The validation and recognition of prior non-formal and informal learning (VPL) is a priority of EU
educational policies and central to lifelong and life-wide learning. The aim is to strengthen the
flexibility of learning pathways to increase labour market transition and mobility across Europe.
Key objective is to enhance employability and labour market opportunities for disadvantaged
individuals such as the low skilled, unemployed, migrant workers, refugees and individuals with
restricted labour market and learning opportunities. This edited volume summarizes the main
findings of the ERASMUS plus project "Effectiveness of VPL Policies and Programmes - Individual
and Employer Perspectives" (Effect VPL), which was funded from 2016 to 2019. The contributions,
which focus on the four participating countries Denmark, Germany, Poland and Turkey, provide
an overview of current topics in the field of VPL. They comprise theoretical as well as empirical
perspectives on VPL focusing, inter alia, on the socio-economic context, adult education and
lifelong learning in Europe. Likewise, perspectives of those involved into VPL processes -
individuals, employers, counsellors and trade unions - are presented and analysed. Hereby, the
book not only contributes to the scholarly debate on VPL in Europe, it furthermore offers handson
approaches for VPL processes putting the individual at the centre of the validation process.
