Page 2 - Festival-Flash-Report

European Validation Festival
The 1st European Validation Festival was held in Brussels from 14-15 June 2018 and brought together
over 300 stakeholders from employment, education and training, civil society organisations, and social
14-15 June 2018, The Egg, Brussels
partners. The Festival explored policies and practices on the validation of non-formal and informal
learning in Europe and looked towards the future. To see the Festival opening video click here and for
highlights click here.

The first day supported mutual learning from the wealth of innovative and inspiring initiatives and
projects on validation in a marketplace setting and in interactive workshops. Over 40 regional, national,
sectoral and European practices were presented and provided an informal framework for participants to
meet, discuss, exchange and learn with and from each other. Participants also posted questions and
comments on the Wall of Questions, providing input to the panel discussions of Day 2.

12 interactive workshops covered a very wide range of topics, including validation of learning for
vulnerable groups such as low-skilled adults, migrants and refugees; youth and volunteering
experiences; innovative skills assessment approaches; new technologies; involvement of employers; and
qualifications frameworks.

The second day provided a forum for a policy debate about the latest developments in validation with
various stakeholders. The forum was opened by Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment,
Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, and followed by 2 spotlight speakers: David Rivoire, President
of VAE Les 2 Rives, and Laure Joachim, Head of Group’s ‘Associate Employability’ Unit at Adecco. They
highlighted the need for much closer cooperation between education & training providers and employers
and to look for a “common language” on validation.

2 panels added their voices: firstly, learners shared their personal experiences of validation. The learner
stories demonstrated both the benefits of validation and the challenges encountered, including in
recognising prior formal learning (abroad), and the need for support in finding out about and following
up validation opportunities. While identification and documentation is more easily available (i.e. through
Youthpass), assessment and certification are the more challenging steps in the validation process, as
these are often institutionalised and require funding. Experts in the second panel focused on practical
ways to achieve a commitment from all stakeholders to deliver on validation. In a diverse learning and
working environment, many stakeholders need to bring their expertise to design and deliver validation.
Guidance is key in making people aware of validation opportunities, while social partners can bring
knowledge as to the skills needs and standards of employers.

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