New approaches in definition and delivery of ALMPs: Peer-learning seminar

As the world rapidly adapts to digital technologies, policymakers are faced with the challenge of designing Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) that can respond to new learning and working patterns. A peer learning seminar was organised by the European Training Foundation on 8 and 9 March in Rome to discuss new and flexible approaches in the definition and delivery of ALMPs.

Representatives from 20 ETF Partner Countries, including those from the Eastern Partnership countries, South Eastern Europe, and Turkey, Central Asia, and the South-East Mediterranean region, participated in the event alongside specialists from the EU Member States, the European Commission, Eurofound, and the European Labour Authority. Through a combination of presentations, group exercises and discussions, participants engaged in knowledge sharing and learned from international practices while exchanging insights on regional dynamics.

Thanks to the presentation of interventions creating positive results in different countries, it was possible to identify some key success factors such as the strong link with the private sector, the strong collaboration between different institutions and the strong cooperation between different countries, especially related to job search and placement. Good practices from participating countries were linked to voucher-based training schemes and matchmaking between employers and employees on online platforms. On the other hand, the lack of human and institutional capacity providing support to jobseekers and employees emerged as a common challenge.

As an outcome of the peer-learning seminar, the participants converged on some key priorities for action:

• the need for the digitalisation of PES services such as data gathering and management and service delivery;
• the need for an adjustment of the legal frameworks to enable easier acquisition and recognition of skills and qualifications;
• the need to pilot and mainstream (re)training and skills development and certification programs, including the development of validation formats, micro-credentials, and individual learning accounts.

The participants expressed their enthusiasm to continue with similar arrangements for shared learning opportunities, reflecting their main takeaways in shaping ALMPs, eventually allowing for cooperation among smaller clusters of countries in terms of designing and implementing the same or similar ALMPs models.

For more information on the event, check out the event web page and the event report attached:

Peer-learning Seminar: Towards flexible learning and working - New approaches in definition and delivery of Active Labour Market Policies | ETF (europa.eu)

Other relevant sources:

Active Labour Market Policies and Human Capital Development | Open Space (europa.eu)

Living, working and COVID-19 in the European Union and 10 EU neighbouring countries | ETF (europa.eu)

Mapping innovative practices in the field of active labour market policies during the Covid-19 crisis | ETF (europa.eu)

Innovative practices in the field of Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) in the ETF Partner Countries | Open Space (europa.eu)