EQAVET Supporting European quality assurance in Vocational Education and Training Sean Feerick Rome 2 December 2010 European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

European policy context EU Strategy to make EU the “most competitive and most dynamic knowledge-based economic area of the world –capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion” Lifelong Learning Programme The Copenhagen Process E&T work programme Europe European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

The Maastricht (2004), Helsinki (2006), Bordeaux (2008) and the Bruges Communiqués, 2010 Copenhagen Process European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training Europass EQFEQARFECVET

Capacity and adaptability of VET 6European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training 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 6European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training 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)

6European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training 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 More efficient VET, adapted to the labour market More attractive VET in the continuum of LLL and progression pathways Increase transparency and mobility EQAVET Culture of QA of VET Mutual learning and consensus building Tools to support QA at national/regional levels Common principles, reference criteria and instruments European cooperation in VET 8European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

11European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

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 ECVET 10European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Key elements PLANNING: set up clear, appropriate and measurable goals and objectives IMPLEMENTATION: establish procedures to ensure the achievement of goals and objectives ASSESMENT and EVALUATION: design mechanisms for the evaluation of achievements by collecting and processing data in order to make informed assessment REVIEW: develop procedures in order to achieve targeted outcomes and/or new objectives after discussion and analysis with key stakeholders Quality indicators 1.Relevance of quality assurance systems for VET providers 2.Investment in training of teachers and trainers 3.Participation rate in VET programmes 4.Completion rate in VET programmes 5.Placement rate in VET programmes 6.Utilisation of acquired skills at the workplace 7.Unemployment rate 8.Prevalence of vulnerable groups 9.Mechanisms to identify training needs in the labour market 10.Schemes used to promote better access to VET 12European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training 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 14European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Implementation 13European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

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 Framework Implementation 14European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

At European level The European Commission The Secretariat The Steering Committee (Member States and social partners, European agencies) A two dimensional process 14European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

At national level The National Reference Point The EQAVET Network member The social partners and the stakeholders A two dimensional process 14European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

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 National level 14European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Policy developments in QA in EU VET up to 2009 Introduction of new legislation, development, review and/or reform of VET national system relating to QA Use of quality indicators for VET Development of VET national-standards aligned with EU standards and guidelines Other Development of a national framework of QA None DE, EE, FI, IE, LT, NL, RO, SI, SK, UK DK, FI, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, NL, PT, RO, SI, SK, SW, UK AT, DE, DK, ES, FI, MT, NL, PT, RO, SI, UK CZ, DE, ES, HU, IT, LU, NL, PT, RO, SI, SK AT, BG, CY, EE, FI, IE, LT, MT, NO Percentages

15European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training Key role of national reference points

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 16European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

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 17European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Interactive website National Reference Points Forum Online newsletter Policy briefs Poster available in all EU languages Brochures and leaflets Participation in national events Communication 17European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Website 19European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training

Thank you for your attention! European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training