Peer Learning Activity (PLA) focusing on the processes of including qualifications awarded outside the formal education system was held at the beginning of April.

The meeting, which took place on 8–9 April 2025 in Warsaw, gathered participants who shared good practices from different countries and jointly explored solutions that could be implemented to further develop national qualifications systems. There was broad agreement that formal and non-formal education do not compete with each other – on the contrary, they are mutually complementary. Close cooperation between education and business plays a key role in building effective qualifications frameworks. Only through such collaboration can we respond efficiently to the rapidly changing needs of the labour market.

“During our discussions, it became clear that, regardless of geographical or organisational differences, we face very similar challenges in developing national qualifications systems. We all recognise that in the face of demographic change and rapid technological progress, non-formal education is becoming an essential pillar of lifelong learning. These shared experiences confirm that further strengthening and integrating qualifications from outside the formal system not only enhances the flexibility and accessibility of education, but also helps us respond effectively to the dynamic needs of the labour market.”
— Maciej Tauber, Project Leader, ZSK6 / IBE-PIB

A key part of the PLA consisted of case studies from participating countries. The event featured presentations from Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, as well as insights from the host country, Poland. On the first day, participants visited the Sectoral Skills Centre in Grodzisk Mazowiecki (logistics sector) to learn about innovative and attractive forms of education combining formal and non-formal learning.

The second day, held at IBE-PIB, included three workshops followed by a panel discussion summarising conclusions on enhancing the transparency of non-formal qualifications and building trust in them, while also addressing potential risks and ways to mitigate them.

This Peer Learning Activity (PLA) on the inclusion of qualifications awarded outside the formal education and training system into national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, Cedefop, the Central Examination Board, and the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute. Poland acted as the host country.

“Experiences such as this PLA are an excellent opportunity to exchange inspiring ideas and jointly seek ever more effective tools,” emphasised Dr Emilia Danowska-Florczyk, Deputy Leader of the ZRK3 Project. “During the meeting, we discussed, among other things, resources that can be used to expand data in public qualification registers and the directions for developing tools that support educational and career guidance. Our solutions for data processing using AI attracted considerable interest, which has already resulted in an invitation to a Cedefop workshop,” she added.

The meeting was co-organised by the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute as part of the project ‘Supporting the Further Development of the Integrated Qualifications System in Poland (ZSK6)’ (FERS.01.08-IP.05-0001/23), co-financed by the European Funds for Social Development.

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