PUBLIC HEARING
11 JANUARY 2007, BRUSSELS

Opportunity of a European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) for the mobility and the recognition of learning outcomes acquired from formal, non formal and informal contexts for citizens

The European Civil Society Platform for Lifelong Learning (EUCIS-LLL) organises a public hearing on the implementation of a European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) from 14h00 to 17h00 in the ECOSOC (68 rue Belliard, Brussels).

ECVET is one of the concrete initiatives which were decided in the framework of the Copenhagen process for promoting enhanced European cooperation in vocational education and training. This common tool, directly relevant to individual citizens, is to be developed within the European qualification framework (EQF). It should facilitate the mobility and the recognition of learning outcomes acquired from formal but also from non formal and informal learning. All the different sectors represented in EUCIS-LLL platform are thus concerned by this issue.

This encounter will enable the participants to evaluate the situation on the implementation of ECVET with representatives of European and national institutions, experts and social partners. EUCIS-LLL members will have the possibility to exchange their opinions and experiences on the implementation of this tool. Following this debate, the platform will work on a common position as part of the European Commission´s consultation "ECVET - A system for the transfer, accumulation and recognition of learning outcomes in Europe" opened until the end of March 2007 .

As outlined by the European Commission, ECVET can only work if it is based on a broad consensus. All the Education and Training actors member of the platform are expected to participate in this debate.

Jean-Marc Roirant,
President of EUCIS-LLL