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CEPI joins the Commission urging Member States to recognise skills and competences of professionals

The European Commission has published a proposal for a recommendation urging Member States to establish national systems for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. It aims to increase job opportunities for the unemployed and those with few formal qualifications. Non-formal and informal learning leading to the acquirement of skills and competences are important considerations in the area of professional qualifications in the real estate sector and CEPI therefore welcomes the recognition by the Commission of their role.

The Commission's proposal is part of the Europe 2020 initiatives “An Agenda for New Skills and Jobs” and “Youth on the Move”. It complements the European Qualification Framework which promotes validation of formal education.

“Non-formal learning” takes place in a formal learning environment but does not generally lead to a qualification or diploma. Examples include courses, workshops, conferences or seminars. “Informal learning” takes place in a variety of places, for example at home, in an association and through daily interaction between people. Examples include language learning, cultural norms and manners.

Only four Member States, Finland, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, currently have comprehensive systems in place for validation of non-formal and informal training. France and Luxembourg have similar systems which allow all qualifications, except for the regulated professions, to be obtained through validation of non-formal and informal learning. In the Netherlands people can submit a description of their experiences to a recognised provider of “experience certificates” for the purpose of job applications or formal recognition by an examination board. In Finland education laws allow for the validation of experience in many education fields and levels.

The property professions are semi-regulated, and, particularly for professionals coming from countries which are not regulated and who wish to work abroad, it is important to be able to have recognised the skills and competences which those working in the sector have acquired in practice.

The proposal for a recommendation made by the Commission will be discussed by the European Council and is expected to be adopted by education and youth ministers on 23/24 November. A copy is available at http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/informal/proposal2012_en.pdf