18. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to propose a specific directive with minimum requirements for the vocational training of construction and maintenance workers, including managers and construction professionals working incidentally with asbestos, as well as of employees at landfills for the disposal of waste containing asbestos and at centres specialising in the treatment, safe removal and disposal of asbestos waste, and also to work with and support the social partners and other stakeholders to improve implementation of Article 14(2) of Directive 2009/148/EC through raising awareness of the need for app ...[+++]ropriate training and to develop information and materials to provide this; such training must be provided at regular intervals and at no cost to workers;

Investment in training is also investment in innovation, since much technical change results from incremental innovations by skilled workers and engineers on the factory floor[67].

48. Stresses the importance of protecting and securing the highest possible level of training for port workers; supports the Commission's desire to provide port workers with a mutually recognisable basic qualification so as to foster flexibility in the sector; with this in mind and, as a first step, considers that a comparison should be made between the different existing systems of professional qualifications for port workers; considers, however, that this basic qualification must not have the effect of lowering the average level ...[+++]of qualification of port workers in a Member State;

48. Stresses the importance of protecting and securing the highest possible level of training for port workers; supports the Commission’s desire to provide port workers with a mutually recognisable basic qualification so as to foster flexibility in the sector; hereto and, as a first step, a comparison should be made between the different existing systems of professional qualifications for port workers; considers, however, that this basic qualification must not have the effect of lowering the average level of qualification of port w ...[+++]orkers in a Member State;

increase the flexibility of such programmes and activities, in particular through part time courses, fast track modules, distance or E-learning systems or similar models, enabling third-country nationals to complete the programmes and activities while at the same time working or studying.

20. Reiterates the need for immediate investment in fast-track education, technical training and training for human and labour resources, especially those in the most exposed sectors, with respect and support shown for the knowledge, traditions, culture and languages of the indigenous peoples, who represent the majority in many of the affected regions, and stresses the crucial need for reform and adaptation of education systems in line with the current needs of these communities;