Definition of the target group(s)

• poorly qualified
• unemployed
• young NEET.

Specific support measures

In Romania, support for disadvantaged adult learners comes from a mix of education legislation, lifelong-learning policies, EU-funded programmes, and social inclusion strategies.

Examples of support measures for disadvantaged adult learners:

Financial Support

• Adult learners receive subsidies (e.g., a financial support payment per hour of training) and certification aimed at improving employability in various projects financed by Romania’s Education and Employment Programme - Programul Educație și Ocupare (PEO) 2021–2027 with ESF+ support.
• The Agenţia Naţională pentru Ocuparea Forţei de Muncă (ANOFM) organizes free professional training for jobseekers and other eligible adults (e.g., long-term unemployed, people returning from detention, or with low income). These programmes include courses for qualification, re-qualification, specialization, internships, and other practical forms of learning, with additional support such as materials and transport where applicable.

Language support

• Under the current ESF+ funding cycle, Romania’s Education and Employment Programme supports language courses for third-country nationals to facilitate labour-market access; Romanian language training embedded in upskilling pathways for disadvantaged adults; integrated services (language + vocational training + counselling).

Other learning / development support

• Second-chance education (“A doua șansă”) programmes allow adults who did not complete compulsory education to finish primary or lower-secondary studies.
• Career counselling and skills validation (recognition of prior learning) are offered through Agenția Națională pentru Ocuparea Forței de Muncă (ANOFM) and its county branches (AJOFM).

Specialist staff, teaching methods, materials

• Adult education providers may involve counsellors and social workers, psychologists, mediators (e.g., school mediators for Roma communities).
• Flexible and modular curricula are used, including competence-based training, blended or evening courses, individualized learning plans.

Special arrangements for assessment / progression

• Recognition of prior learning enables adults to obtain formal certification based on experience.
• Adapted assessment can be applied for adult learners with disabilities.

Liaison with local stakeholders

• Adult learning programmes often involve partnerships with local employment agencies, social assistance services, NGOs working with vulnerable groups, work integration social enterprises, employers and chambers of commerce.

Erasmus +, structured learning opportunities for adult learners

Through the Erasmus+ programme, Romanian adult education providers participate in international learning, training and exchange activities focused on adult learners with fewer opportunities and adult education staff. 

The Inclusion and Diversity priority within Erasmus+ – the Key Action in the field of adult education (ADU) aims to ensure equal access to learning opportunities for all adults, especially those with fewer opportunities.