Factsheet for measure
NL-2006-44/2477
– measures in Netherlands
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Erkenning van Verworven Competenties (EVC)
Background information
The 'EVC procedure' (EVC stands for 'recognition of competences achieved elsewhere') provides certificates for work experience and informal learning, in order to facilitate the job-to-job mobility of workers. The instrument can be used by individuals who are looking for employment, who do not have an educational diploma or qualifications, work at a higher level than their diplomas can demonstrate, who work in a different sector to the one they studied for, or for individuals who wish to continue their education. Demonstrating practical experience and expertise in a sector or area can be done by using EVC in restructuring situations but has gained additional relevance since the onset of the refugee crisis. There is a range of trajectories, both with regard to the sector and subject, and the educational level. The institutes that cover the different types of education eventually are responsible for granting a certificate. The UWV (the Dutch Public employment service) provides information on EVC on their website.
Content of measure
The instrument works by having experience recognised by a certified institute and by then having the costs for certifying experience reimbursed. Reimbursement can be provided via the UWV (the Dutch public employment service), sectoral training and development funds (O&O fondsen), or have declaring some of the costs through a tax deduction.
Besides EVC, the simplified version ‘EVP’ (Experience Profile) is on the rise. Evidence of knowledge, skills and experience are recorded in a portfolio. This serves to help individuals get a better sense of their own expertise and competences, but does not constitute a certification of skills or experience; as such, no assessment takes place and no certificate is granted.
Use of measure
The most recent evaluation was published in 2019. It was commissioned by the EVC Advisory Council (affiliated with the Kenniscentrum EVP) and supported by the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate, of Social Affairs and Employment, and of Education, Culture and Science. The report indicated that the use of EVC has declined since 2014, to 3,000 EVC procedures in 2017.
On behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, ProfitWise conducted a study on factors determining the effectiveness of EVC (2015). It was investigated what effects EVC has for the companies deploying EVC and for the employees going through a EVC-trajectory. In total, 1,080 EVC participants across 72 organisations participated in the survey (including Rabobank, Essent, KLM, Heineken, FrieslandCampina, IND, Menzis, Belastingdienst). The research shows that participating in EVC stimulates many people to subsequently follow training/schooling and obtain a diploma. EVC turns out to be most effective in combination with targeted career management. The way in which people themselves give direction to their career (Self Career Management) appears to play a key role. The effect of EVC can also be strengthened by career support by the HR division and especially by the (direct) supervisor.
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Applies to all workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Does not apply to citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Public employment service
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National funds
Social partners jointly
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
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Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
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Form
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Social partners jointly
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners are involved through the Stichting van de Arbeid (bipartite body), as well as in the form of being members in the advisory board. The Stichting van de Arbeid (bipartite body) appoints an executive organisation through a convenant.
Views and reactions
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