Using the focus group method to determine the adults’ needs for continuous professional development

Abstract

The new global lifelong learning policy adopted by all states concerned with the evolution of society is currently based on broad debates in order to identify common points and actions capable of meeting the current challenges. The aim is to provide to all the people, equal opportunities to adapt to the requirements of socio-economic changes and to get involved directly in shaping their future. Continuous professional development designates the most “technical” component of adult education, including mechanisms and structures requiring important material resources (the state is one of the most important partners in funding) and specialized human resources specifically for this area, aiming various forms of professional training of adults (professional training/retraining, professional development, reorientation, professional reconversion, etc.). Specific strategies are designed and systematically organized and planned content is isolated; institutions offering such programs are highly diverse (independent specialized professional training centers as well as affiliated centers / structures in partnership with government institutions responsible for professional activity or education, economic agents as well, specialized departments of universities, etc.). Romania has adopted the revised European Employment Strategy, the key instrument for coordinating the employment policy priorities at EU level, with employment policy being in line with the objectives and guidelines of this strategy. The measures and actions in the national employment strategy are in line with the guidelines of the European strategy. Unfortunately, Romania’s gaps in the EU-25 are impressive. Increasing discrepancies are found in the low performances we record with the labor force compared to the EU member states. What is worrying, however, is the increase in youth unemployment, which leads to tensions in the labor market. The incidence of long-term ILO unemployment among young people has increased significantly, with a negative impact on rural areas. The most serious problem at this time is long-term unemployment. In order to cope with the competitiveness that is now announced in services area, it will be necessary to change attitudes, customer-oriented behavior of employees, which means better organization of work and adequate training to provide quality services to clients more and more educated and demanding.