Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Republic of Moldova (Ratification: 2001)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Articles 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Government reports that vocational guidance and training services provided by the National Employment Agency (NEA) through its territorial agencies, are aimed at jobseekers, persons seeking to change their career path, young persons and students at the end of their schooling. The Committee notes that, in the framework of the Austrian Development Agency–funded Reconceptualization of Professional Orientation and Career Counselling (REVOCC) project, three career guidance centres (CGCs) were created in 2016 in the three regions of the country. The CGCs provide free vocational guidance and career planning services, and link the educational system to the labour market. Vocational guidance is provided by specialists within the NEA and the CGCs and include a range of activities, including training, seminars on labour market evolution and educational opportunities through national institutions. The Committee notes that, according to the European Training Foundation report on Youth Transition to Work in Moldova, almost 90 per cent of graduates of the NEA’s vocational training programmes secured employment after completing training. In the first semester of 2018, 2,153 unemployed persons received vocational guidance thorough the NEA (45.4 per cent women). At the same time, 2,153 jobseekers received vocational guidance through the CGCs. In respect of vocational training, the Government reports that the Government contracted 15 educational institutions to provide vocational training to unemployed persons. In the first semester of 2018, 1,180 persons graduated from such training courses: (66.3 per cent were young persons aged 16–29); 69.1 per cent were women; 59.5 per cent resided in rural areas; and 2.8 per cent were persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that 95.6 per cent of these graduations (1,180 persons) were placed in employment. The Committee notes the extension to 30 November 2021 of the REVOCC project, which will continue to provide vocational guidance to young persons. The Committee also notes the adoption of Law No. 105 of 14 June 2018 on the Promotion of Employment and Unemployment Insurance, which entered into force on 10 February 2019. The Law sets out a number of new active employment measures, including provision of workplace training for unemployed persons and certification of skills acquired in the context of both non-formal and informal education. The Committee welcomes the information received and invites the Government to continue providing updated information on the design and implementation of education and training policies and programmes, closely linked with employment needs, including programmes aimed at specific groups, such as young persons, women and persons with disabilities. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to provide disaggregated statistical data on the number of vocational guidance and training graduates accessing employment following completion of the training programs.

Article 3(2). Vocational guidance for young persons. The Committee notes the launch in 2017, with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), of two platforms aimed at helping young persons to make informed decisions about their future career paths and promote career opportunities on the labour market. The Committee also notes a number of measures taken in 2018 in relation to dual education, including the adoption of a Regulation on the Organization of Technical Training Programmes through dual education, the launch of a campaign to promote dual education, “Learning, Working Earning” and the approval of a Framework Plan for dual professional technical education. In addition, the Committee notes that higher education in the Republic of Moldova has acceded to the Bologna Process, whose aim is to ensure compatibility in standards and quality of higher education qualifications. The Committee invites the Government to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of the two different platforms, and their impact on vocational guidance and training of young persons, as well as on their access to lasting employment. The Committee also invites the Government to continue to provide detailed information about the regulation and modernization of higher education programmes.

Article 4. Vocational guidance and training and lifelong learning. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information regarding the Strategy for the Development of Vocational/Technical Education 2013–20 and its accompanying action plan. The Government indicates that the main objective of the Strategy is the modernization and optimization of professional technical education to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. To ensure quality instruction, the Government has continued the reconstruction of eight centres of excellence and is in the process of modernizing curricula for about 30 occupations. The Government notes the adoption of Order No. 1127 of 23 July 2018, which established a new mechanism to assess the competencies of graduates of vocational training. In addition, the Committee notes the adoption of the Regulation on the continuous training of adults, approved through Government decision No. 193 of 24 March 2017, which aims to regulate and develop the regulatory framework for adult education. The Government reports that there have so far been 152 accredited continuous professional development programmes. The Committee welcomes the information received and invites the Government to provide updated information on the development and implementation of measures in relation to vocational training and lifelong learning and their impact on access to quality lifelong learning.

