Webinar Highlights: “PartnerUp & Beyond – Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future”

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, stakeholders, policymakers, and education professionals convened online for the final webinar of the PartnerUp Project, titled “PartnerUp & Beyond: Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future”. The event highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in addressing Europe’s evolving educational needs in the context of digital transformation and the green transition.

The webinar focused on innovative strategies for lifelong learning and cross-country cooperation, showcasing how collective efforts can create meaningful solutions to skills development challenges. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as an example of successful partnerships that are helping to bridge skills gaps and drive progress across sectors.

The keynote speech, “The Importance of Adult Education in Europe”, was delivered by Ms. Klara Engels-Perenyi, Policy Officer for the Skills Agenda at the European Commission, setting the tone by reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to fostering upskilling and reskilling programs. Speakers highlighted evidence-based approaches to skill development and how the PartnerUp Project aligns with EU priorities to transform education systems. 

Key project results and milestones were presented, showcasing its contribution to closing the skills gap across sectors and improving workforce readiness for future challenges. Within this framework, Ms. Tina Mavrič, Head of Capacity Building at EAEA, delivered a presentation titled “PartnerUp: Empowering Growth Through Upskilling & Reskilling in the EU”.

A dynamic panel discussion focused on the driving forces behind the increasing need for upskilling in Europe, including technological advancements and environmental sustainability goals. Panelists, including Ms. Antonela Marjanušić, Project Manager at Adult Education Institution Dante; Ms. Ruby Cooney, Education Projects Officer at AONTAS; Prof. Alexis Kokkos, President of the Hellenic Adult Education Association; Mr. Didzis Poreiters, Department Director at the State Education Development Agency (VIAA); and moderator Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager – Researcher at CARDET, discussed how the PartnerUp Project has addressed these needs, particularly through cross-country collaboration. Panelists shared insights into how collaborative efforts within the PartnerUp Project have resulted in innovative approaches to skill development and training across different sectors and countries.

The webinar also addressed how to ensure inclusivity in upskilling initiatives, with a focus on providing access for marginalized communities, workers with disabilities, and individuals in remote areas. Best practices for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of skills programs were shared with participants.

In the closing remarks, speakers reflected on the future of upskilling in Europe, discussing how EU funding and policy frameworks continue to drive innovation and support collaborative projects. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as a model of successful collaboration, providing valuable lessons for future initiatives aimed at fostering lifelong learning across Europe.

Attendees left with actionable insights on how to continue championing collaboration and lifelong learning, ensuring that educational solutions remain responsive to evolving challenges.

You can watch the full webinar on YouTube here.

Learn more about the PartnerUp Project, here.