1. The certificate of experience as powerful tool on the labour market Isabel Van Wiele Dep of Work and Social Economy 14/09/2007

2. The certificate of experience … a right ! Validating talents Wherever acquired With a view to the exercise of a profession By means of a certificate of experience A certificate of professional competence issued by the government For everyone! Fl. Gov. Act of 30 April 2004 – In operation from September 2006 onwards

3. Objectives? Making competences visible Stimulating the further development of talents Strengthening the position of vulnerable groups Optimum use of talents on the labour market and increased transparency of the labour market Valuing professions and jobs A competence-based education and training policy

4. Obtaining a certificate of experience Information and signposting Web site, Flemish Info Line, Campaigns, VDAB, … To an assessment centre Intake: exploratory interview Coaching: Completing a personal skills inventory Assessment: By means of a practical test and interview On the basis of a uniform Flemish standard Advice: certificate of experience or competence development The Flemish government (Dep WSE) delivers your certificate of experience

5. Deployment of services Step-by-step Start: (annual) selection of professions Call launched by SERV Sectoral social partners: driving force and courses of action Criteria Development of standards Uniform and Flemish benchmark SERV and sectoral social partners

6. Deployment of services(2) Development of standards Derived from professional (competence) profile Elements: Core competences Performance criteria (which behaviour must be observed) Guidelines for assessment Uniform tool to assess competences in a professional context by observing behaviour to accredit assessment centres

7. Deployment of services(3) Accreditation of assessment centres by the Flemish government Open call, biannually by ESF Criteria High-quality and transparent provision of services Quality label and audit Competent and independent personnel, code of conduct, … Objective and impartial assessment Methodology according to standard Remit of assessment centres Development and organisation of practical tests Signposting, coaching and counselling Government: Delivery – Appeal Panel

8. Financing Assessment centres receive financial support: ESF and Flemish co-funding: core funding and pathway funding Limited costs for applicants, currently free of charge

9. Civil effects?! Support of social partners Selection of professions Development of standards An objective and uniform benchmark Value of certificate of experience is uniform and determined by social partners An official certificate issued by the Flemish government

10. A reality?! In operation 9 accredited assessment centres for 16 professions bus driver, coach driver, out-of-school childminder, mobile crane driver, call center operator, industrial painter, hairdresser, hairdresser – salon manager, refrigeration mechanic, industrial weaver, scaffolder, stitcher, tower crane driver and removal packer and removal porter 10 new professions from January 2008 onwards Number of pathways: First certificate of experience delivered mid- November ‘06 Up to now more than 150 certificates have been delivered

11. Facilitating labour market entry Certificate of experience forms part of a broader policy, namely the Competence agenda (Agreement of 14 May 2007) Main purpose : Development of personal qualities Putting more people to work Making people confident about their abilities to succeed in the labour market Challenge: 10 Priorities (1) An informed choice of study, (2) workplace learning, (3) action plan on entrepreneurship education, (4) enhancing APEL, (5) action plan on youth unemployment, (6) stimulating the competence policy conducted by companies, (7) older workers, (8) incentives for workers, (9) career guidance, (10) sectors

12. Challenge for the Competence agenda: enhancing APEL Promotion of the certificate of experience by Focussing on the development of standards Taking steps towards a sectoral policy New call for professions Development of standards Promotion and awareness-raising activities Fully focussing on signposting : campaign and action plan designed by VDAB Developing a competence policy supported by the government Extension of APEL initiatives on the labour market APEL in function of shortened learning and training pathways A coordinated and coherent APEL policy in work, education and culture