ROMANIA RESOURCE DOSSIER Prepared by Institute of Education Sciences Romania September 2006
Contents The purpose of this dossier is to make a compilation of relevant information in order to facilitate the transfer of ETF know-how and resources to Cedefop in the context of the agreed exit-entry approach. This dossier contains: a) A list of relevant resources and documents associated with the process of vocational education reform in Romania since 1999. These resources are policy and analytical documents that highlight areas of principal concern to vocational education and training The materials and documents are classified according to three main headings Employment, Education and, and General. This classification is made according to the main purpose or content of each document but this does not exclude that the latter contains also information related to another thematic field. Electronic copies of most documents listed are available through the ETF s Knowledge Base database http://www.etf.eu.int/cee-kb.nsf. b) The dossier also contains a list of contacts and networks. The contacts are classified according to six main categories Agencies, and Research Agencies, Non al Organisations, Social Partners, Distance Education Centres and Vocational Guidance Institutions. c) Also included in the dossier is a list of key websites of agencies involved in the reform process. d) Finally, a chronology highlighting major steps in the reform process has been included in section 5. The compiled information is presented under the following headings: 1. Resources and Materials 2. Legislation 3. Contacts 4. Websites links 5. Chronology of Reforms to Vocational Education and in Romania 2
1. Resources and materials Category Report Publishing Agency Employment Labour Force Survey (AMIGO) The survey is published on a quarterly and Institute of yearly basis Statistics Romania Second JAP (Joint Assessment Paper On Employment Policies In Romania) Progress Report, Monograph on Vocational Education and and Employment Services in Romania Commission Foundation Date 2006 2005 2004 Education and Complement of JAP Progress Report Employment Strategy 2004 2010 Progress in implementing the Joint Assessment Papers on employment policies in Acceding Countries Analysis of the labour force dynamic at regional level in support of employment : projection of the training need through vocational education at the horizon of the year 2004 Ex-post evaluation of the 1998 grant scheme Joint Assessment Paper on Employment Policy Priorities in Romania, Commission Commission CEDU 2000+ Promeso under the guidance of ETF, Commission Sectoral Operational Program on HRD Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family State of Education in Romania - 2005 Ministry of Education and Financing vocational education and training in the EU new Member States and candidate countries Short and Medium Term Strategy on Continuous Vocational Education and Research Foundation 2004 2003 2003 2003 2003 2002 2006 2005 2004, 2006 2005 Romania: Report Lisbon Process. Ministry of 2005 3
2002-2004 Education and Research The ex-post evaluation of the pre-esf 2000 HRD grant scheme Achieving the Lisbon goals : the contribution of vocational education and training in Romania Quality and Equity in the Education System. Report on the of the Education System in Romania Country report on progress in VET and labour market policies Monograph on Vocational Education and and Employment Services in Romania Observatory Foundation Ministry Education and Research Observatory Foundation of 2005 2004 2004 1997-2004 2004 Review of Progress in Vocational Education and Reform in Romania Skills Audit Survey Romania Peer review. From consultations to initiatives. Activating the role of social partners in continuing training in Romania Analysis of the labour force dynamic at regional level in support of employment : projection of the training need through vocational education at the horizon of the year 2004 Review of career guidance policies in 11 acceding and candidate countries. Synthesis report: July 2003. Social impact of continuing vocational training Characteristics of the continuing training in Romania Feasibility study regarding the continuation and extension of the structural reform of VET within the Education System. Strategy of Human Resources in Romania Vocational Education and in Romania 2003, 2004 Foundation 2004 Observatory 2004 Foundation CEDU 2000+ 2003 Foundation Observatory Institute of Statistics Observatory Observatory Observatory 2002 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 General Strategic Reference Framework 2006 4