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Order No. 1127 of 23 July 2018 places increased emphasis on the presence of the representatives of the labour market. In addition, the Government reports that employers and trade unions, as well as other actors, participate actively in developing normative acts in the sphere of higher education, such as the National Framework of Qualifications. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional detailed information on the steps taken, in the framework of the National Council, to promote cooperation with the social partners in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2013 which includes detailed and comprehensive information in response to its 2009 direct request. The National Development Strategy “Moldova 2020” was approved in 2012 and comprises among its development priorities the education system’s alignment with labour market needs, in order to enhance labour productivity and increase employment. The Government indicates that, since 2010, a module on personal development and careers as well as a module on labour law have been included in the modernized curriculum of civic education. In general, educational institutions extra-curricular activities, such as vocational guidance, meetings with labour law specialists and economic agents, are being offered. Furthermore, in gymnasiums, students are offered a number of optional courses, including ethics in business, customer protection, entrepreneurial training, and education for gender equality and equal opportunities. The Committee notes that, in 2013, 17 vocational technical institutions offering the possibility of involvement in 49 professions and occupations were contracted for the purposes of training the unemployed. Moreover, the National Employment Agency (NEA) carries out an annual study “Labour Market Forecast/Prognosis” in order to achieve effective occupational training programmes in connection with labour market requirements. The NEA’s 35 territorial structures take into account the relevant labour market prognosis when carrying out their services (namely vocational guidance and orientation, as well as occupational training for the unemployed). The Committee welcomes the information received and invites the Government to continue providing further information on the design and implementation of education and training policies and programmes, closely linked with employment needs.

Article 4. Vocational training and lifelong learning. The Government indicates that, in accordance with the National Development Strategy, the policy in the field of education will be orientated towards ensuring its quality. The training of a skilled labour force will be ensured by promoting career guidance and providing lifelong occupational training opportunities. The Committee notes with interest that the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20) was adopted in February 2013, together with its action plan. The Government indicates that the overall objective of the Development Strategy is to modernize and streamline vocational and technical education, in order to increase the competitiveness of the national economy; the specific objective No. 2 provides for vocational training based on skills and its adjustment to labour market requirements. The Committee invites the Government to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20). It also invites the Government to supply information in respect of any lifelong learning measures adopted.

Article 5. Cooperation with social partners. The Committee notes that the National Council for Occupational Standards and Certification of Professional Skills is the platform for social dialogue since June 2008. The Council helps to ensure synergy between vocational and technical education, the labour market, and the national economy. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the steps taken, in the framework of the National Council, to involve the social partners in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2013 which includes detailed and comprehensive information in response to its 2009 direct request. The National Development Strategy “Moldova 2020” was approved in 2012 and comprises among its development priorities the education system’s alignment with labour market needs, in order to enhance labour productivity and increase employment. The Government indicates that, since 2010, a module on personal development and careers as well as a module on labour law have been included in the modernized curriculum of civic education. In general, educational institutions extra-curricular activities, such as vocational guidance, meetings with labour law specialists and economic agents, are being offered. Furthermore, in gymnasiums, students are offered a number of optional courses, including ethics in business, customer protection, entrepreneurial training, and education for gender equality and equal opportunities. The Committee notes that, in 2013, 17 vocational technical institutions offering the possibility of involvement in 49 professions and occupations were contracted for the purposes of training the unemployed. Moreover, the National Employment Agency (NEA) carries out an annual study “Labour Market Forecast/Prognosis” in order to achieve effective occupational training programmes in connection with labour market requirements. The NEA’s 35 territorial structures take into account the relevant labour market prognosis when carrying out their services (namely vocational guidance and orientation, as well as occupational training for the unemployed). The Committee welcomes the information received and invites the Government to continue providing further information on the design and implementation of education and training policies and programmes, closely linked with employment needs.

