THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LIFELONG LEARNING FRAMEWORK IN SERBIA: IS WORKPLACE LEARNING A PRIORITY?

This research seeks to contribute to current discussion of lifelong learning. Its specific focus is to discuss the need for workplace learning (WPL) in the implementation of lifelong learning (LLL) in Serbia. “Development of Lifelong Learning Framework in Serbia” (hereafter referred to as Delfis project) is the case understudy. The problem of aging population, unsatisfactory educational level and the continuing transition of work structure and job positions that require highly qualified labor force among others are the reasons for developing LLL framework in Serbia. Universities, which focus only on formal and high level of learning, are considered as the only learning providing institutions. This study reveals that it is paradox to achieve a nationalwide LLL strategy by providing courses and trainings only at university level while many of the labor forces (employeed population) have lower educational attainment. This kind of learning provissions could not be accessed by broad population as it is supposed in the project. This study also argues that the absence of promising aspects of learning certainly hinder the implementation of LLL strategy in Serbia. Therefore, as LLL values knowledge and competences gained from every aspects of learning, the non-formal and informal aspects of learning and learning environments which provide these aspects of learning become compulsory components in order to successfully implement the LLL framework. Accordingly, the inclusion of WPL, which constitutes non-formal and informal learning in most cases and capable of addressing many drawbacks of the Delfis project, is found quite relevant. Thus, its inclusion in the LLL implementation strategies becomes a priority.