2007-2013 Strategy on Social Protection, Integration and Inclusion of People with Disabilities (2006-2013) Strategy on Improving the Roma Situation Progress Report. Joint Inclusion Memorandum Plan, 2007-2013 Strategy for improving the public policy making, coordination and planning system at the level of the central public administration Joint Memorandum on Social Inclusion - Romania Regular Reports of Romania s progress towards accession The structural challenges facing the candidate countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey). A comparative perspective Implementation of the SMEs Chart General Secretariat of the Commission Commission Commission 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2005 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 2004 2003 5
2. Legislation and Acquis Romania Legislation Title Date The Education Law no. 84/1995. Changes to this law were brought in 1995 1999, 2003 and 2004 Law no. 76/2002 regarding the system of unemployment benefits and 2002 employment incentives, with changes made in 2004 in the view of widening access to ALMM. Law no 375/2002 regarding the continuing vocational training of adults 2002 Labour Code Law no. 371/2005 2003 Law no. 559/2004 for changing and completing the Law no.132/1999 2004 regarding the establishment, organization and function of the Adult Board Law no.288/2004 regarding the organisation of university studies 2004 Decision no. 1021/June 2004 regarding the approval of 2004 CV model Decision on approving the Short and Medium Strategy on 2005 Continuous Vocational Education and 2005-2010 Law no. 279/2005 regarding work-place apprenticeship 2005 Minister of Education and Research Order no. 3254/February 2005 2005 regarding the establishment of the Centre EUROPASS, by extending the attributions of Agency for Community Programs in the field of education and training Law no. 87/2006 for approval of the Ordinance no. 75/2005 2006 regarding the assurance of education s quality EU Legislation Education and Title Directive 1999/42/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 7 June 1999 establishing a mechanism for the recognition of qualifications in respect of the professional activities covered by the Directives on liberalisation and transitional measures and supplementing the general systems for the recognition of qualifications 1999/311/EC: Council Decision of 29 April 1999 adopting the third phase of the trans- cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006) Council Directive 92/51/EEC of 18 June 1992 on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EEC Council Regulation (EEC) No 1360/90 of 7 May 1990 establishing a Foundation Council Directive 89/594/EEC of 30 October 1989 amending Directives 75/362/EEC, 77/452/EEC, 78/686/EEC, 78/1026/EEC and 80/154/EEC relating to the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications as doctors, nurses responsible for general care, dental practitioners, veterinary surgeons and midwives, together with Directives 75/363/EEC, 78/1027/EEC and 80/155/EEC concerning the coordination of provisions laid down by Law, Regulation or Administrative Action relating to the activities of doctors, veterinary surgeons and midwives Council Resolution on the comparability of vocational qualifications among EU member States 16 July 1985 Council Directive 77/486/EEC of 25 July 1977 on the education of the children of migrant workers Date 1999 1999 1992 1990 1989 1985 1977 6
3. Networks and Contacts Category Contact Address Contact details Agencies Ministry of Education and Research Ministry of Education and Research Ministry of Education and Research Ministry of Education and Research, Intermediary Body for HRD OP Centre for the of the Vocational and Educational Mihail Minister HARDAU, Dumitru MATEI, State secretary for Pre-University Education Dumitru MIRON, State secretary for Higher Education and integration Laura MARINAS, Madlen SERBAN, 28-30 General Berthelot Street, Sector 1,, 010168 28-30 General Berthelot Street, Sector 1,, 010168 28-30 General Berthelot Street, Sector 1,, 010168 12 Spiru Haret Street, Room 45,35, sector 1, 10-12 Spiru Haret Street, Sector 1, Phone: +4021 4056223 / 4056208 Phone: +4021 4056223 / 4056208 dumiron@ase.ro Phone: +4021 4056223 / 4056208 Laura.marinas@mec.edu.ro Phone: +4021 3117525 / 4056337 / 4056338 Fax: + 4021 3117526 vet@tvet.ro Phone: +4021 3111162 Fax: +4021 3125498 Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family Gheorghe BARBU, Minister 2-4 Dem. I.Dobrescu Street, Sector 1, relatiicupublicul@mmssf.ro Phone: +4021 3136267 / 3158586 Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family Silviu BIAN, the state secretary