Innovations for the integration of low-skilled workers into lifelong learning and the labour market : case studies from six European countries

The identification and analysis of innovative approaches and practices for the integration of low-skilled workers into lifelong learning and the labour market represents an important challenge from the perspective of employment, social and educational policies because of this group's numerous different disadvantages. Cedefop assisted the European Commission in the analysis and dissemination of innovative vocational training practices in Europe by including in its 2000 work programme the projects 'Observation of Innovations in Vocational Training' and 'Lower skilled Workers'. Cedefop continued this work in 2001 with the project 'Identifying and Analysing Innovations and Best Practices'. The study focuses on a selection of exemplary regional and national initiatives and European projects and partnerships with considerable innovation potential. This synthesis report presents innovative vocational training initiatives to improve the integration of low-skilled workers into lifelong learning and the labour market. It includes an analysis of their transferability to other regions and states, as well as to the EU as a whole.