REACH (2025-2027)

Recognition of foreign qualifications is crucial for helping skilled migrants find appropriate employment in Europe. However, many third-country nationals end up in jobs below their qualification level. The REACH project addresses this emerging priority in international credential recognition: understanding and measuring how recognition services can best support both individuals seeking appropriate employment in the European Union and employers needing to assess foreign qualifications.

REACH brings together experienced ENIC-NARIC offices, VET recognition centres and research organizations with expertise in credential evaluation across Europe and North America. This collaboration facilitates knowledge exchange around proven methodologies for stakeholder engagement and impact measurement. The project develops evidence-based approaches to help ENIC-NARIC centres strengthen their impact measurement and service enhancement through systematic engagement with both stakeholder groups.

The project draws on existing research conducted by consortium partners and other organizations, focusing on comparative analysis and shared learning to improve recognition practices across the networks.

• Research mapping and analysis

The project begins by systematically mapping existing research into credential evaluation effectiveness. Partners contribute studies examining stakeholder experiences, recognition outcomes and service improvements. This creates a structured repository that enables comparative analysis across different national contexts and approaches.

• Collaborative learning and knowledge exchange

Two face-to-face meetings facilitate intensive peer learning between consortium partners. The first meeting focuses on research methodologies and impact measurement approaches. The second meeting centers on validating best practices and developing implementation guidance. Online expert sessions complement these meetings by bringing in external experts with relevant research experience in credential evaluation impact.

• Best practices development and dissemination

REACH synthesizes all findings into a comprehensive best practices handbook. This handbook incorporates research insights, expert recommendations, and validated approaches for stakeholder engagement. It provides practical tools for ENIC-NARIC centres to implement their own research and service improvements. A final online webinar presents key outcomes to the broader ENIC-NARIC networks, supporting implementation of research-based approaches across recognition centres.

The REACH project is co-funded through the Erasmus+ KA3 NARIC call and coordinated by Nuffic.

The consortium includes:

Project team

• ENIC-NARIC Netherlands (coordinator)
• ENIC-NARIC Norway
• ENIC United Kingdom
• World Education Services (WES) Canada
• Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)
• Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven (SBB)

Advisory group

• ENIC Canada
• ENIC-NARIC Malta

For more information about REACH please contact the project coordinator Ms Evelien Willems by filling in our contact form or calling +31 (0)70 4260 260.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.