for Employment, and president of the NAE in the table Eugen BLAGA, of Employment and Department in MoLSSF 2-4 Dem. I. Dobrescu Street, Sector 1, 2-4 Dem. I. Dobrescu Street, Sector 1, relatiicupublicul@mmssf.ro Phone: +4021 3136267 / 3158586 relatiicupublicul@mmssf.ro Phone: +4021 3136267 / 3158586 Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family, Managing Authority for HRD OP Ministry of Public Finance Managing Authority for Community Support Cristina IOVA, General director Stefan Ciobanu 2-4 Dem. I.Dobrescu Street, Sector 1, 44, Mircea Vodă Blvd. Bl. M17, icristina@mmssf.ro Phone: +4021 3150208 Fax: +4021 3150206 / 3127262 stefan.ciobanu@mfinante.ro Phone: +4021 3025230 Fax: +4021 3025264 7
Ministry for Integration Anca Minister BOAGIU, 17, Apolodor Street anca.boiagiu@mie.ro Phone(+40 21) 301 14 00 Fax: (+40 21) 301 16 30 Ministry for Integration, Managing Authority for Regional OP Gabriel FRIPTU, 12, Libertatii Blvd. gabriel.friptu@dr.mie.ro Phone: +4021 3114183 Fax: +4021 3114195/ 3011630 Agency for Employment Agency for Employment Agency for Employment IB for POS HRD Eugen PREDA, General director Elena Gabriela RUS BABOI, 3 Sfantul Dumitru Street, Sector 3, 3 Sfantul Dumitru Street, Sector 3, 3 Sfantul Dumitru Street, Sector 3, mass.media@anofm.ro Phone : +4021 3139140 mass.media@anofm.ro Phone : +4021 3139140 gabrielarus@anofm.ro Phone : +4021 3139085 Fax : +4021 3139125 Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises and Coperation Adult Board Adult Board Institute for Education Sciences Institute for Statistics Institute for Statistics Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre- University Education Eugen CHIROVICI, President Ovidiu Ana-Elena COSTIN, Victor ILIESCU, Chairman of the Board Cezar BIRZEA Vergil VOINEAGU, President Filofteia PANDURU Serban IOSIFESCU President Poterasi Street no. 11, 1-3 Valter Maracineanu Square, B Entrance, 2nd Floor, Room 164-166, Sector 1,, 010155 1-3 Valter Maracineanu Square, B Entrance, 2nd Floor, Room 164-166, Sector 1,, 010155 37, Stirbei Voda Street 16 Libertatii Blvd., Sector 5, 16 Libertatii Blvd., Sector 5, 12 Spiru Haret, et. I, cam. 43, sector 1, 010176 eugen.chirovici@mimmc.ro Phone : +4021 3352620 Fax : +4021 3361843 cnfpa@cnfpa.ro Phone: +4021 3157846 Fax: +4021 3157855 cnfpa@cnfpa.ro Phone: +4021 3157846 Fax: +4021 3157855 cesar.birzea@ise.ro Phone: +4021 3158705 Fax: +4021 3158705 romstat@insse.ro Phone : +4021 3181869 Fax : +4021 3124875 / 3181851 / 3181873 fpanduru@insse.ro Phone : +4021 3181869 Fax : +4021 3124875 / 3181851 / 3181873 E-mail aracip@mec.edu.ro Phone: +4021/3104213 Fax: +4021 319 20 96 http://aracip.edu.ro Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education Ioan CURTU President 12 Spiru Haret 010176 ROMANIA E-mail : mail@aracis.ro Phone: +40 21 /206 76 00 Fax: +40 21/ 312 71 35 http://aracis.ro Qualification Sorin Eugen Bd. Schitu Măgureanu Phone : 021 313 00 50, 8
Agency for HE and universityenterprise cooperation ZAHARIA nr. 1, level 3, sector 5, cod 050025, 313 00 51, 313 00 52; FAX: 021 313 00 53 E-MAIL: office@apart.ro http://www.acpart.ro/ Agency for Roma Mariea IONESCU President Str. Viitorului, no. 14, Sector 2, E-mail : info@anr.gov.ro Phone : +4021/211.30.37 Fax : +40021/211.51.94 Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and, Leonardo da Vinci Department Madalina Programme coordinator VICOL, 1 Schitu Magureanu Blvd., 2 nd floor, Sector 5,, 050025 madalina.vicol@leonardo.ro Phone: +4021 2010746 Regional Agencies North-East Regional Agency South-East Regional Agency South-Muntenia Regional Agency South-West Oltenia Regional Agency West Regional Agency Constantin APOSTOL, Luminita MIHAILOV, Liviu MUSAT Marilena BOGHEANU Sorin MAXIM 27 bis Alexandru cel Bun Street, Piatra Neamt city, Neamt county, 610004 1 Independentei Square, 5 th Floor, Braila city, Braila county, 6100 1 December 1918, Calarasi city, Calarasi county, 8500 19 Unirii Street, Craiova city, Dolj county, 1100 5 Proclamatia Street, Timisoara city, county Timis, 1900 adrnordest@adrnordest.ro Phone : + 40233 218071 Fax : + 40233 218071 adrse@adrse.ro Phone : + 40239 611086 Fax : + 40239 611086 director@adrmuntenia.ro Phone : + 40242 331769 Fax : + 40 242 313167 adr4@rdslink.ro Phone : + 402 51419496 Fax : + 40251419496 officeadr@rdslink.ro Phone: + 40256491981/491923 Fax: + 40256 491981/491923 North-West Regional Agency Claudiu COSIER 2 Sextil Puscariu Street, Cluj-Napoca city, county Cluj, 3400 adrnv@mail.dntcj.ro Phone: +40264431550 Fax: +40264439222 Centre Regional Agency Simion CRETU 12 Decebal Street, Alba Iulia city, county Alba, 2500 office@adrcentru.ro Phone: +40258 818616 Fax: +40258818613 Regional Agency Dan NICULA 16-20 Calea Victoriei Street, Stair A, 2nd Floor, Sector 3, contact@adrbi.ro Phone: +40213159659 Fax: +4023159665 Social Partners Economic and Social Council Mihai Constantin SEITAN, President 28-30 Gh. Magheru nd Blvd., 2 Floor, Sector 1,, 010336 ces@ces.ro Phone : +4021 3102356 / 3102357 / 3163134 / 3163133 9
