Adult Learning Professions in Europe (ALPINE)

Aim of the study

The aim of the project Adult Learning Professions in Europe (ALPINE) is to provide a deeper understanding of the state of professionalisation and professional development of the different groups of practitioners working in non-vocational adult education across Euroep (trends and developments). The findings are used to identify key issues and problems as well as areas where action is most urgently needed to make adult learning professions more attractive.

Rationale of the study

Throughout the last decade the national governments as well as the European Commission have stressed the importance of lifelong learning. It has been acknowledged that adult lifelong learning is of vital importance to help Europe become one of the most competitive and knowledge productive powers in the world. A long series of documents underlines this importance. In September 2007 these policy documents were made operational in a document drawn up by the European Commission: the Action Plan on Adult Learning – it is always a good time to learn. The action plan maps out how member states and other stakeholders can be supported from the European level to improve, implement and/or develop such a system and to monitor the results.

Adult learning staff plays a key role in making lifelong learning a reality. It is they who transfer knowledge, competences and skills to learners. However, not much is known about this particular group of practitioners. At a European level, there is a lack of information about various aspects of the profession, such as recruitment policies, what competences/skill they are expected or required to posesss, what their specific roles and tasks are, what their employment status is, and how attractive the profession is. Therefore, the European Commission decided to contract a study on adult learning professions in Europe.

Team

  • Anton Nijssen (RvB, project manager)
  • Bert-Jan Buiskool (RvB)
  • Frowine den Oudendammer (PLATO)
  • Jaap van Lakerveld (PLATO)
  • Hemmo Smit (PLATO)
  • Simon Broek (RvB)

Final presentation

The final presentation of the study: methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations.

 ALPINE final presentation March 2008.ppt 

Full text report

http://ec.europa.eu/education/more-information/doc/adultprofreport_en.pdf