Starting from the second half of the 20th century the world wants to substitute the principle “education for the whole life” by the principle “education during the whole life”. The aim of the education policy is to create all the necessary conditions for study and obtaining modern general and professional knowledge. The United Nations Organization has called the 21st century “The century of education”. It has generated an innovative approach to the process of education and the change of the cultural and social stereotypes and has greatly influenced the labor market. We see a constant increase of the importance of Non-formal learning which is already recognized by the employers all over the world.
Non-formal learning
Non-formal learning is a way of obtaining professional knowledge and skills by means of the lectures, seminars, workshops, experience exchange sessions, etc. The students, as well as the owners of the business or top management, have a possibility to communicate with peers, share their knowledge or solve the issues of their organizations. The knowledge obtained within a framework of non-formal learning is practical and applicable and not that much theorized as in the universities or colleges. Nowadays there are plenty of free webinars or courses which give an opportunity to get the knowledge in a needed sphere of activity, or find the answers to the questions you have. For instance, you want to promote your on-line shop and you don’t know what you should do for that. In such a case, you may attend the courses on Internet Marketing and SEO optimization, listen to a webinar on this topic or attend a meeting of young entrepreneurs and ask them to share their knowledge. Non-formal learning makes education more affordable and accessible for a bigger quantity of people, not depending on their income and status.
Europe 2020 Strategy
The countries members of the European Union have recognized the system of non-formal learning and they consider it to be a key opportunity of solving the problem of lack of highly qualified employees in the developing sectors. It will also help to restore the economy and will stimulate professional mobility. The countries will create all the necessary conditions to make education accessible for a bigger quantity of people and make their inhabitants more professional which will have a positive impact on the development of the countries.
Bologna Process
Bologna process is aimed at the contingency and the alignment of the education systems of the European countries and the creation of the unitary space of the European education. It was created in 1999 after the Bologna Declaration was signed. The European Qualification Framework was created as a tool which enables communication and interaction between the European education systems. Due to this program, all the diplomas of the countries-members of this process are recognized in Europe. So, this helps the people to be more mobile and find work in any European country. The owners of the small or medium enterprises will be able to find a cheaper but highly professional staff in another country, or make them work remotely for them. It is also a good possibility to leverage the knowledge and professionalism of the staff and make them attend on-line courses, webinars and workshops. It will have a positive impact on the development of business and on people’s efficiency.
