Objective

The specific objective of this call is to support the deployment by national and/or regional authorities in Member States and other EaSI participating countries (if they so wish), as an integral element in their implementation of the Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, of the provision of individual skills assessments (including literacy, numeracy and digital skills) for low skilled / low qualified adults (and in particular for priority groups identified by countries in the framework of the Recommendation, where relevant). 

Applicants (or lead applicant in case of consortium) must be a public entity in charge of national or regional policies and actions for upskilling/re-skilling adults. Any co-applicant must be public or private entities (profit or non-profit making) involved in the organisation and/or financing and/or provision of services to adults such as skills assessment, validation of competences, education and training, orientation and guidance. Affiliated entities and associated entities are eligible.  

The total budget earmarked for the EU co-financing (max 80% co-financing) of projects under this call is estimated at EUR 1 500 000. The EU grant requested should indicatively be between EUR 250 000 and EUR 500 000. The Commission expects to fund between three and six proposals.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 13/07/2018. The starting date of the action should be indicatively November 2018 – January 2019. The project's duration should indicatively be between 12 months and 24 months.

On "Upskilling Pathways"

The "Upskilling Pathways" Recommendation aims to support low skilled individuals (whether in employment, unemployed or economically inactive) to improve their literacy, numeracy or digital skills or progress towards higher qualifications relevant on the labour market by supporting access to upskilling pathways.

An "Upskilling Pathway" is a progression through 3 steps for low-qualified and/or low-skilled individuals, along with outreach, guidance and support measures:

• Skills assessment: find out what knowledge and skills they already possess and have them recognised and identify any gaps
• Tailored learning offer meeting the needs identified by the skills assessment, delivered in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders and with flexible approaches, adapted to adult learners
• Validation and recognition of the newly acquired skills, which may be the first step towards a new qualification.