National Qualification Frameworks Vincent McBride, ETF

National Qualification Frameworks An approach to vocational learning systems that emphasises pathways and portability between qualifications and programmes. –Shift in reform perspective from greater relevance and labour market needs in VET to one that also emphasises and facilitates portability and progression –Lifelong Learning

Relationships between Qualifications LevelVET Gen Sec Hıgher educatıon

Purpose of National Qualification Frameworks –Promote the attainment of qualifications nationally and internationally –Make explicit the purposes and aims of qualifications –Support learners access –Provide a nationally agreed framework that guides and reflects the agreement of stakeholders –Facilitate the reform of awards to reflect changing societal needs, including the introduction of new awards

National Qualifications Framework Principles and criteria to guıde –Clarity –Quality – Access and Portability

Clarıty Of What Qualifıcations Mean in terms of –Outcomes of Learning –Levels of Knowledge and Skıll –Relationships between different types of qualificatıon

Quality Principles Quality Standards –Approving Qualifications –Issuing Qualifications –Developing Qualifications –Providing Qualifications

Access and Portability Recognition of prior experience and learning Credit Transfer Flexible learning opportunities

 Historic debates on harmonisation, equivalences, comparability  Tools for transparency  Open method of coordination: cooperation, sharing experiences, common goals, learning from what works best  Maastrıcht Communıque  European Reference Levels for Qualifications Framework What is the EU doing?

 A European wide reference framework designed to clarify and act as bridge between different national systems.  It will also facilitate recognition of Neighbouring country qualifications and act as a guidance proposal for countries.  The EQF will act as a clarifying framework and conversion table  The Framework will be for qualifications attained and competencies acquired. European Qualification Framework

Purpose of European Framework Linking national frameworks together Transparency Mobility for students & graduates Recognition of international awards Facilitate European co-operation in programme provision

Qualifications Frameworks In place –UK-England, Wales, Scotland –Ireland, Spain –Denmark –Estonia –Australia –New Zealand –South Africa Development underway –Hungary, Turkey –Sweden

System Innovations Consultation in development creates networks for institutional and policy Learning Organisation of Diversity –Different criteria for developing, approving and providing different qualification types –Bridge between formal-non formal sector

Key Development Questions Costs Increase in short term –New qualifications require development and implementation expenditure Marginal, Average and Transaction Costs expected to decline as partcipation in learning increases,ie, cost per trainee and qualified person will decline –Productivity of Sector expected to increase

Key Development Questions –Occupational Standards for VET frameworks –Links with Labour regulations –Social partner involvement –Ministry/Sector Co-operation –Balance between Vocational and General education