Collaborating with partners in Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, NOVA-Nordic aims to enhance the integration of non-formal learning into the structures and systems of qualifications and validation.

Why is non-formal learning important?

The significance of non-formal learning and qualifications have repeatedly been underscored during the NOVA project's dissemination events, where international experts emphasised the critical role of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the different National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs). These frameworks provide a common structure for designing and describing qualifications, both formal and non-formal, making it easier to understand and compare skills across countries and diverse labour market systems. Representatives from other EU countries highlights the importance of integrating non-formal qualifications into their frameworks to facilitate labour market mobility, a fundamental principle of the European Union and the Nordic region.

NOVA-Nordic has illuminated the necessity of identifying good practices and support tools to seamlessly integrate non-formal learning into qualification systems. The outcomes of the project reinforce the importance for all EU member states to incorporate non-formal qualifications into their qualification’s frameworks, thereby enhancing the potential for leveraging labour market mobility as a tool to align workforce skills with the skills needs across the EU.

Bringing it all together

Bringing all these efforts together, NOVA-Nordic has tackled the challenges posed by the skills gap in industries lacking formal education pathways. The project has aimed to raise awareness of the pivotal role of non-formal qualifications among stakeholders, emphasising the value of non-formal learning for both the workforce and individuals. Acknowledging the need for support from both education and the world of work, NOVA-Nordic advocates for the full utilisation of non-formal learning and qualifications. Frameworks like National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs), which help both employers and individuals understand skills demands, are crucial. NOVA-Nordic has aimed to provide essential support and capacity building for all involved in the development and use of non-formal qualifications.

Looking forward

Looking ahead, the NOVA project has showcased the power of collaboration and international exchange of ideas in the realm of non-formal qualifications and validation of prior learning. It has emphasised the importance of integrating non-formal qualifications into national qualifications frameworks and fostering a more unified approach to skills supply. The NOVA-Nordic project is promoting skills supply systems where skills are recognised and valued, irrespective of their origin. This, in turn, strengthens labour market mobility and contributes to a more agile and resilient workforce.

As the workforce continues to evolve, and the demand for new skills grows, the international perspective on non-formal qualifications and validation will play an increasingly vital role. Initiatives like NOVA-Nordic are at the forefront of this transformative journey, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future of work not only in the Nordic countries but also beyond.

The main outputs and deliverables

1. A comparative cross-country analysis focusing on the approaches of seven countries to incorporate and level non-formal qualifications within their National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs), along with an examination of how systems integrate the validation of prior learning.
2. Compilation and analysis of good practices derived from diverse countries outlining their approaches in handling non-formal qualifications/learning, validation processes, and the interplay between these tools.
3. Development of a tool supporting the quality of non-formal qualifications during the developmental phase, contributing to a more reliable and standardised approach.
4. Core messages and recommendations based on the outputs of the project, serving as key takeaways.

In summary, the NOVA-Nordic project has identified distinct approaches among the seven surveyed countries regarding non-formal qualifications, validation, and their alignment with NQFs. This diversity may potentially result in variations across EU countries concerning mobility and the countries’ ability to interpret different qualification types. Particularly, instances where non-formal qualifications are not integrated, referenced, or aligned with NQFs could lead to discrepancies. Moreover, the absence of validation procedures in obtaining non-formal qualifications may conceal a plethora of relevant skills, rendering them invisible and unusable by the labour market. The efficacy of skills supply hinges on the visibility of all skills, making it imperative to address these issues for a targeted and effective workforce.

More information

Information about the project and all outputs can be found on the project website.