The role of learning outcomes in supporting dialogue between the labour market and education and training; the case of vocational education and training

The objective of this study was to better understand the use of the learning outcomes approach as a tool for dialogue between the education and training system and the labour market.

The study documented and analysed whether and how this approach supports a continuous review and renewal of education and training and contributes to increased relevance and quality of VET provision. Particular attention was paid to the transformation of learning outcomes intentions into actually achieved learning outcomes and how this is taken into account in the dialogue between stakeholders.

A key is to better understand the use of learning outcomes in interaction between the worlds of education and employment.
Thus, the main purpose of the study included:

– to gather evidence on the strengths and limitations of the learning outcomes approach as currently being implemented across Europe;
– to further reflect on the conditions and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between the education and training system and the labour market in continuously reviewing and renewing qualifications and education and training provisions;
– to reflect on the relationship between the definition of learning outcomes and the monitoring of skills and competence needs in the labour market.

The study covers 10 countries and was coordinated by 3s and carried out in cooperation with Ockham IPS (NL) and national experts from eight other countries.