The world of work known as yes to the reform of qualifying and vocational training

Our teaching is one of the most unequal in Europe, should we really worsen things?

The prospect of better alignment between teaching and training systems and the opportunities of the world of work has therefore been welcomed as an essential advance to respond to these challenges. The orientation note adopted by the governments of FWB and Wallonia traces the contours of an ambitious reform identifying a relevant set of work sites. However, this enthusiasm cannot obscure the realities and constraints that surround the implementation of such a ambition.

A wealth and a challenge

At this stage, several elements of the roadmap proposed by governments require more clarity and, in certain cases, specific objectives. It is urgent that the different actors sit around the table to specify the content and operate the big arbitrations. The reform must also provide for adequate and sustainable funding to ensure that the displayed ambitions do not come up against a binding budgetary reality. It should also be ensured that the new government of the Brussels Region (when it is formed) joins the process.

In addition, the diversity of the actors involved and initiatives is both wealth and a challenge. The multiplication of initiatives, although laudable, is more part of a punctual or localized logic than in a systemic vision. To guarantee the efficiency and sustainability of the planned transformations, a structured approach is essential, placed under centralized governance and allowing to advance in parallel on the various sites.

Bring together the teaching and training of the world of work cannot be conceived without their respective actors being involved in the design and implementation of changes. It is therefore important to establish shared governance of qualifying education and vocational training, where the economic world is recognized as a real partner and a lever, and not just an actor consulted punctually.

Qualifying education, social promotion, vocational training and higher education must also stop evolving in silos. A reinforced articulation is necessary to create a continuous, readable and accessible training course for learners and for businesses.

Best coordination

In addition, alternating training, often mentioned as a key response, must be supported by simplified regulatory frameworks and better coordination between operators. Vocational training, whether initial or continuous, must continue to respond more agile to changes in the job market.

A particular effort must also be devoted to the simplification of devices. Thus, administrative complexity discourages many employers to engage in training or work -study paths. The governance of the ecosystem is also excessive complex and calls for simplification.

-

Qualifying teaching must reform, otherwise …

Two sites are also of particular importance. On the one hand, improving the orientation of students to technical professions is a prerequisite for improving the system’s overall: an ambitious action plan must be established here. On the other hand, improving qualifying education also involves strengthening control of basic knowledge. On this point, we must not back down before the obstacle: it is advisable to implement the strengthening and lengthening of the common trunk. This measure is aligned with the reforms implemented within other countries that have permanently improved the quality of their education system. It also has the advantage of combining a positive effect on academic results and a reduction in school inequality with an improvement in the use of public resources.

Opportunity

We admire the educational teams of qualifying education and vocational training centers which are invested tirelessly to provide quality education. The proposed systemic reform is, for us, an opportunity to strengthen and generalize these positive dynamics. We also support the dual purpose (citizen and qualifying) of teaching, that it is a question of jointly strengthening.

The economic world is ready to fully engage in this reform. Success now depends on the ability of political, educational, and economic actors to work together in a logic of partnership and co-piloting. We understand the difficulties and fears associated with reorganization measures under discussion within the world of education. We hope that all stakeholders will be able to make the share of things and engage in this process in a constructive manner, for the benefit of the general interest of our two regions and the future of our children.

⇒