UGIR 1903 Ioan Cezar CORACI, President Employers Trade Union Confederation Cartel ALFA Corneliu PAU, vicepresident and head of Department for Human Resources and Bogdan Iuliu HOSSU, President 27-29 George Enescu Street, Sector 1, 219-221 Calea Serban Voda Street, Sector 4, 202 A Splaiul Independentei Street, 2 nd Floor, Sector 6,, 060041 Fax : +4021 3163131 office@ugir1903.ro; presedinte@ugir-1903.ro Phone : +40 21 3100016 Fax : +40 21 3100025 office@pnr.org.ro Phone : +4021 3357540 / 3358195 / 3354582 Fax : +4021 3372717 alfa@cartel-alfa.ro Phone: +40 21 3171040 / 3171041 / 3171045 Fax : +40 21 312 3481 Sectoral Committee Construction Sectoral Committee Construction Machinery Sectoral Committee Food Industry Sectoral Committee Transport Contact person: Elisabeta MITROI Contact person : Dan BAJAN Contact person: Sorin MINEA Contact person: Constantin ISAC 11 Justinian, sector 2, 020101 1-3 Cristian Popisteanu, sector 1 Piata Valter Maracineanu, nr 1-3, cod 010155, poarta 2, etaj 1, sector 1, 60 Enachita Vacarescu, E-mail : cmc@casoc.ro Phone : +40 21 212.37.62 Phone: +4021 3151632 www.cnsrl-fratia.ro Phone/fax: +4 021 311.10.25 +4021.12.44.42 office@romalimenta.ro Phone: +40. 21.336.77.88 Fax: +40 21.312.31.83 untrr@kappa.ro EU Delegation of Commission in Romania NGOs Giorgio FICCARELLI, Head of pre-accession coordination section 18 Jules Michelet Street, Sector 1,, 010463 Phone : +4021 2035400 Fax : +4021 2128808 / 2302453 Save the Children Rebeca GROSU, President 7 Berzei Street, 1 st Floor, Room 7,, 010251 bucuresti@salvaticopiii.ro Phone: +4021 310 45 87 Fax: +4021 310 45 87 Center Education 2000+ Alexandru CRISAN, Executive President 33 Caderea Bastiliei Street, Sector 1,, 010613 cedu2000@cedu.ro Phone: +40212120780/21208 1/ 2120780 Fax: +40212120779 Step by Step Centre for Education and Professional Romani Criss (Roma Center for Roxana AVRAM, Expert Margareta MATACHE, 16 bis Ghe. Dem Teodorescu Street, sector 3, 19 Buzesti Street, Sector 1,, roxana.avram@stepbystep.ro Phone: +4021 3237919 /3234868 Fax: +4021 322 1162 criss@romanicriss.org/office@ 10
Social Intervention and Studies) Community Agency - Impreuna Center for Education and Human Civil Society Foundation Distance Education CREDIS Executive 011011 romanicriss.org Phone: +4021 310 70 70 Fax: +4021 310 70 60 Gelu DUMINICA - Executiv Mihalea Penu PUSCAS, Co-ordinator Ionuţ SIBIAN Executive Bogdan LOGOFATU, 160 Mihai Eminescu, sector 5, 3-5 Piata Natiunilor Unite, Stair A, Floor A, Apartment 71, Sector 4, 3, Romania, 2K Splaiul Independenţei, Entrance A, 4th Floor 36-46 M. Kogalniceanu Blvd., Corp CREDIS, office@agentiaimpreuna.ro Phone/ fax: +40-021.210.05.39 http://www.agentiaimpreuna.ro cred@dnt.ro Phone/Fax: +4021 3365245 ionut@fdsc.ro Phone: +4021 3100177 Fax: +4021 3100180 credis@credis.ro Phone: +4021/ 3158095 Fax: +4021/ 3158096 Elearning. Romania Olimpius ISTRATE 37 Timisoara Bd., T10-78, 061311 Olimpius.istrate@tehne.ro Phone/Fax: +4021 7465339 CODECS Catalin IONESCU Prezident Vocational Guidance 37-39 Agricultori Street, Resources Centre for Vocational Guidance (NRCVG) Centre for Psycho- Pedagogic Counselling (Ministry of Education Network) Career Information and Guidance Centre ( Employment Agency Network) Mihai JIGAU, Coordinator Dana DRĂGHICI Co-ordinator Luminiţa DANEŞ Mariana BUCALEŢ Experts 37 Stirbei Voda Street,, 010102 3-4, Dimitrie Pompei 1, Vânători Street info@ise.ro Phone: +402 313 6491 Fax: +4021312 1447 electronik@as.ro Phone/ Fax: +4021 2331910 buc_consiliere@anofm.ro Phone/Fax : +4021 3372194 11
4. KEY WEBSITES Commission - DG Enlargement http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/lithuania/index.htm Delegation of the Commission in Romania Infoeuropa Center http://www.infoeuropa.ro/jsp/page.jsp Ministry of Education http://www.edu.ro Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family http://www.mmssf.ro Center for the of VET http://www.tvet.ro Agency for Community Programs in the Field of Education and http://www.socrates.ro/ Agency for Employment http://www.anofm.ro Ministry of Integration http://www.mie.ro Institute of Statistics http://www.insse.ro Adult Board http://www.cnfpa.ro United Nations Programme in Romania http://www.undp.ro/ Informational Portal for Continuing Vocational http://portal.mmssf.ro/portal/mainpage.do?type=15 Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperation http://www.mmimc.ro Institute of Educational Sciences www.ise.ro Institute for Scientific Research in Labour and Social Protection http://www.incsmps.ro Economic Institute www.ince.ro Institute for Quality of Life www.iccv.ro 12
