Workshop on Training for Employability: Attracting Invsestment and Increasing Employment in SEE by Enhancing Labour Force Skills.

Thessaloniki, 21-22 April 2005

The Workshop ‘Training for Employability’ was organised in direct response to a recommendation made at the Bucharest Conference on Entrepreneurship and Employment in May 2004, namely that education and training need to be further geared towards employability and entrepreneurship. Organised by the European Training Foundation in co-operation with WTII of the Stability Pact, the workshop brought together individuals from ministries of economy, labour and education, private sector representatives, social partners and donors. The event, which was held on 21-22 April at the CEDEFOP training facility in Thessaloniki, also complemented ongoing co-operation under other SP initiatives.

Structured around three parallel working groups, the workshop provided an opportunity for the different networks and experts to meet, exchange views and brief each other on issues related to skills requirements in transition economies, education and training of the workforce, and the impact of donor activity on policy development. The workshop concluded that whilst employment policies and strategies for life-long learning exist in SEE, they are still at a very early phase and must be developed into long-term comprehensive policies which support the economic transition process and are tailored to suit local circumstances.  It is also crucial that such initiatives recognise the central role played by human capital development, education and social protection, and take into consideration the overall climate for enterprise development. The need for a thorough study of the skills gaps existing in South Eastern Europe was also underlined, with the private sector and social partners collaborating to identify skills requirements and plan for the development of a qualified and skilled labour force.

The next specific activity that will take place under this umbrella theme will focus on issues related to stimulating the climate for enterprise development in South Eastern Europe.

• Agenda
• Summary Report
• Issue Paper
• Presentations
  
  
  • Opening Plenary Session
    • Introductory Remarks by Arjen Vos , Head of Enlargement & South Eastern Europe Department, European Training Foundation
    • “Training for Employability: Skills Requirements in Transition Economies ”, by Nikos Efthymiadis, Chairman, Business Advisory Council for South Eastern Europe
    • “The Maastricht Communiqué: Enhanced Co-operation in Vocational Education and Training ”, by Eleonora Schmid, Project Manager, European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
    • “Labour Market Reviews in Western Balkan Countries ”, by Jean Raymond Masson, Senior Expert, ESEE Department, European Training Foundation
    • “Changing Labour Markets and Employability Training in South Eastern Europe ”, by Anastasia Fetsi, Deputy Head, ESEE Department, European Training Foundation
      
      
  • Working Group I:
    • “Skills Requirements in Transition Countries- The Investors’ View: Bosnia and Herzegovina”, by Slavica Korica, Deputy Director, Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • “Skills Requirements in Transition Countries” , by Jelena Katic, Manager, International Relations Department, Croatian Employers’ Organisation, Croatia
      
      
  • Working Group II:
    • “Education and Training for Increased Employability”, by Meri Lorencic, Quality and Project Manager, DOBA Epis, Slovenia
    • “Vocational Training in Romania”, by Petru Blanariu, Director for International Relations, National Agency for Employment, Romania
    • “The Vocational Education and Training System in UNMIK/Kosovo”, by Anton Gojani, Head, Vocational Training Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, UNMIK/Kosovo
      
      
  • Working Group III:
    • "Linking Donor Support to Policy Development: the Role of the European Investment Bank”, by Grammatiki Tsingou, Director, Directorate for Lending Operations in South Eastern Europe, European Investment Bank
    • "Human Resource Development and Employment”, by Radmila Bukumiric Katic, Assistant Minister, Employment Sector, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Policy, Republic of Serbia
      
      
  • Closing Session:
    • Presentation by Business Dynamics , by David Millar, Chief Executive Officer, Business Dynamics, United Kingdom