| "Initially we had some hesitation about using a private sector operator like PwC for this project. Would they understand our needs? But through
their professional and cooperative approach, the team rapidly succeeded in overcoming these reservations. We expect the programme will make a major contribution to a better functioning of
the EURES network." |
| Johan ten Geuzendam, head of unit, employment services, |
| DG employment & social affairs, European Commission |
The issue
In support of its European mobility objectives for 2004-2007, the European Commission (EC) wanted to develop a professional cycle of training programmes for EURES (EURopean Employment
Services), a network which brings together the EC and the public employment services of the 25 EU Member States (plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland). Other regional and national bodies were
also included, such as trade unions, employers’ organisations, Chambers of Commerce and local and regional authorities.
The client’s objectives were to:
- Assess the training needs of a diverse range of people with varying roles across EURES
- Design, plan and deliver a comprehensive training programme covering the social and financial aspects of European employment mobility, for all EURES staff.
The EC aimed to achieve a uniform level of knowledge on employment mobility issues across the network, increase networking among participants and enhance the EURES profile by providing an even better service to the main clients of EURES: mobile job seekers and employers wishing to recruit across borders.
Our approach
Following an open tender process, PwC was appointed to assist the EC in the development and delivery of their programme. The client liked our in-depth technical knowledge of international mobility issues, our training proficiency and our extensive European network.
We organised a number of scoping meetings and conducted a survey of EURES managers from all countries to make an accurate assessment of the differing training needs of the network. A schedule and content plan were prepared for the different levels of training to be delivered in English, German and French.
The programme was launched in February 2005 and consisted of a mixture of technical plenary presentations, interactive discussions, case studies and role plays. The topics included European labour legislation, the impact of taxation on transnational mobility, immigration law, social security, and the differences in culture and standards of living throughout Europe. At the end of the initial
course, we gave an evaluation to the EC assessing progress and detailing improvements.
The outcome
The EC has received a highly positive response from the EURES network:
- EURES members now have a much deeper technical understanding of European mobility issues
- Participants have been able to share local knowledge and identify best practices
- EURES has begun implementing ideas for network enlargement and better cooperation with local employment services and organisations
- EURES members are now examining how to raise the profile of the network with job seekers, employers and other organisations. As a direct result, some states have initiated cross-border
projects resulting in an increase in successful job placements
The EC felt our international network of specialists including social security, employment law, immigration and mobility advisers, with professional trainers based all around Europe set us apart.
By the end of 2005, 500 participants had been trained in more than 20 sessions held throughout Europe. We continue to work closely with the EC on this project which is due to run until October 2008, by which time a total of 2,000 people will have participated in the programme.
Download the
European Commission case study. (109kb)
