European trends in professional training and development of production staff

Abstract

The article analyzes major trends of corporate personnel development in the European Union countries taking into account the socio-political context of EU integration. The influence of ideas of European dimension in education (EDE) on policy in the sphere of vocational education and training in member countries is characterized. The goals and objectives of the development of vocational education and training systems in context of the Strategy "Europe 2020" and implementation of its flagship programs are revealed. The author highlights the role of in-firm training and development of production staff in connection with increase of flexible access to vocational training and qualifications, making lifelong education real, improving the quality and efficiency of vocational education and training. On the basis of a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative indicators common trends are singled out and special features of in-firm training of employees within groups of countries close to certain characteristics and conditions (Western Europe, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Southern Europe) and in member countries of the EU are outlined. It is concluded that integration in the field of vocational education and training in the EU is gaining pace increasing convergence between European countries on many factors, including: availability of vocational education and training; learning new basic skills / competencies that are backed by synergies provided by formal and informal learning ways; increase of investment in human resource development with active participation of social partners; development of innovation in teaching and learning taking into account rethinking of the role of a teacher / trainer; improvement of mechanisms of assessing the quality of vocational education and training and its results etc.