Lifelong learning and employability – the role of non-formal education

Abstract

The aim of this paper it to examine the relationship between non-formal education and employability within the context of socio-cultural changes. This paper presents the analysis of the effects of non-formal learning activities that are conducted at the Croatian Employment Service in the form of workshops, with an aim of raising employability among unemployed people. The participants in this research were unemployed persons who attended workshops at the Regional Office of the Croatian Employment Service Zadar during the year 2013. This survey focuses on evaluation of effects of non-formal learning through workshops within groups of unemployed persons, depending on their age, gender and level of education. As the forms of non-formal education indicate organized learning activities with the aim of acquiring and improving knowledge, skills and competences for personal, social and professional needs, the aim of this study is to define the role of non-formal education as a positive aspect of employability or set of knowledge, expertise and ability of a person. The results of attending the workshops can potentially include retaining one’s job, career progress, obtaining a new job and assuring the entrance to the labour market in different periods of the working life cycle.