Measures taken as response to the crisisHighlights of ReferNet Country reports, May 2009

INNOVE seminar

Tallinn 9.6.2009

Matti KyröReferNet Finlandmatti.kyro[at]oph.fiwww.oph.fi

Economic crisis, general features

Unemployment increased In all countries, but especially in countries like Latvia,

Lithuania

Short-time work, lay-offs increased Policy aims to encourage employers to invest on training

instead of dismissing employees Countries where employers can be prepared for future

upswing, for instance Austria, Finland

Economic crisis, general features

• Less negative impact on VET in countries where VET system is public and/or school-based

• Problems to find places for practical training in branches like construction, automotive industries, technology industries

• In many countries the number of new students in VET has increased

Measures already taken

• Increase in provision of VET• Public financial support for training to employers

who want to keep people employed• More financial support to unemployed and

vulnerable groups• Measures to secure practical training• Renewal of whole VET system• Stress on short-time work and lay-offs

Measures already taken

Austria Extended educational leave (decided before the crisis) Short-time work and qualification grant

Belgium More intensive stimulation of innovations Tax reductions Action plan for future engineers (Flanders)

Cyprus Emphasis on helping unemployed

Measures already taken

Czech republic Get into training project Training is a chance project

Estonia Study places allotted to adults who are contemplating

career change or want to raise their qualification level Practical training in workshops of schools

Finland Increased number of study places More financial support to employers who take and train

apprentices More stress on anticipation of skill needs

Measures already taken

Greece Financial support to training of unemployed in specific

occupations Training in “green occupations” Training in basic ICT skills

Hungary 4+1 (3+2) employment and training programme

Iceland Increase in provision of VET with state financial support

Germany Economic short-time work benefit

Measures already taken

Ireland Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation

Scheme Additional measures for training of unemployed

Italy Ad hoc training modules Social support for vulnerable groups

Latvia Improving efficiency and effectiveness of vocational

education funding and the delivery Decentralisation of decision-making power Strengthening evaluation, regulation and accountability in

the education system

Measures already taken

Lithuania Plan for stimulation of economy Programme for the development of practical VET

resources

Netherlands Social Agreement Part-time unemployment Regional mobility centres

Norway Temporary increase of the apprenticeship subsidy

Measures already taken

Poland Planned reform of VET

Romania Investment and Employment Initiative

Support to economic activity

Slovakia National Project “100“

Support for citizens at risk of mass dismissal  Guidance and support for employees at risk of job loss Training of citizens at risk of mass dismissal 

Measures already taken

Slovenia Planned measures for raising level of education and

training Training of unemployed

Romania Investment and Employment Initiative

Support to economic activity

Spain Excellence of VET Recognition of experience Increase in supply

Measures already taken

• Sweden• Adult VET initiative• Apprenticeship training

• United Kingdom• Apprenticeship 'Clearing House’• Financial package of government