Thematic country review on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults in Croatia - key findings from three research phases and suggestions for future action

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Thematic country review analyzing Croatia’s upskilling responses for adults with low skill levels, linked to the 2016 Council recommendation on upskilling pathways. It synthesizes insights from three research phases, highlighting governance arrangements, financial and non-financial support measures, and outreach to beneficiaries. The review explains how tailored upskilling and reskilling services—beyond training—include outreach, guidance, validation of non-formal and informal learning, and obstacle removal, aiming to improve qualifications, skills and labour market outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages92

Reading Time3 h 52 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Purpose and EU context: a Union of Skills

Croatia’s policy response and key focus areas

Acknowledgements

Research production and supervision

Research team and national steering group

Research paper Thematic country review on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults in Croatia Key findings from three research phasesand suggestions for future action Thematic country review on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults in Croatia Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2026 Please cite this publication as: Cedefop. (2026) . Thematic country review on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults in Croatia: key findings from three research phases and suggestions for future action. Cedefop research paper. Publications Office of the European Union. [http://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2801/5490285](http://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2801/5490285) A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the internet. It can be accessed through the Europa website. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2026 © Cedefop, 2026 Unless otherwise noted, the reuse of this document is authorised under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. This means that reuse is allowed, provided appropriate credit is given and any changes made are indicated. For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not owned by Cedefop, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holders. PDF ISBN: 978-92-896-3996-5 ISSN 1831-5860 DOI:5490285 TI-01-25-049-EN-N The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) is the European Union’s reference centre for vocational education and training, skills and qualifications. We provide information, research, analyses and evidence on vocational education and training, skills and qualifications for policymaking in the EU Member States. Cedefop was originally established in 1975 by Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 . This decision was repealed in 2019 by Regulation (EU) 2019/128 establishing Cedefop as a European Union Agency with a renewed mandate. Europe 123, Thessaloniki (Pylaia), Greece Postal: Cedefop service post, 570 01 Thermi, Greece Tel. +30 2310490111, Fax +30 2310490020 Email: info@cedefop.europa.eu [www.cedefop.europa.eu](www.cedefop.europa.eu) Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director Tony Donohoe, Chair of the Management Board Foreword The European Union’s vision for a Union of Skills is founded on the conviction that investing in people is the primary catalyst for a resilient future. In a rapidly shifting global landscape, prioritising lifelong learning is no longer an ambitious ideal, but an economic necessity. While bridging skills gaps enables businesses to remain competitive and individuals to prosper, this vision remains elusive for many. Despite accounting for almost half of the EU population, adults with low skill levels frequently encounter a ‘vulnerability trap’, having to navigate precarious employment and systemic barriers to the labour market – yet they remain the group least likely to access the upskilling opportunities they need most. This publication is part of a series of thematic country reviews on upskilling pathways published by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and summarises the first insights into how Croatia has responded to the 2016 Council recommendation on upskilling pathways. The recommendation marked a significant turning point in EU and national policies, placing adults with low skill levels at the forefront and encouraging EU Member States to offer tailored upskilling and reskilling opportunities. The recommendation recognises that developing adults’ skills goes beyond training and encompasses a range of services, such as outreach, career guidance, the validation of non-formal and informal learning and the removal of obstacles. These services work together to create individualised pathways that address the unique needs and circumstances of each adult, leading to higher qualifications, better skills and employment. Croatia’s response to the Council r

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the thematic country review on upskilling pathways for Croatia?

It summarizes Croatia’s first insights into how the country responded to the 2016 Council recommendation on upskilling pathways for adults with low skill levels.

Which three key areas does the Croatia review focus on?

The review focuses on governance, financial and non-financial support, and outreach to beneficiaries.

What types of services are emphasized as part of effective upskilling pathways?

The publication highlights services beyond training, including outreach, career guidance, validation of non-formal and informal learning, and removal of obstacles.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jake