To address labour market rigidities, PACE-VET aims to enhance competence validation across EU. A key issue in the event industry is the importance of non-formal and informal learning, with many workers relying on on-the-job training and self-education. Recognizing and validating these skills through micro-credentials would foster a more inclusive, resilient, mobile, and sustainable labour market, especially in a fragile environment. Following the EU Council Recommendations (2012/2020) on validation and VET, transparent recognition processes support the EU Commission’s goal to strengthen vocational education. PACE-VET provides a significant contribution to these objectives by illustrating the practicality of a validation methodology and the provision of digital tools to equip both learners and assessors with the necessary means to credibly and reliably support the validation process. It implements a digital database (Learning Record Store) and micro-credentials to validate skills. The project aims to support partial certification of competencies and connect industry associations across the EU broadening perspectives within EU VET systems and to increase learning opportunities, improve labour mobility, and promote lifelong learning.
The European event industry faces unique challenges due to innovation and mobility. It is highly innovative, driving technological change and requiring rapid knowledge updates, especially for event technicians. These workers must constantly refresh their skills, but often their abilities are not certified or visible, making it difficult for employers to find suitable personnel. Additionally, the industry is very mobile, with many professionals working internationally. Different understandings of job roles across European countries hinder the matching of skills to employer expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these issues, as the industry’s shutdown pushed many workers into other sectors. When events resume, it will be challenging to maintain high-quality services. A key factor is the importance of informal and non-formal learning, which occurs on the job. The industry needs a more flexible education system that recognizes prior learning and offers certification processes to make informal skills visible. Establishing a common language for skills and knowledge across national education systems is essential a European-level approach is required to develop sustainable, systemic solutions for the industry’s future.