EQAVET

Supporting European quality assurance in Vocational Education and

Training

Sean FeerickRome 2 December 2010

European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

European policy context

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The Maastricht (2004), Helsinki (2006), Bordeaux (2008) and the Bruges Communiqués, 2010

Copenhagen Process -2002

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Europass EQF EQARF ECVET

Capacity and adaptability of VET

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• Improve EU VET systems in order to raise competence levels and increase relevance

• Build trust across and within MS systems in order to strengthen mobility, permeability and flexibility of learning pathways

• Improve labour market recognition of qualifications

•A European space for VET

EQAVET

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• European quality assurance in VET

• Builds on a history of European cooperation in quality assurance in VET for almost 10 years

•A partnership process – Member States, European Commission, social partners, key stakeholders and EU agencies ( CEDEFOP and ETF)

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Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training- June 2009

Objectives

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Key characteristics• Designed to promote better VET• A reference instrument to help authorities of MS promote

and monitor the improvement of their VET systems• Uses QA as a systematic approach to modernising

education systems, especially by improving the effectiveness of training.

• MS are invited to develop /use this instrument on a voluntary basis.

• The main users are national/regional authorities, VET providers, public /private bodies responsible for ensuring and improving the quality of VET

• It complements the work of EQF and ECVET10 European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Key elements

PLANNING: set up clear, appropriate and measurable goals and objectivesIMPLEMENTATION: establish procedures to ensure the achievement of goals and objectivesASSESMENT and EVALUATION: design mechanisms for the evaluation of achievements by collecting and processing data in order to make informed assessmentREVIEW: develop procedures in order to achieve targeted outcomes and/or new objectives after discussion and analysis with key stakeholders

Quality indicators1.Relevance of quality assurance systems for VET providers2.Investment in training of teachers and trainers3.Participation rate in VET programmes4.Completion rate in VET programmes5.Placement rate in VET programmes6.Utilisation of acquired skills at the workplace7.Unemployment rate8.Prevalence of vulnerable groups9.Mechanisms to identify training needs in the labour market10.Schemes used to promote better access to VET

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Deepening a culture of quality assurance

• An sine qua non for promoting mobility, transferability, mutual trust

• Underpinning principle of ECVET and EQF

• Transversal importance of EQAVET in terms of ensuring the successful implementation of the Copenhagen instruments.

Quality assurance

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Implementation

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• Member States should develop approaches for improving their national quality assurance systems by 18 June 2011 at the latest. All relevant stakeholders should be involved in this development work.

• by June 2013: The Commission will undertake a review of the implementation process based on the Member State experiences in implementing the Recommendation.

The Reference FrameworkImplementation

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At European level

• The European Commission• The Secretariat• The Steering Committee (Member States and

social partners, European agencies)

A two dimensional process

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At national level

• The National Reference Point• The EQAVET Network member• The social partners and the stakeholders

A two dimensional process

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• Reference Framework integrated and adapted in a growing number of countries

• Some 26 national reference points established( Italy one of the first!)

• Processes suited to specific national contexts• Engagement with stakeholders and VET

providers• Case studies available on www.eqavet.eu

National level

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EQAVET Work programme

• Supports a community of practice• Ensures the engagement of key stakeholders

and social partners at European and MS levels• Facilitates learning processes• Develops a sense of ownership of QA process

in VET• Ensures the dissemination of information and

policy practices• Inclusive and responsive

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• 2 Working Groups: On developing guidelines and on quality indicators in VET to support the national implementation approaches for using the Reference Framework

• Sectoral Seminars to build on expertise• Building synergies with EQF and ECVET • Annual Forums bringing together senior

policymakers, national reference points, the social partners and other key stakeholders

• Support to national reference points

Activities

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• Interactive website• National Reference Points Forum• Online newsletter• Policy briefs• Poster available in all EU languages• Brochures and leaflets• Participation in national events

Communication

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Website

www.eqavet.eu

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Thank you for your attention!

European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training