Until the present, in those countries where it exists, a craft apprenticeship is a precondition for access to a profession or authorization to set up one's own business. With the spread of advanced technical training schools, technical colleges, and universities in the Member States of the European Community, a decline in the attractiveness of…

Discussion of whether and to what extent initial vocational training and adult education in European Community (EC) member countries can assume a modular form hinges on the issue of the module as an organizational principle. In such a context, modules are viewed not as closed teaching and learning units but rather as integral parts of a more…

The European Union's most important challenge is to establish permanent, reliable methodologies and systems that support transparency and recognition of vocational qualifications. The concept of "transparency of qualifications" has replaced "recognition" and "comparability.""Transparency" points to the need…

In accordance with the Treaty on European Union, the European Community (EC) has a supportive role to play for the Member States in the areas of education and vocational training. The free movement of persons, the right to establish a business, and the freedom to provide services are among the most important fundamental rights which apply…

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training has developed a thematic network on the Circle for Research Cooperation on Trends in Occupations and Qualifications (Ciretoq) to follow up its preliminary work on trends in qualifications and certification. On the basis of available surveys and surveys evaluated by Ciretoq, the…

A project in Europe is working to improve the quality of work, promote equal opportunities, combat exclusion and poverty; promote lasting economic growth and a European Union economic policy; and promote sustainable development and quality of life. In order to achieve these goals, three main objectives for vocational education and training (VET)…

This document, which is intended as the companion to a two-volume study of European trends in the development of occupations and qualifications, contains reference materials to assist policymakers and practitioners in accessing research findings and formulations on key issues of training and development. The document begins with an overview of the…