Workers’ free movement and competence management in the European Union : a case study

Abstract

Purpose: The article deals with the important topic of recognizing professional competences within the European Union. Although the integration processes and the creation of the European credit transfer system, ECTS/ECVET, accelerated the process of validating learning outcomes, it did not significantly strengthen the knowledge of national education systems and recognition of learning outcomes achieved in individual countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The case study method was used to present the issues on the example of a project implemented under the Erasmus plus Program. The assumptions and effects of the project Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Transfer Needs on the European Labour Market were discussed. Findings: Creating new tools supporting job mobility is of great importance for building a single labour market in the European Union. This applies, in particular, to jobs that are in short supply. We should continue to increase knowledge and recognition of national formal vocational training systems, which will contribute to the implementation of the idea of an open labour market and will allow especially young people, graduates of vocational schools, to undertake work in accordance with their education. Practical Implications: The presented tools developed under the project may facilitate job mobility within the EU. At the same time, they can be enhanced and expanded in the future to be used for all practical purposes in other professions. Originality/Value: The importance of job mobility is extremely important in both EU policies and economic development. The search for new tools supporting job mobility is implemented, among others, under EU programs. It is important to promote the developed tools and also provide them with critical evaluation in the context of scientific discussion.