5. Chronology of VET reform in Romania, 1990-2006 As in other countries in East and Central Europe, the VET system in Romania has been traditionally closely linked with production systems of large enterprises. took place both in schools and in enterprises. Schools were predominantly preparing future employees for a specific enterprise and the CVT system was systematically organised in all enterprises. With the collapse of the production system and the move from command to market economy, the VET system had to adapt. places in enterprises disappeared rapidly as enterprises were shedding labour. This made the VET system more school based than before. In the beginning of the nineties the interest for VET quickly decreased. In rural areas participation in all types of upper secondary education fell dramatically. At the same time many parents in urban centres preferred to send their children to general secondary education, in order to continue to higher education. Participation in higher education surged, facilitated by the growth and development of private higher education provision. Places in theoretical high schools were limited however, which meant that the majority of the upper secondary school students were enrolled in technical high schools. Vocational schools witnessed a steep decline in participation. In order to make VET more attractive, the government introduced shorter more practical VET pathways at a lower level for semi skilled workers and artisans through the apprenticeship schools. The more traditional 3-4 programmes were offered by vocational schools. After apprenticeship schools there were no clear progression routes to vocational schools and technical high schools. Progression to university from vocational schools would require completion of technical high schools, often through evening classes. The introduction of the capacity exam at the end of the 8 th grade meant that only those students who passed could continue to technical high schools. Thus the option for VET often is the result of negative selection. In 2003 the duration of compulsory education was increased from 8-10 years. The vocational schools and apprenticeship schools have been replaced by one school type the arts and trade schools offering training at different levels, and providing progression to higher education. The first level of the arts and trade schools is part of compulsory education. As a result of investment and VET reform and the demand for skilled labour in SMEs, the interest in VET is slowly increasing, but the share of early school leavers remains high. CVT participation has been very low during the nineties. Efforts to support higher levels of participation of CVT have been introduced since 1999, including studies to understand CVT needs, the development of CVT training provision, measures to raise the quality of provision, the mobilisation of stakeholders from the economic agents and social partners and financial incentives, and active labour market measures. The effects of these measures did so far produce only a small increase in participation. Starting from the mid-nineties Romania has also been working on developing demand-led competency based qualifications and is currently preparing for a national qualifications framework. It is expected that these reforms will be further developed and intensified with support of the Social Fund in the years to come. Below please find a chronological overview of the main developments since 1990 13
1990 First regulation in the field of education after the collapse of communist regime (al Decision on organisation and functioning of education). Main areas of intervention, applying also to the initial VET system, are related to: reducing the compulsory education period from 10 to 8 years (focus on quality instead of quantity in education provision); promotion of intensive foreign language teaching; creation of new education structures (i.e. post-high school studies with a two or three years program); assurance of higher education autonomy and discarding the polytechnic education as the core of educational policies The Institute of Education Sciences is founded, as a public research institute coordinated by the Ministry of Education. Main responsibilities are related to the analysis of the barriers and challenges of the educational reform and provision of data for an informed policy-making process. 