The Ministry of Education and Science adopted an action plan for the development of lifelong learning for 2017-20.
Replacing the 2014-16 action plan for the development of vocational training, it sets out three objectives for vocational education and training (VET) and lifelong learning:
- updating VET curricula and methods, focusing on competitive 21st century competences;
- developing a sustainable network of VET institutions and increasing social inclusion;
- developing efficient conditions and incentives for lifelong learning.
The action plan specifies actions and the institutions responsible for implementation. It also indicates the resources needed and sources of funding, either national budget or EU funds.
For VET, the action plan envisages a range of measures: support of apprenticeship and work-based learning; design of sectoral qualifications standards; modular VET programmes, external evaluation of VET provision and institutions; provision of career services; VET and lifelong learning promotion campaigns and skills competitions; reform and modernisation of the VET institutions network; further development of sectoral practical training centres; and design and establishment of a competence / excellence centre model.
Measures for lifelong learning include: key competence training programmes for adults; second-chance education for early school leavers; training of the older population; funding of non-formal and continuing training programmes and projects; preparation and implementation of procedures for validating non-formal and informal learning; participation in the OECD’s programme for the assessment of adult competences (PIAAC) and use of its results for policy making.