Article 4. Vocational training and lifelong learning. The Government indicates that, in accordance with the National Development Strategy, the policy in the field of education will be orientated towards ensuring its quality. The training of a skilled labour force will be ensured by promoting career guidance and providing lifelong occupational training opportunities. The Committee notes with interest that the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20) was adopted in February 2013, together with its action plan. The Government indicates that the overall objective of the Development Strategy is to modernize and streamline vocational and technical education, in order to increase the competitiveness of the national economy; the specific objective No. 2 provides for vocational training based on skills and its adjustment to labour market requirements. The Committee invites the Government to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of the Development Strategy of Vocational/Technical Education (2013–20). It also invites the Government to supply information in respect of any lifelong learning measures adopted.

Article 5. Cooperation with social partners. The Committee notes that the National Council for Occupational Standards and Certification of Professional Skills is the platform for social dialogue since June 2008. The Council helps to ensure synergy between vocational and technical education, the labour market, and the national economy. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the steps taken, in the framework of the National Council, to involve the social partners in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

1. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2008, including detailed information in response to its previous comment. The Government indicates that, in light of the priorities of economic and social development of the Republic of Moldova in the process of European integration, it enacted a series of strategic normative acts. In particular, the Committee notes that one of the objectives of the Strategy for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction 2004–06 was the development of human resources, including through educational policies, as a pillar of economic growth and social cohesion. Furthermore, one of the priority directions of the National Strategy for Development for the period 2008–11 is the development of human resources, increasing employment and the promotion of social inclusion. To this end, the National Strategy provides for the efficient use and improvement of the quality of human resources in the Republic of Moldova to ensure the gradual transition from low-skilled economic occupations to occupations involving knowledge and advanced skills, the proliferation of decent workplaces, poverty reduction and social inclusion. The Government approved regulations in 2004 concerning professional orientation and psychological support for the population facing problems connected with their careers. These regulations address the means and conditions for organizing, implementing and financing vocational training activities. The Government also indicates that the regulation establishes concrete activities in the field of vocational guidance, in particular on: employment information; professional consultations; consultations on choosing a profession; consultations on professional selection; adaptation and social and professional integration. The Committee also notes that the “Regulation concerning the way of organization of professional formation of the unemployed”, which was approved in 2003 and amended in 2005, establishes the methods and conditions for organizing, implementing and financing vocational training activities for the unemployed. Vocational training activities for the unemployed include courses organized by training providers and employers, which are aimed at matching labour demand and supply, and at encouraging graduates to find employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the policies and programmes currently being implemented, with an indication as to the manner in which account is taken of the factors mentioned in Article 1(2) to (4) of the Convention.

2. Continuous vocational training through life. The Committee notes that the National Strategy for Employment Policies in the Republic of Moldova for 2008–15 provides, inter alia, for the formation of developed human capital as a means of achieving increased employment. In order to give effect to the National Strategy, the Government adopted a National Plan of Action for Employment 2008 which provides, among other things, for the implementation of a project entitled “Grant support for public service for employment in Moldova” which seeks to develop a draft of a national policy to orientate participants, through educational policies and vocational training, so as to encourage integration into the labour market. The Government also indicates that the “Design for Developing Secondary Vocational Education” was revised in 2007 which provides for the implementation of an organizational process which seeks to involve both employers and educational institutions in the provision of vocational training and guidance to workers. The Committee asks the Government to report on any progress made in the context of the development of a national strategy for vocational training aimed at encouraging integration into the labour market. The Committee also requests further information on the status of the steps taken, in the context of the “Design for Developing Secondary Vocational Education”, to involve employers and educational institutions in the vocational training system.

3. Information on employment. The Committee notes that the National Employment Agency and the territorial employment agencies organize “open door days”, “days of professional orientation”, forums on career guidance, round tables and seminars, so as to provide participants with information and guidance on the situation of the labour market, career choices, employment prospects, and the services which they may avail themselves of at the employment agencies. The employment agencies also organize a “Labour Club” which is a special programme which offers information and advice to jobseekers. The Committee hopes that the Government will also include information in its next report on other such initiatives taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are made available to persons concerned.

