Improving adult learning in Greece through quality assurance and validation of prior learning

The green and digital transitions and the COVID-19 pandemic are changing the Greek labour market, after being shaken by a decade-long economic crisis. Workers and businesses need to adapt and seize new job opportunities through upskilling (improving existing skills) and reskilling (training in new skills). Despite progress, Greece still lacks a well-functioning continuing vocational education and training (CVET) system, limiting upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

EOPPEP – the National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance – has been institutionally mandated, under L. 4115/2013, with the establishment of a national framework for quality assurance of non-formal and informal learning and with the development of a system for the assessment and validation of prior learning.

The technical support will be delivered through an analysis of needs and gaps of the Greek quality assurance initiatives and actions for non-formal learning, as well as a review of best practices in EU Member States on quality assurance and on assessment and validation of prior learning. It will also provide recommendations with concrete steps and processes on developing a comprehensive national framework for quality assurance of non-formal and informal learning, based on extensive consultation with relevant actors and stakeholders. The support will also include policy recommendations on the design of a system for the assessment and validation of prior learning and a roadmap for its potential launching. 

The expected results of this project are that the Greek authorities will be equipped to introduce a quality assurance framework for non-formal and informal learning and to initiate discussions with relevant stakeholders on introducing a system for the assessment and validation of prior learning.

The expected long-term effect of this project is to improve the quality of adult learning and its labour market relevance and to support low-skilled adults by easing their access to education and training and the labour market through the assessment and validation of prior learning. Ultimately, the expected long-term effect is the quality upgrading of the CVET system in Greece.

• Reports: Roadmaps to introduce a quality assurance system for non-formal learning and a system for the assessment and validation of prior learning in Greece