1991-1992 The al Decision 461/1991, promoting diversification of school and professional pathways in the secondary education and higher education, consolidates the first major changes of the educational system. A new Constitution is adopted (November 2006), making an important step forward for the educational reform process. Areas addressed: forms of education, principles (access, funding, religious education), private education provision, and higher university autonomy. The law on social protection and reinsertion of the unemployed is passed (Law no. 1/1991), the first official regulation recognising the existence of unemployed category in Romania, after the years of communist regime. First Counselling Centre for educational staff, students and parents was established 1993 The first Program is created, with a chapter focussed on education reform. The White Book of Education in Romania is published, presenting an analysis of the initial VET system, detailed in the study Reform of the education system in Romania: conditions and perspectives, published in the same year. The Council of Academic Evaluation and Accreditation is founded (Law 88/ 1993). 1994 New regulations on social protection of the unemployed and facilitation of professional insertion are promoted. Specific groups are officially targeted: young graduates, people with disabilities and incentives for companies are created. A major Phare program on Employment and Social is launched. Active Employment Measure PAEM, the main component of the program, has a significant role in assisting national policies in this field. At the same time, PAEM sets the conditions for institutional development at the local level (creation of local Consortia). New reforms in higher education field aiming at raising the quality of university research, increasing the participation and promoting equal access. New funding system is proposed. 14
1995 The Education Act is adopted (Law no. 84/1995) stating education as a national priority and promoting the access for all social, ethnical, cultural and linguistic categories. According to this law - apprenticeship schools were introduced as a form of vocational training targeted to develop more practical skills to students. The Pre-University Reform Program is launched, with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank. Main intervention areas: curriculum, in-service teacher training, alternative handbooks for various subjects and years of study, evaluation and examination, management, occupational standards development based on a tripartite approach etc. First major reform of initial VET system in Romania started, based on Phare VET 9405 project, with a focus on specific TVET schools (professional schools and post-high schools) and a limited influence on others (apprenticeship schools and industrial high schools). The number of higher education institutions increased significantly as well as number of students enrolled in higher education. 1996 Phare VET RO 9405 program is launched, setting the basis for the first major reform of the VET system in Romania. Main objectives are related to: provision of initial VET according to labour market requirement and to training standards specific to EU member states, decentralisation and promotion of partnership, development of an operational information system etc. The reform initially aimed at 75 VET schools. The Observatory is established, within the Institute of Education Sciences, with the technical and financial assistance of ETF. The main focus is on creating an inter-institutional and inter-sectoral network of expertise in the area of initial and continuous vocational education and training. 1997 The passes first major changes to the Education Act with a high relevance on VET reform process. The new legal provision initiates the system of credit transfer in VET, sets new institutional frameworks for VET partnership and promotes teacher training activities. Regulations on teacher s statute are passed, detailing specific rights and responsibilities (Law no. 128/1997). The initiates new interventions (Emergency Ordinance no.9/1997) in relation with the assistance of personnel at risk of becoming unemployed after the implementation of restructuring and privatisation programs. The institutional partnerships of VET pilot schools with local and regional actors was assessed and validated as a model for VET system. Romania joined EU programs in the field of education and training: Leonardo da Vinci and Socrates. Economic and Social Council is established, as a tripartite independent public body, aiming at assuring the social dialogue at national level between employers, trade unions and government (Law109/1997). Council for Occupational Standards and Accreditation was established based on a World Bank loan. COSA developed occupational standards and provided guidance and counselling profiles. 15
