Upgrading of the Framework Requirements for the Development of VQS in Bulgaria Dr Cloud Bai-Yun

1. Upgrading of the Framework Requirements for the Development of VQS in BulgariaDr Cloud Bai-Yun May 2006, Sofia EuropeAid/120164/D/SV/BG

2. Context & Days 1-2 discussions • Key topics and discussions so far: • Introduction to the project and an EU perspective inc. • European Context and Implications • Progression and Career Paths and Relevance to Development of VET Standards • Trends in Standards Development in Europe, with a particular reference to Simplification and Quality Assurance • Context and the needs of Bulgaria in the development of VQS inc. • Needs Assessment • VQS Template Proposals • Methodology, Format and Content • Sectoral Considerations

3. Further considerations • The Proposals for Upgrading Standards and how? • Sector-Specific Recommendations and how? In view of the objectives and context of the project, the team intends to take the discussion forward focusing on:

4. A reminder of the Objectives … a proposal for upgrading of the framework requirements for development of vocational qualification standards in Bulgaria on the basis of the elaborated comparative analysis. … aligned framework in respect of scope and content of each standard complied with the framework(s) of the EU member states. …developed and upgraded 80 vocational standards in the selected sectors...

5. 80 Vocational Qualification Standards – Current Stage of Development: Development of Standards • Which standards have been fully developed? • Which standards are to be developed further? • Which are to be considered? Also, are the current VQS designations appropriate for today’s labour market?

6. Specific Questions Being Considered: • Is the methodology appropriate for the task of developing Standards? • Is the current VQS template fit for purpose? • Are there specific process simplifications that can be recommended? • Does current legislation provide the platform for effective training provision? • How should the structure of training provision be organised? • Should there be an overarching Qualifications Framework?

7. Specific Questionscontinued • How might the structure of programmes match up against the proposed meta-framework, the European Qualifications Framework? • Are there other European initiatives, such as joint moves towards quality assurance, from which Bulgaria might benefit? • Are needs of the employment market being adequately addressed under the current system? • Do current arrangements allow for flexible training programmes and tailoring for local requirements?

8. Observations of the expert teams can be categorised as follows: Observations • Legislative framework 2. Comments relating to Current Documentation and Methodology 3. Development of Qualifications Framework

9. Legislation On legislative framework, it is felt that: • Regulations are clear and do not need to be amended • Information contained within laws provides the basis for a proposed Qualifications structure

10. Methodology On Methodology, it is proposed that: • The term Personal and Professional Competences should be used rather than Professional and Personal Qualities • Goals of Training and Training Contents should be combined • Further specific suggestions enabling a good basis upon which to determine VQS

11. Current Documentation On the current Template, it is proposed that: • Profile of Training could reflect a ‘cluster of occupations’ • Objectives and Content of training might usefully be combined • Simplified standards for lowest level occupations

12. Development of Qualifications Framework Principal considerations: • Recommendations concerning Qualification Framework • European Best Practice

13. The development of a National Qualifications Framework Qualifications Framework • Levels 1-4: Corresponding to levels as laid out in the VET Act • Levels 5-8: As highlighted in the Higher Education Act • The resulting QF would refer well to the proposed meta-framework, the EQF • This would also meet the commitment of Bologna Signatory Countries

14. Initiatives at European level that would assist with Bulgarian development: European Initiatives • Moves towards a coherent, transparent and comprehensive Quality Assurance policy • Greater consideration of Lifelong Learning • Tuning research and recommendations on subject-specific content

15. International good practice also provides a valuable perspective: Good Practices • ICT awards can usefully build upon internationally recognised programmes • Agriculture might be able to redress damaging productivity problems, through training practices applied elsewhere in Europe • Bulgarian Tourism is flourishing and improved training programmes will help to ensure sustainability and growth

16. Summary ofObservations • The laws are robust and provide well for training provision • The laws also highlight a hierarchical structure of awards, which can be used as the basis for a national qualifications structure • Methodology employed for the development of Standards might be simplified in a few places to conduct the process more efficiently • However, the methodology is robust and well-developed in comparison with international best practice • The template might be usefully reformatted to create a more coherent set of VQS • Some simplifications are recommended, although it is not suggested that the amendments should be wholesale

17. Proposals Recommendations and proposals which will be discussed in detail are are aimed at addressing the following issues: • Some recommendations for the simplification of procedures, with the aim of allowing flexibility and more efficient development process • The determined need to developed a qualifications framework, which will integrate with EQF • Suggestions for updating programme content, based upon European / international best practice • Recommendations for the development of appropriate quality assurance systems