Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning

Non-formal learning is defined according to Law 4763/2020 as organized learning that is implemented with specific educational objectives, learning support, and planned activities. It includes programs related to the development of vocational skills, adult literacy, and the basic education of individuals who have left school early.

Informal learning according to Law 3879/2010 refers to learning activities that take place outside organized educational structures, in the workplace, during leisure time, or within the context of social and cultural activities. It includes forms of self-directed learning, experiential learning, and skills that are acquired informally during professional life.

The central body for the validation of qualifications acquired through formal, non-formal, and informal learning is the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications & Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) which constitutes the competent body of the European and National Qualifications Framework

EOPPEP:

• Certifies the professional training of IEK graduates 

• Certifies the educational adequacy of adult educators

• Designs and implements the framework for certification and quality assurance of non-formal learning

• Develops, updates, and implements the National Qualifications Framework

• Recognizes equivalencies of Technical and Vocational Education diplomas, which primarily correspond to Levels 3–5 of the National Qualifications Framework

• Provides career counseling and guidance services

• Contributes to the validation of skills acquired through informal learning, within the framework of policies promoting permeability between learning pathways

The Committee of parity operating in EOPPEP is responsible for examining applications for the granting of equivalent Technical and Vocational Education degrees, other than those of Higher Education. Equivalent are titles of this level, which have been issued by abolished schools in the country or similar schools abroad. 

The development of the National Qualifications Framework, as stated in law 4763/2020, serves, among other things, the recording, description and recognition of all qualifications acquired through the formal and non-formal education and training system, as well as non-formal learning.

Finally, Law 4763/2020 establishes the "permeability" (horizontal and vertical mobility within the learning paths) of the standard education system, reflecting education and training as a learning continuum, offering more options for more people and providing opportunities to access higher-quality and higher-level studies within the educational structures.

Information and guidance

Regarding the validation of non-formal and informal learning the main principles are described in law 4763/2020 as well as in the Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth 2022-2024, which was developed by the Central Council of Vocational Education and Training of the the  General Secretariat for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth (GSVETLLY) ,

The Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth 2022-2024 mentions as a strategic goal the strengthening of extroversion at the level of Vocational Education and Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth. Specifically, the strategic goal concerns "the sensitization and information of the whole society regarding the competitive advantages of Vocational Education and Training & Lifelong Learning, with the aim of enhancing the attractiveness of VET, which is a strategic priority in our country as well, in order to conduct Vocational Education and Training from a solution of need for a few, to a conscious choice and employment tool for many, in order to attract trainees, who consciously choose the specific path of professional development and at the same time shift the public opinion for the value and contribution of VET in the society as a whole.  

The information on lifelong learning issues will be supported by the creation of a platform on the website of the General Secretariat for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth (GSVETLL & Y), in which all relevant programs will be captured, with thematic indexing, so that it is easy to be searched and found by those interested. The publication of Lifelong Learning activities through press releases, publications, social media accounts, information points will also contribute to the attractiveness of these programs. It is also important to create a network of communication with local agencies, which can detect the educational needs of the population. 

According to the Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth 2022-2024 the creation of a communication platform with the stakeholders and the society is anticipated. It aims to inform and update: 

• Students

• Instructors

• Candidates

• Search for competent services and submit requests

• Provision of information about the alternative routes that VET and Lifelong Learning offer

Finally, and as far as extroversion is concerned, it is foreseen to utilize the networking of bodies such as EOPPEP as a National Benchmark of European Networks, more specifically: 

• as a National Coordination Point for the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

• as a National Partner in the European ReferNet network of CEDEFOP - since 2016 onwards EOPPEP operates as the national partner of the European network in Greece in terms of national systems of vocational education and training

• as a National Reference Point (NRP) of the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) - developing a mechanism for diagnosing work needs in knowledge and skills with the aim of updating and improving the Curricula of VET

• as a Europass National Center – Europass constitutes one of the most well-known European tools promoting educational and work mobility in European countries

as a National EUROGUIDANCE Center of Greece - since 2000 EOPPEP is a member of the European Network of Information Centers for Vocational Guidance Euroguidance

Quality assurance

EOPPEP is the national benchmark for quality assurance and represents Greece in the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET). 

As mentioned in the Eurydice network, EOPPEP aims at ensuring and upgrading quality in the following sectors: 

• The provision of non-formal learning: through certified Institutions and Organizations that implement non-formal learning programs with certified specifications, based on certified Professional Outlines, and in which certified Adult Instructors teach, with the support of certified Executives for individuals from socially vulnerable groups. 

• Learning outcomes: certified knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through non-formal and informal learning pathways. 

• The provision of career guidance and counselling services: services and tools for lifelong career development and school career guidance, utilizing modern information and communication technologies, development of networking mechanisms and upgrading career guidance and counselling services, a wide range of personalized services to a wide range of the population. 

The quality of the programs offered in the framework of non-formal learning is largely determined by the educational competence of the instructors, the quality of the educational material, the educational structures and the existence of a system of certification of the learning outcomes. In this direction moves the institutionalization with the provisions of law 4763/2020 control system and supervision of Lifelong Learning Centers (LLC), register LLC, certification of the programs they offer and validation of the learning outcomes as well as the establishment of strict standards regarding facilities, infrastructure, staff and instructors.