By implementing the project, the partnership aimed to achieve a systemic and practical enhancement of non-formal digital learning within VET.The primary objective was to strengthen the capacity of VET organisations to design, deliver and sustain flexible learning opportunities that respond to the concrete needs of low-skilled learners.This was pursued through the development of a structured ToolBox and an operational Guide supporting the integration of non-formal digital learning approaches into existing VET provision.The project sought to establish a holistic and replicable framework enabling VET staff to manage skills adoption processes among low-skilled adults. In parallel, the project aimed to empower low-skilled VET learners to upskill and reskill through accessible, modular and learner-centred pathways. A further ambition was to produce transferable outputs, that support awareness, orientation and motivation among learners while providing educators and policymakers with practical instruments.Through the adoption of non-formal activities, online self-learning and learning-by-doing methodologies, the project intended to make VET learning more adaptable, inclusive and aligned with contemporary employment transitions across EU.
The application for the NDLO project stemmed from the need to address persistent structural barriers that limit access to learning opportunities for low-skilled adults and VET teachers supporting them. In our organisations, a significant share of adults aged 35–64 experience unemployment or labour market instability combined with low qualification levels, which constrains their employability and capacity to adapt to digital and organisational change. Evidence highlights that time constraints linked to work and family responsibilities represent the main obstacles to participation in education and training for low-skilled workers. There was a clear need to develop non-formal, digitally supported learning opportunities. However, many low-skilled learners and VET teachers lack the digital competences, confidence and methodological tools to effectively engage with non-formal learning. NDLO was therefore conceived to respond to these needs by strengthening the capacity of VET educators and organisations to design inclusive, non-formal digital learning pathways, while empowering low-skilled adults to overcome internal and external barriers to upskilling, participation and lifelong learning.