The work of the working groups in 2013 Brainstorming Session 1 The work of the working groups in 2013

Questions to be addressed With regard to WG 1: Q1: Which aspects of VET should be included within the scope of the guidance? Q2: Workplace learni ng different to work-based learning? Q3: Are there forms of guidance e.g. case studies, building blocks, lessons learnt which would be particularly useful?

Messages emerging from discussion regarding the work of WG1 Training, development and support of trainers in WBL context considered important. WBL requires close relationship between employer and school with a well integrated curriculum. Workplace learning – the context is different. Valuable to create links with employers to gain better understanding of their needs and get relevant guidance /input from them.

Questions to be addressed With regard to WG2: Q1: How to ensure coherence/compatibility between the national QA system, scheme or mechanism and EQAVET? Q2: Are there specific forms of guidance which would be particularly useful for this exercise? Q3: What core elements should make up a broad guidance approach to EQAVET customisation?

Messages emerging from discussion regarding the work of WG2 We need to develop deeper understanding of national QA systems/approaches. This will help reach a common understanding – further study proposed. Guidance on consultation with stakeholders on different QA approaches would be useful.

EQAVET indicators and increasing EU cooperation Brainstorming Session 2 EQAVET indicators and increasing EU cooperation

Questions to be addressed Q1: How do you see your role in increasing EU cooperation in the use of EQAVET indicators? Q2: What can the Network do to support you in this regard? Q3: How can the outcomes of this cooperation be transmitted in the national level?

Messages emerging from discussion There are various issues with the definition and clarity of some indicators that need to be addressed. A concern that the value of soft skills/general education in employability of learners is not currently reflected in the indicators. Indicators are used at national level and there is a concern that if using them at EU level the context would be lost /have negative impact.

Brainstorming Session 3 EQAVET in lifelong learning perspective – the importance of partnerships

Questions to be addressed Q1: How do you see your role in promoting partnerships at national level? Q2:As a NRP and/or working at system level: How would like you to strengthen your engagement with stakeholders? As social partner representative: How do you engage with the VET sub-sector at national level? Q3:What can the Network do to support you in this regard and foster incremental and substantial cooperation and partnership? Q4: What contribution can you make to responding to the challenges of Bruges Communiqué and Rethinking Education in the context described above?

Messages emerging from discussion There is a need to involve social partners at system and provider level in decision making – not just consult them. We must acknowledge the cost and commitment needed – question of incentives? Need for ‘promoters of partnerships’ and guidance that identifies to the social partners the advantages /benefits of getting involved. Good examples of active partnerships are useful.

EQAVET workshops

Messages emerging from discussion How to ensure that EQAVET supports the development of responses to the challenges facing VET? The focus on WBL in work of EQAVET is relevant. The national situation is critical to what can be achieved. The more the various EU instruments can be pulled together at national level, the greater the value.

Messages emerging from discussion Reflection on future work, including the review of the EQAVET Recommendation, keeping in mind the 7 scenarios presented in the mapping study and the results of the external evaluation Support for Scenario 1&9 as it reflects EQAVET at present Resistance to any scenario that implies ranking or labeling. Scenario 8 – not for now.