4. Cooperation with social partners. The Government indicates that “Design for Developing Secondary Vocational Education” provides for the organization of the secondary vocational educational system to be guided by the principle of social partnership, and accordingly stipulates the need for interaction between the social partners. It indicates that, in practice, this principle is implemented through defining the obligations and responsibilities of the State, workers and employers, and by evaluating the activities and programmes. The Committee asks the Government to provide in its next report more information on the manner in which cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations is ensured in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies. It also asks for further information on steps taken to improve mechanisms and procedures at the territorial level so as to enable effective cooperation with social partners.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention, received in September 2003. It notes in particular that by Decision No. 253-XV of 19 June 2003, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the "Design for the vocational guidance, training and instruction of human resources", which was to lead in 2004-05 to the preparation of a national action plan on the vocational guidance, training and instruction of human resources (Chapter VII of the Design). The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report the measures taken under the national action plan in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

2. Linking of vocational guidance and vocational training with  employment. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that vocational guidance and vocational training are not at present linked with employment, as prescribed in Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. It notes the various measures planned by the Government to remedy this situation. The Committee recalls its comments on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the progress made in ensuring that vocational guidance and vocational training are closely linked with employment.

3. Young persons’ access to education. The Committee wishes to refer more particularly to its direct request of 2003 on the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). It recalls that, according to the Department of Statistics and Sociology of the Republic of Moldova, 26,000 persons of between 15 and 17 years of age worked in 2002. The Committee further notes from the information supplied by the Government that between 15,000 and 20,000 children leave the school system each year at the age of 15/16 years (end of compulsory schooling) and remain without social protection from the State until age 18, when they are able to take up vocational training. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide information on educational and vocational training measures taken to contribute to eliminating child labour. Please also provide details of the vocational guidance and vocational training measures taken for young people leaving school.

4. Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Promotion of vocational training for women and ethnic minorities. The Committee notes that articles 34(1), and 35(1), (2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and sections 43 and 47(b) of its Labour Code establish equality of opportunity and ban all forms of discrimination in vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee refers the Government in this connection to its comments on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it addressed the situation of women jobseekers and members of ethnic minorities. It hopes that the Government’s next report will specify the practical measures taken to encourage and enable all persons, including women and members of ethnic minorities, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society.

5. Article 2. Improvement of the system of education, vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee notes that mapping of the education establishments has begun. The National Employment Agency is responsible for vocational guidance, and vocational training is provided for in the national legislation. The Committee asks the Government to continue to describe the measures taken to ensure that in practice the systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training are "open, flexible and complementary", as required by this provision of the Convention.

6. Article 3. Information on employment. The Committee notes the Government’s efforts to provide the population with continuing information on employment, among other means through the creation of labour market databases (section 6(5) of Act No. 102-XV and Chapter VII of the Design). It asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of these databases and to report any future extension of the vocational guidance system. It also asks the Government to indicate, as required by the Convention, how it ensures that information is made available on promotion opportunities, working conditions, occupational safety and health, and on general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all parties under the labour law.

7. Article 4. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report on the requirement for employers to provide vocational training every four years for their employees. The Committee reminds the Government that measures must be taken to ensure that vocational training systems are adapted to the changing needs of the economy and the various branches of economic activity, and asks it to indicate the measures taken to this end. It would be grateful if the Government would specify the provisions of the legislation that address this requirement and to provide information on its practical impact. The Government is also asked to provide general statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and activity, on persons who have received vocational training.

8. Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that employers’ and workers’ organizations are associated on an ad hoc basis in the formulation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes. It notes, however, that Chapter VII of the Design provides for the social partners to cooperate in drafting a national action plan for the vocational guidance, training and instruction of human resources. The Committee reminds the Government that cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations must be assured, as a general rule, not only in formulating vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes, but also in implementing them. It therefore asks the Government to describe in its next report any formal procedures or consultative machinery instituted for this purpose.