The fifth PartnerUp Study Visit was held in Cyprus between February 14th and 16th, 2024. During the three-day visit, partners explored successful strategies and approaches for promoting upskilling and lifelong learning in Cyprus and across Europe.
During the study visit, CARDET gave a presentation about its mission and role in adult learning while delving into the AdultDigitalUp project. This project, which focuses specifically on upskilling and reskilling the digital skills of adults, has also developed an interactive platform, which partners had the opportunity to navigate. By emphasizing the potential of technology-enabled learning solutions, CARDET provides flexible, accessible, and personalised learning opportunities that cater to diverse learner needs and preferences.
Apart from understanding the role of CARDET in adult learning, partners also had the opportunity to understand the pivotal role of HRDA in facilitating Upskilling Pathways, through its administration of various funding schemes and initiatives aimed at promoting lifelong learning and skills development among adults in Cyprus. Through these schemes, HRDA provides financial support and incentives to individuals, employers, and training providers to participate in training and upskilling activities, encouraging the uptake of formal and non-formal learning opportunities. Furthermore, the HRDA’s efforts to align training programs with labour market needs and industry demand ensure that participants acquire relevant, in-demand skills and conducive to sustainable employment and career progression. Through this study visit, partners will potentially draw connections with their country, seeking similar funding schemes that aim to draw connections between adult learning and the labour market.
Also, partners had the opportunity to visit the Cyprus Productivity Centre (CPC). The CPC plays a crucial role in promoting Upskilling Pathways by offering a range of training programs and initiatives to enhance the skills and competencies of the adult workforce in Cyprus. Through vocational training courses, workshops, and seminars, the CPC provides opportunities for adults to acquire new skills, update existing ones, and adapt to changing labour market demands. By focusing on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills development, the CPC equips individuals with the necessary tools to pursue career advancement and participate more effectively in the workforce. Additionally, the CPC’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences ensures that participants gain relevant and applicable skills that directly contribute to their employability and overall productivity. During the study visit, partners were given a presentation by a CPC officer who explained the organisation’s role. Also, partners had the opportunity to observe an actual class course and discuss it with the trainer and the participants. Partners observed two courses, one for the elderly focusing on digital skills and one for employees on health and safety matters.
Finally, a senior officer of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, European and International Affairs Office, delivered a presentation on adult education in Cyprus. The presentation provided insights into the historical development of education in Cyprus and the emergence of adult education across all levels of education, primary, secondary, tertiary/higher. The presentation highlighted how adult education is fragmented in Cyprus. At the same time, it stresses the role of the European and International Affairs Office, which aims to serve as the focal point for managing issues related to Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. By integrating the perspectives and contributions of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, European and International Affairs Office into the discussion, partners gained a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted approach that Cyprus is taking to advance Upskilling Pathways and foster lifelong learning opportunities for its adult population.
Overall, the study visit in Cyprus offered an exemplary knowledge-sharing platform and best practice exchange. It also marked another key milestone for the PartnerUp project as it continues its work towards developing tangible tools and strategies to further support and promote lifelong learning opportunities across the EU.
