SAVE THE DATE : WORKSHOP ON CROSS-BORDER LEARNING AND THE RECOGNITION OF SKILLS AT THE EU REGIONS WEEK

The Euroregion Nouvelle-Aquitaine Euskadi Navarre is co-organising a workshop in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities on 10th of October 2023 in Brussels.  

In cooperation with the Euroregion Galicia Norte de Portugal, the two EGTCs will host a workshop on 10th of October at 4.30 p.m. It will address the challenges and barriers of cross-border learning, as well as the recognition of skills on both sides of the border.  

Language barriers, recognition of acquired skills… there are still many obstacles to cross-border vocational training. Through this session, we want to discuss about solutions to remove these barriers.  

To this end, the methodology developed to achieve certification mobility in the automotive sector (Interreg FORMA NAEN project) will be highlighted. The Euroregion Nouvelle-Aquitaine Euskadi Navarre will outline the various steps to be taken, as well as the conditions necessary for the formalisation of cooperation agreements between training institutions and certifying bodies for the bilateral recognition of blocks of skills acquired in a neighbouring country.  

Indeed, the Euroregion Nouvelle-Aquitaine Euskadi Navarre will present actions set up as part of the POCTEFA Interreg FormaNAEN project. The project aim is to develop a qualified vocational training offer, adapted to the cross-border context and able to offer real employment opportunities to young people.   

In turn, the Galicia Norte de Portugal EGTC will take advantage of the stages of developing a pilot project on cross-border learning. It will present the obstacles and solutions identified on the implementation of the cross-border dual formation between Northern Portugal and Galicia. Dual vocational training combines the training of students in the teaching centre and training through a professional activity in the company. It is in high demand, due to its high employability rates for graduates and for businesses due to the lack of specialised workers in certain fields. Solutions to address financial, administrative, or logistical barriers will be explained. 

In particular, the results of the B-Solutions study case on social security costs and credits for companies hosting students as well as for the certification of vocational qualifications in both countries will be highlighted.   

Speakers will reflect on the bottlenecks and vigilance points to be taken into account when implementing these experiments, as well as the importance of raising awareness of cross-border opportunities and the need to ask for solutions from relevant administrations when necessary.  

A time will be devoted to an exchange with participants to discuss other cross-border measures and initiatives, the necessary steps towards the recognition of vocational training diplomas and the implementation of cross-border apprenticeships. We want to answer the question : what are the needs, obstacles, opportunities and perspectives for development at a cross-border level ?  

The workshop will allow participants to learn more about cross-border issues and discuss about challenges and resolutions related to young people’s learning and skills development. 

Practical information :  

From 16:30 to 17:30
Jacques Delors building
Rue Belliard 99/101,
1040 Brussels 

More information and registration : European Week of Regions and Cities (europa.eu) 

The European Week of Regions and Cities is an annual event dedicated to the European Union’s regional policy, highlighting the importance of the local level in improving the daily lives of citizens. The 21st edition takes place during the European Year of Skills, and wants to highlight the capacity of regions and cities to increase economic growth and create jobs, while implementing EU cohesion policy. This year, the #EURegionsWeek will host more participants in the on-site sessions, from 9th to 12th of October 2023, in Brussels.  

The two Euroregions will take part in this honour of regions and cities by presenting two initiatives carried out in recent years in the field of apprenticeship and professional integration.  

For more information, you can consult the brochure dedicated to the INTERREG FormaNAEN project of the Euroregion Nouvelle-Aquitaine Euskadi Navarre here, and the website of the Euroregion Galicia Norte de Portugal here.