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

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

2. European policy context 3 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

3. Copenhagen Process -2002 The Maastricht (2004), Helsinki (2006), Bordeaux (2008) and the Bruges Communiqués, 2010 EQF EQARF ECVET Europass 6 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

4. Capacity and adaptability of VET • 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 6 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

5. EQAVET • 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) 6 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

6. 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 6 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

7. Objectives 8 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

8. 11 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

9. 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 10 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

10. Deepening a culture of quality assurance Quality indicators Relevance of quality assurance systems for VET providers Investment in training of teachers and trainers Participation rate in VET programmes Completion rate in VET programmes Placement rate in VET programmes Utilisation of acquired skills at the workplace Unemployment rate Prevalence of vulnerable groups Mechanisms to identify training needs in the labour market Schemes used to promote better access to VET • 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 12 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

11. 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. 14 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

12. Implementation 13 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

13. The Reference Framework Implementation • 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. 14 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

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

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

16. National level • 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 14 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

17. 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 Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

18. Activities • 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 17European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

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

20. Website www.eqavet.eu 19 European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training

21. Thank you for your attention! European Quality Assurancein Vocational Education and Training