From October 2nd to 3rd, Praline project participants met at the Zagreb Chamber of Commerce and Crafts to explore outstanding Croatian initiatives in the field of lifelong learning and to meet Croatian actors involved in adult education.
Voucher” system to promote lifelong learning
The Ministry of Labor and the Croatian Employment Service have introduced an innovative “voucher” system aimed at financing training programs for long-term unemployed, inactive and unemployed and uneducated young people. This system is based on providing each individual with a specific amount of money through vouchers that can be redeemed at training centers. It is estimated that this initiative will benefit close to 30,000 people.
In addition, a system of micro-credentials, short learning units, has been developed to help people acquire a specific set of skills that will enable them to stand out and present themselves more effectively in the labor market
The aim of these initiatives is to increase the participation of adults in lifelong learning and, consequently, to improve the skill levels of employees, ensure a quality workforce and facilitate the transition to employment and the activation of the unemployed.
Guidance and promotion, key to boosting adult training
The presentation by Kristina Mazalin, Senior Expert Advisor at the Department of Vocational Guidance and Education of the Central Office of the Croatian Employment Service, emphasized the crucial need to provide information and advice to citizens to enable them to make targeted and effective training decisions throughout their lives. He especially focused on the importance of providing personalized guidance to those who face health difficulties, learning difficulties or are at risk of social exclusion. The e-Guidance portal stands as a valuable source of information and advice that supports clients in developing their career paths and making key decisions.
On the other hand, the Head of the Section for Development and Promotion of Lifelong Learning, Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education, Nives Novak, stressed the importance of deepening citizens perception of the importance of updating their professional and personal competencies. A change of social perspective that “Croatian Lifelong Learning Week” pursues every year by promoting lifelong learning among citizens and involving local institutions, adult education providers, associations, and communities in promotional activities.
Private initiative is also necessary
Itana Bukovac, head of the adult education department at the Public Open University of Samobor, developed her presentation around programs financed by entrepreneurs and state and local authorities. The Zagreb Chamber of Crafts serves as an example of commitment, actively participating in the promotion and retraining for craft professions.
Conclusions of the Praline project approaching
The project will reach its conclusion in the coming weeks in Rotterdam. In this event, each partner of the Praline project will present its conclusions derived from the analysis of methodologies, experiences and good practices collected during these months in countries such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Basque Country, Portugal, Ireland, Finland, Slovenia, Estonia, France and Croatia. In addition, the situation of each country in relation to lifelong learning will be assessed.
Ikaslan Bizkaia, in its constant effort to improve the quality of education, is part of the Praline project that during these years has sought to strengthen existing transnational networks of adult education providers through mutual learning, peer counseling and capacity building, in addition to seeking the consolidation of the EUproVET network.
