Policy Brief 2 - Developing Reading Skills for Lifelong Learning and Employment: Evidence from Surveys and Strategic Partnerships

This policy brief from the iRead4Skills project - a Horizon Europe-funded Research & Innovation Action - focuses on improving reading skills for low-literacy adults, particularly within Adult Learning (AL) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. It presents key findings from surveys conducted across Portugal, Spain, and French-speaking countries, identifying challenges in reading comprehension and its impact on daily life, employment, and skill development.

The document highlights policy recommendations, including plain language initiatives, the development of context-based training materials, and professional development programs for AL/VET trainers. Additionally, it showcases strategic partnerships with over 690 AL/VET institutions, ensuring the practical integration of iRead4Skills tools into real-world training environments.

Looking ahead, iRead4Skills aims to expand its platform usage, participate in scientific dissemination at leading conferences, and explore AI-based literacy tools to support lifelong learning. This policy brief contributes to enhancing literacy accessibility, fostering education-industry collaborations, and advancing the European Skills Agenda.