services available to different target groups

11. DGVTs self assessment on progress

12. The benefits of the policy reporting activity for the Guidance Forums Cedefops Policy report: Synthesised information on EU trends Global view of interrelations concerning G & C Trends and examples can be easily learned and adopted Refernet reports: review of the national characteristics of VET policy implementation Introduction to national strategies useful examples and lessons learned New working relationships and cooperation can be established

13. Benefits for Cedefop The policy report raises awareness concerning the different areas of VET policy development, hence ensures the better functioning of the forums Well functioning forums: contribute better to the overall attractiveness of VET and to the implementation of VET policies provide more practical feedback to policy makers and initiate more specific directions for VET policy development

14. Thank you for your attention! György Ispánki Project Manager Cedefop http://www.trainingvillage.gr/etv/Information_resources/NationalVet/Thematic/