On February 12, 2025, the final complementary webinar of the PartnerUp project brought together experts, policymakers, and educators to discuss the critical role of upskilling and reskilling in shaping a resilient European workforce. Hosted online via Zoom, the event explored the project’s key findings, the challenges encountered, and the path forward in workforce development across Europe.
Key Themes and Discussions
The webinar opened with a keynote speech by Klara Engels-Perenyi, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Skills Agenda unit, emphasizing the growing importance of lifelong learning and targeted skill-building in the face of digital and green transitions.
Tina Mavrič from the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) provided insights into the impact of the PartnerUp project, highlighting its contribution to the EU’s Upskilling Pathways initiative.
Panel Discussion: Lessons from PartnerUp and Future Directions
Moderated by Dr. Xanthia Aristidou (CARDET), the panel discussion featured key stakeholders, including:
🔹 Ms. Antonela Marjanušić (Adult Education Institution Dante, Croatia) – Discussed the role of cross-country collaboration in strengthening upskilling programs.
🔹 Ms. Ruby Cooney (AONTAS, Ireland) – Addressed community education’s role in making learning accessible, particularly for vulnerable groups.
🔹 Prof. Alexis Kokkos (Hellenic Adult Education Association, Greece) – Explored barriers to upskilling and the sustainability of lifelong learning programs.
🔹 Mr. Didzis Poreiters (State Education Development Agency, Latvia) – Shared experiences on policy implementation and long-term workforce strategies.
The discussion covered:
✅ Challenges in implementing upskilling programs and strategies to overcome them.
✅ The importance of multi-sector partnerships in developing inclusive and accessible learning pathways.
✅ Ensuring the sustainability of upskilling programs beyond the project’s lifecycle.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Impact
The PartnerUp project has demonstrated the power of collaborative learning models and evidence-based policymaking in addressing workforce challenges across Europe. The final webinar served as a launchpad for continued dialogue, with panelists and attendees emphasizing the need for long-term funding, digital inclusion, and policy alignment to sustain the progress achieved.
For more details on PartnerUp’s outcomes and future initiatives, visit the project’s website.
