Changing patterns of working, learning and career development across Europe

Abstract

Since 2000 the European Union (EU) has sought to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world. In line with this goal, member states committed themselves to increasing European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) through the Copenhagen process. However, in this process relatively little attention has been given to continuing vocational training (CVT) and, more precisely, how individuals use continuing learning and engage with continuing vocational training to develop and direct their individual careers, particularly in the context of increased labour market flexibility and mobility.