Validation and Recognition of Competences in Focus
The information event, held on 3 November 2025 at the AK Upper Austria Congress Hall in Linz, brought together numerous experts from research and practice to exchange views on approaches, challenges, and perspectives in this important field.
In her presentation “Austria in the European Context – Looking Beyond the Horizon”, Karin Luomi-Messerer (3s), highlighted international developments and positioned Austrian approaches in this context. Her contribution included selected examples from the European Inventory on Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning, alongside an analysis of the methods applied and the distribution of activities across the education, labour market, and third sectors.
Further inputs were provided by Birgit Mock (AK Upper Austria), presenting recent findings from “Du kannst was”, Karin Gugitscher (öibf) on the current state of validation in Austria, Philipp Assinger (University of Graz) on multiprofessional approaches, as well as a panel discussion with practitioners from counselling, continuing education, and research.
The event was opened by AK President Andreas Stangl, who underlined the importance of recognising professional competences as a key factor for fair opportunities in the labour market.
Following the event, AK Upper Austria hosted a celebratory ceremony honouring the graduates of the Upper Austrian social partner project “Du kannst was” for successfully completing their apprenticeship examinations.
The full event documentation is available here.
Contact: Karin Luomi-Messerer
