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INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The conference entitled Developing Cooperation between VET, Higher Education and Adult Learning in Response to the Challenge of Lifelong Learning organised by FRSE in September 2011 was an interesting expert event which accompanied Polish Presidency. Due to a broad range of issues discussed, which included aspects of lifelong learning, the role of higher education institutions in assuring the quality of initial vocational education and training (IVET) and issues related to building cooperation between universities and institutions working on behalf of continuing vocational education and training (CVET), the conference made an important contribution to the discussion held in Europe on the need for closer corporation between the sectors of education and work. The discussion is refl ected in documents setting the priorities of the European Union, such as Europe 2020 – EU’s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; Strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020), and an Agenda for new skills and jobs. Also the Youth on the Move initiative announced by the European Commission in 2010 provided for realising the potential offered by educational mobility for improving the quality and attractiveness of education at all levels, and especially in higher education. Youth Opportunities Initiative, another initiative of the Commission presented to the public at the beginning of 2012, right after the conclusion of Polish Presidency, promotes solutions for young learners, including students, to gain hands-on experience during training in the form of placements and apprenticeships at companies thanks to opportunities offered by sectoral programmes, such as Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci. Therefore it is worth emphasising why the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) was able to play a special role in preparations for the conference and during which programme’s relevant output could be presented. Since 2007, LLP has been an important tool supporting the achievement of political goals on the European level. In accordance with provisions of Article 1 of the decision establishing the programme1, its role is to contribute through lifelong learning to the development of the Community as an advanced knowledge-based society, with sustainable economic development, more and better jobs (…).
1
Decision no. 1720/2006/EE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 establishing an action programme in the field of lifelong learning.