Anna's learning journey: the European Learning Model (ELM) in 10 steps

The European Commission recently launched the European Learning Model which is a comprehensive data model for use across the European Education Area.

What is the ELM? It is an overarching architecture which aims to support all learning activities and engagements from the initial identification of learning needs to meeting labour market needs and opportunities.. The ELM supports upskilling/reskilling and lifelong learning.

Until now every country and sector, level of education had their own way of providing data and information related to learning – now by using a common language, labels and resources we can support the individual in their learning pathway.

To see how the model works the Commission have given the example of Anna's learning journey.

What does this mean in Ireland for learners and providers/awarding bodies?

• Information on all learning opportunities will be made available for every country using a standardised European Learning Model (ELM).

• QQI and Europass supports the model already through uploading the Irish Register of Qualifications to Europass where the data on qualifications recognised in the NFQ is visible for Ireland.

• The scope and infrastructure is now also in place for the creation of digital credentials and providers can utilise the digital credential infrastructures offered by the Commission.

More to follow on this from Europass at QQI in the future.