CMNT_TITLE

Repetition

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2013 which includes detailed and comprehensive information in response to its 2009 direct request. The National Development Strategy “Moldova 2020” was approved in 2012 and comprises among its development priorities the education system’s alignment with labour market needs, in order to enhance labour productivity and increase employment. The Government indicates that, since 2010, a module on personal development and careers as well as a module on labour law have been included in the modernized curriculum of civic education. In general, educational institutions extra-curricular activities, such as vocational guidance, meetings with labour law specialists and economic agents, are being offered. Furthermore, in gymnasiums, students are offered a number of optional courses, including ethics in business, customer protection, entrepreneurial training, and education for gender equality and equal opportunities. The Committee notes that, in 2013, 17 vocational technical institutions offering the possibility of involvement in 49 professions and occupations were contracted for the purposes of training the unemployed. Moreover, the National Employment Agency (NEA) carries out an annual study “Labour Market Forecast/Prognosis” in order to achieve effective occupational training programmes in connection with labour market requirements. The NEA’s 35 territorial structures take into account the relevant labour market prognosis when carrying out their services (namely vocational guidance and orientation, as well as occupational training for the unemployed). The Committee welcomes the information received and invites the Government to continue providing further information on the design and implementation of education and training policies and programmes, closely linked with employment needs.

Article 4. Vocational training and lifelong learning. The Government indicates that, in accordance with the National Development Strategy, the policy in the field of education will be orientated towards ensuring its quality. The training of a skilled labour force will be ensured by promoting career guidance and providing lifelong occupational training opportunities. The Committee notes with interest that the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20) was adopted in February 2013, together with its action plan. The Government indicates that the overall objective of the Development Strategy is to modernize and streamline vocational and technical education, in order to increase the competitiveness of the national economy; the specific objective No. 2 provides for vocational training based on skills and its adjustment to labour market requirements. The Committee invites the Government to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20). It also invites the Government to supply information in respect of any lifelong learning measures adopted.

Article 5. Cooperation with social partners. The Committee notes that the National Council for Occupational Standards and Certification of Professional Skills is the platform for social dialogue since June 2008. The Council helps to ensure synergy between vocational and technical education, the labour market, and the national economy. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the steps taken, in the framework of the National Council, to involve the social partners in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.