3) ECVET and Lifelong Learning

Why is ECVET relevant for lifelong learning policies?

ECVET was partially created to help people to build on what they have learnt in the past, when wishing to achieve a qualification.  
 
In Europe we are seeing an extensive economic restructuring, which creates a need for a flexible workforce. Lifelong learning facilitates individuals’ transition between different employment position, companies or sectors. It should also assist in the transition from unemployment or inactivity into employment. ECVET is a tool that can assist lifelong learning by improving transfer, recognition and accumulation of what has been learnt in the past.
 
As in the mobility projects, learning outcomes and units of learning outcomes are central for lifelong learning. The assessment, validation and recognition of units enable credit transfer and accumulation. This may help competent institutions to develop approaches whereby learners can build on the knowledge, skills and competence they have achieved in the past, be it formal education and training, non-formal training, through working, leisure activities or any other learning, in order to gain a qualification.

In what manner can ECVET be used for lifelong learning?
The idea behind credit systems is that once people have achieved specified learning outcomes, these remain relevant over a certain period of time. Asking people to undertake learning leading to the same outcomes would be a waste of time and resources. This is why credit can be transferred and accumulated to achieve a qualification.
 
Five situations can be distinguished in how ECVET can be used in a lifelong learning perspective:
  1. Progressively accumulating learning
  2. Changing the pathway and qualification within the same qualification system
  3. Changing the pathway and qualification from one system to another.
  4. Formalizing achieved learning outcomes
  5. Progressing or upgrading a qualification

The same structure that facilitates mobility of learners can therefore also be used to help learners update their qualifications and get recognition of prior non-formal and informal learning. This streamlines educational processes and creates a more flexible workforce.