About us
Who are we?
Progress (Progress Consult Ltd.) is a Danish-Hungarian consultancy firm deeply committed to the development and professionalisation of adult learning and education in Hungary. With a rich history of pioneering initiatives and strategic partnerships, we are committed to fostering excellence and innovation within the realm of continuing education.
We understand that quality competency development requires the expertise of professionals and a commitment to quality assurance. As such, one of our main focuses is on enhancing and ensuring the quality of adult learning. Progress manages an international professional network, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN), and leads and participates in various international projects, including those funded by centralized programs (Erasmus+KA3, Norway Grant) and Erasmus KA1 and KA2. Additionally, we provide expertise and advisory services to governmental organizations involved in related policy-making initiatives.
We have gained a wealth of experience in delivering training and workshops for different target groups – for workers suffering from basic skills shortages, but also for experts and trainers in different fields – and we have become a facilitator for the development of methodologies, tools, programs and an initiator of knowledge management and inter-organisational cooperation in different policy areas.
The SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning) is the national umbrella organisation for adult education in Switzerland, acting both as a professional association and as an advocacy body. SVEB operates the national system of teacher training and is responsible for eduQua, the national quality certificate for adult education providers. SVEB’s Research and Innovation Unit carries out research and projects on adult basic skills development and the promotion of workplace learning and training among SMEs. SVEB also acts as a think tank on the future of adult learning. It is an active player in the international adult learning community through its participation in international projects and networks.
Our mission
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to empowering adult learners, educators, and trainers and professionals with the tools, resources, and networks needed to thrive in an ever-evolving educational ecosystem.
Through collaborative efforts we aim to:
- Elevate the standards of adult learning by promoting quality assurance and professionalization.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives among educators and practitioners.
- Foster a culture of lifelong learning and skill development that resonates with the needs of individuals, industries, and society at large.
- Forge enduring partnerships and synergies that transcend borders, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of educational excellence.
Our experts
Zoltán Várkonyi
The Managing Director of Progress and Secretary General of the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN), with more than 25 years of experience in designing, implementing and evaluating policy interventions in the field of adult learning and labour market integration. Focuses on innovative initiatives to promote the learning and labour market activation of adults with low educational attainment. Participated in the national implementation of the Council Recommendation on Skills Development Pathways, led the development of the adult education pillar of the Digital Education Strategy (2017) and the action plan of the Digital Workforce Programme (2021-2025). Areas of expertise: adult learning, digital transition, education for low-skilled adults.
Berhard Grämiger
As CEO of SVEB, he lobbies for adult and continuing education at national and international level. Has extensive professional experience in key areas of adult learning, such as professional development frameworks, quality assurance, teacher training systems, funding, validation, continuing education strategies and project implementation, digitisation and migration.
Dr. Éva Farkas
Andragogue by education and professional identity. Works in various fields of adult education, vocational training and higher education as a teacher, researcher, curriculum and learning outcomes developer. Her specialities are quality and professionalisation in adult learning and education, validation of learning outcomes in non-formal settings and learning outcomes approach to training development and learning organisation. Through her university teaching activities, she plays a major role in the education of young professionals.
website: www.drfarkaseva.hu
Christina Jacober
Head of the AdA teacher training scheme, member of the SVEB Board of Directors. An expert in professionalisation and quality assurance of continuing education systems, with many years of experience as a trainer.
Tamás Bertalan
Has worked in adult education for almost 30 years and has been a registered adult education expert since 2001. Has a decade and a half of experience in the development of IT systems for vocational education and training, and has been involved in the development of the Adult Education Data System and the Digital Education Register. As founder and managing director of Observans Training Services Ltd. he has led several projects in the field of quality assurance in vocational and adult education. His areas of expertise include ICT systems for adult education, quality assurance.
Hans-Peter Karrer
Has decades of experience as an adult educator, designing training programmes and managing educational institutions, and has been an independent educational consultant since 2015.
Györgyi Csendes
Adult learning consultant and development expert. She has been involved in the adaptation of the Swiss GO Model for the development of basic skills for local SME employees, in the development of the Knowledge Centre of the National Network of Open Learning Centres and in the development of a national model for the implementation of the Competence Development Pathways Council Recommendation. Content developer, quality assurance and facilitator of the EBSN PDS MOOCs. Areas of expertise: professional support for adult educators, MOOC development and facilitation, business development.
Marianne Müller
SVEB Project Manager, responsible for international transfer projects and networking, with many years of experience in education and labour market research. Holds a diploma in vocational education and training.
Zoltán Szabó
Digital content and web editor at Progress. Development of e-learning frameworks for adult learning and basic skills development, corporate and project websites, multimedia support for national and international events, conferences, audio and video recordings, podcasts, design and production of marketing materials.
Margaréta Volkova
Graphic Designer and Project Communications Manager at Progress. Her main areas of expertise include visual design, web design, animation, information graphics, social and print media.