Foreword Continuing Professional Development, CPD during the career path is not a luxury invention. Everyone should have the right to a sound educational background and CPD in order to maintain and acquire skills to remain in the employment and manage the transitions in the labour market. Regardless of the fact that the Nordic region scores high in terms of innovation and new technology, the talent shortage is becoming a sad reality. And even though the engineers are in high demand, they also need to remain competitive and continue to learn. The current report, which we are glad to hereby present, provides evidence on barriers to access CPD, and forms several policy recommendations to close the existing gaps. This report is a joint effort of the Association of Nordic Engineers, ANE, which collects the members’ opinions from its affiliates, the Norwegian Society of Engineers and Technologists, NITO, the Danish Society of Engineers IDA, the Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers, Sveriges Ingenjörer and the Icelandic Association of Chartered Engineers, VFÍ. growth. When you invest in engineers, they invest in you! The findings of the report further call for the enhancement of the role the Higher Education institutions must play in securing the provision of the CPD courses. Universities are the holders of the unique and specific technical knowledge, and therefore they should be supported to become the reliable providers of professional development courses. Moreover, the recommendations point also to the need for a long-term strategy of CPD at work places built on a dialogue between an employer and an employee. CPD should be regarded as a habit, not as an occasional event. It is a great tool for employee development and a strategy for companies to remain relevant while adapting to changing market conditions. Furthermore, there is a requirement for mapping the existing provision of CPD courses to establish a comprehensive overview both at national and regional levels. The report accentuates the need for more investment in CPD. Education and productivity go hand in hand, and the professional development should not depend on professional categories and skill levels. We must invest in everyone’s professional 4
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