Learning and employability package

Key points

The EESC:

• considers that the rapid invention and spread of new technologies needs to be accompanied by effective upskilling and reskilling; calls again on the Commission and Member States to strengthen adult learning policies to meet and exceed the target of 60% of adult learning participation per year;
• asks that the proposals ensure that all adults, especially the most vulnerable, have the right to access, amongst others, effective, quality and inclusive employee training;
• considers that MCs should be viewed as separate to an ILA and as part of the toolbox of additional tools for continuous learning; underlines the importance of quality standards in the training market, particularly with regard to MCs;
• points at the importance of ensuring effective social dialogue and effective consultation, including with organised civil society, on whether and how ILAs and MCs' initiatives can be of added value in improving national and sectoral training systems;
• reiterates that ILA and similar financial systems need to support access to recognised and validated training courses and to allow workers to participate in processes to have their skills and work experience validated;
• welcomes the fact that Member States are encouraged to link MCs to their employment policies, including active labour market policies, in order to help reduce skills mismatches in sectors and regions while respecting access to full qualifications;
• believes that the proposed measures should not replace the existing forms of training provision put in place by employers and public and private employment services, public support for education and training institutions, or other types of support;
• believes that, when adopting and implementing the proposals for ILA and MCs, these must be compatible with the existing CVET systems of the Member States, with the role of collective bargaining, the regulation of working conditions and holiday entitlements for employees;
• calls on the Commission to support the exchange of good practices and mutual learning between Member States, with the involvement of the social partners.