Successful ITEM Seminar “The Recognition of Qualifications: Improving Recognition to Enhance Labour Mobility”

The day consisted of opening and closing plenary sessions. During the morning session speakers representing the European Commission, Benelux, and ITEM provided interesting presentations. The second part of the day consisted of the profession-specific workshops. Led by experts in their respective fields, participants were able to explore the particularities of the recognition of qualifications for each group of professions. The seminar included workshops on the construction industry, legal professions, health care professionals, and education and child care sectors. The day concluded with a plenary closing session where the workshop findings were discussed after which the final discussion ensued.

One of the core aspects stressed during the seminar was the absolute fundamental nature of mutual trust and cooperation, both within and across Member States, in the area of the recognition of qualifications. Improved coordination, information exchange, cooperation among educational institutions, standardisation of procedures, transparency of qualifications, and training on the system for the recognition of qualifications are examples of solutions and possible plans for action able to ensure smooth and efficient processes for the recognition of qualifications. In addition, coordination among organizations that are of crucial importance in certain professions can help improve recognition practice. Supporting grass-root initiatives, furthermore, increases awareness of the possibility and particularities of working cross-border. Broadly speaking there is a need for high quality information and awareness among potential cross-border workers about recognition procedures.

During the course of the day, documentation was made of the presentations and discussions. The seminar results will be presented in a report, expected to be published on the ITEM website shortly.