On 21 April 2026, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) contributed to the EVTA Community MeetUp “Strengthening Basic Skills in VET: Supporting Learners for the Future”, organised by the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA).
The online session brought together European stakeholders to reflect on the growing importance of basic skills in vocational education and training, particularly in the context of labour market transformation, digitalisation and the green transition.
Representing EBSN, Secretary General Zoltán Várkonyi presented the Network’s perspective on the role of basic skills in supporting adults and learners who are most at risk of being left behind in changing labour market conditions. The contribution emphasised that literacy, numeracy and digital competences should not be seen as separate from upskilling and reskilling, but as a foundation for successful participation in learning, work and society.
The presentation highlighted several key messages:
- basic skills are central to labour market resilience, inclusion and competitiveness;
- adults with the greatest basic skills needs are often the least likely to participate in learning;
- effective policies require flexible and connected pathways across community learning, VET and workplace learning;
- integrating basic skills into vocational pathways works better than treating them as a separate remedial issue;
- and successful implementation depends on professionalisation, institutional commitment and strong partnerships, including with employers.
Particular attention was given to the importance of a whole-institution approach in VET, where support for literacy, numeracy and digital skills is embedded across teaching, learner support, assessment and progression, rather than left to isolated initiatives.
EBSN was pleased to contribute to this timely discussion and to bring an adult basic skills perspective into dialogue with the VET community. The MeetUp offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen exchange on how European policies and institutional practices can respond more effectively to the basic skills challenge.
EBSN thanks EVTA for the invitation and the excellent organisation of the session, and looks forward to further cooperation on promoting inclusive, relevant and high-quality pathways for learners and adults across Europe.
