This event will present the emerging findings from Cedefop’s study on individual learning accounts (ILAs) and discuss the future role of ILAs in (financing) adult learning systems, while responding to the EU’s ambition of increasing the number of adults who participate in training each year.

A skilled workforce is the motor of a prosperous green and digital economy, powered by innovative ideas and products, and technological developments.

As labour markets evolve, people need to keep pace by upgrading their skills.

New and better skills open up more opportunities and equip people to play an active role in managing transitions in the labour market and participate fully in society, against the backdrop of demographic change.

Moreover, adult upskilling and reskilling can be powerful tools in promoting social fairness and inclusion for a just transition.

Individual learning accounts is a recognised policy instrument, providing financial support to adults to help them access learning opportunities and increase individuals’ incentives and motivation to seek training.

In 2022, the EU recommended that Member States consider establishing individual learning accounts as a possible means for enabling individuals to participate in labour-market relevant training and, when establishing ILAs, put in place an ‘enabling framework’ (including career guidance, validation, national registry of (training) opportunities eligible for funding from ILAs and training leave) to promote the effective take-up of ILAs.

In response to the EU-level policy initiatives on ILAs, Cedefop launched a study aiming at exploring the potential for developing ILAs in selected EU Member States and providing support to stakeholders in designing and implementing ILAs.

To this end, the study proposes an analytical framework identifying the key functions of ILAs, drawing on the Council Recommendation as the main reference.

Using this framework, the in-depth case studies were conducted in five selected EU countries, namely Germany, Estonia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Austria, offering a better understanding of the strengths and challenges of the current arrangements relevant for ILAs.

Based on country analysis findings, the study formulates country-specific (as well as general) policy guidelines for implementing ILAs.

The objective of this online event is thus to present the emerging findings from Cedefop’s study and reflect on the future role of ILAs in (financing) adult learning systems, while responding to the EU’s ambition of increasing the number of adults who participate in training each year.

During the event, the views on these issues will be discussed by a range of stakeholders, including research community, practitioners as well as government representatives.