The IT continuing training system and its international dimension

This volume examines the IT continuing training system, introduced in Germany in 2002, and uses comparisons with the French, Danish and Dutch systems as a vehicle for placing it within a European context. A presentation is provided of the various activities of EU institutions, specialist associations and organisations dealing with IT continuing training at a European level. This results in the identification of pertinent points relating to current vocational policy debate centring on „enhanced competence orientation“, „certification of informal learning“ and „institutionalisation of lifelong learning“. Will the future bring competition between vocational education and training and higher education or will there be a greater level of permeability? What is the value of national qualifications within Europe, and which approaches will foster horizontal and vertical mobility and thus support sustained employment opportunities?