Workshop A: Recognition and relevance of L O from the view of employers;

1. Workshop A: Recognition and relevance of LO from the view of employers; Development of qualifications frameworks and involvement of employers Prague, 7 April 2009 Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

2. Questions Recognition and relevance of learning outcomes from the view of employers How can employers discern that learning outcomes are relevant for them? Can employers motivate their employees to participate in the process of the recognition of learning outcomes? What is the most appropriate form of the recognition of learning outcomes from the employers’ perspective? 2 Loukas Zahilas

3. Questions Development of qualifications frameworks and employers’ involvement What added value does the qualification framework bring to the tertiary education level? Is the involvement of employers in the process of developing of NQFs for the tertiary level as important as for the lower levels? Should the state administration financially support employers’ participation in the process of developing of qualifications frameworks? From the view of employers, to what extent should the qualifications frameworks influence initial vocational education? 3 Loukas Zahilas

4. Presentations • Chair: Miroslav Prochazka • Recognition and relevance of learning outcomes from the view of employers • Patrick Werquin, OECD • Recognition of non formal and informal learning, focus on the employers perspective, cost and benefits and many open issues • Henri Malosse, European economic and social committee • Opinion on partnerships between education establishments and employers, promote cooperation, partnerships, challenges, the European dimension 4 Loukas Zahilas

5. Presentations • Development of qualifications frameworks and employers’ involvement • Michael Horig, European University Association • The contribution of Universities, practical measures, charter on lifelong learning, ensuring coherence and the role of NQFs • Mark Harris, Intel • The soccer player example, talking about knowledge-skills and competencies, the grey zone between labour market and education and training needs 5 Loukas Zahilas

6. Answers and reflections Many ways to describe and define RNFIL, there is no consensus and perhaps we don’t even need a consensus. Employers have a major role in validation of non formal and informal learning, motivation is always a key issue. Involving employers would help reaching legitimacy and credibility. A challenging issue: additional cost of formalisation (certification) vs additional benefits of formalisation. Need for a culture shift, among employers, but also throughout the society We need a new framework for partnership between education and businesses (why not a new process – the Prague process). Exchange of best practices and joint projects. 6 Loukas Zahilas

7. Answers and reflections We have a single crisis and a big diversity in educational systems. Partnerships should enhance mobility; involvement and investment is needed. Universities must reconsider their role & their approach, taking account of their specific missions & profiles - Balancing economic productivity & self fulfilment. European Universities’ Charter on Lifelong Learning: Developing partnerships at all levels to provide relevant programmes 7 Loukas Zahilas

8. Answers and reflections NQFs are following the snowball effect with an impact on education and training policies and international cooperation. The importance of standards. QF are not neutral, they are instruments for political and practical reform, with a vision ahead. NQFs should be platforms of cooperation and dialogue. Knowledge, skills and competences, learning outcomes as a common language. Dangerous liaisons, a grey zone, a Pandora’s box? Or opening up a black box enabling dialogue? For more light: Qualifications: between regulation and market logic Cedefop, Thessaloniki 1-2 October 2009 8 Loukas Zahilas