1998 The Agency for Employment and is established (Law no. 145/1998); the name of the institution is changed in 2000, in Agency for Employment of the Labour Force. The Commission of Evaluation and Accreditation of Pre-university Education is officially established and starts its activity focussing on private education and training providers. The Law on continuous training through education system (Law no.133/2000) sets the conditions for vocational schools to become providers of CVT. of persons with special needs was passed World Bank Project for School Rehabilitation (4213.RO), finished in 2004 targeted the rehabilitation, modernization of 1.206 schools from pre-university education. The program will continue in 2004-2009 with focus on the school infrastructure. 1999 Establishment of Centre for TVET, according to decision no.855/1998, modified by decision 1218/2000 as public legal institution, subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Research; Based on Phare Program RO 9405 experience, the institution has specific Project Implementation Unit responsibilities assigned for TVET modernisation programs co-financed by EU; Official methodology to generalise the VET reform and introduction of the new curriculum elaborated within the Phare Program RO 9405 at system level. New classification of occupations, professions and specialisations for upper secondary and post-secondary levels of education Regional Agencies are created aiming at promoting regional policies and a specific role in managing EU programmes at regional level Adult board is created as a tripartite body with a consultative role in national training policies. NATB continued and expanded also the activity of COSA (Law 132/1999) 2000 New regulations on in-service teachers training ( Emergency Ordinance no. 91/2000) are passed. At the same time The Center for Teacher in Pre-University Education and The Center for Managers in Pre-University Education are founded. First Plan for Employment (PNAO) is elaborated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity in collaboration with Agency for Employment and other in line ministries (including Ministry of Education and Research). Five strategic objectives set: increasing employment rate of active population; supporting lifelong learning; development of social partnership; promotion of regional dimension of vocational education and training; development of labour market indicators system. Starts the generalization process of the Phare VET RO9405 program at the system level. Ordinance 121/2000 on adult training was approved. This will be developed and approved later in the shape of law 375/2002 regarding adult training in Romania. Phare 1998 HRD grant scheme was launched as a first Pre-ESF measure, based on initiatives at regional and local level to promote the development of human capital and entrepreneurship, integration in the labour market of unemployed and disadvantaged groups, and social inclusion. 16
Phare RICOP programme was launched, including reintegration measures for redundant workers. 2001 New Phare Program for technical and vocational education and training schools designed, based on the evaluation of Phare VET 9405 program and on a feasibility study related to the continuation and enlargement of VET reforms. New planning system in VET developed based on regional action plans, local action plans and school action plans; new decision-making bodies in the area of training offer are created: Regional Consortia, Local Committees for Social Partnership. 2002 A revised strategy for development of TVET system is elaborated (2001-2010) In March 2002, was approved a new law unemployment benefits, in a modern vision (Law nr. 76/2002). The new law focuses on active labour market measures and proposes different measures to stimulate employment at level of companies and direct beneficiaries. Aiming at increasing the adaptation of IVET to labour market requirements, the occupations, jobs and specialisations nomenclator for which initial training is provided is officially approved ( Decision 844/2002) First Adult Law is adopted (375/2002), promoting LLL through CVT: including the right to training in the collective bargain provisions, stimulating employers to invest in human resources development; evaluation and recognition of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning; introduction of credit transfer based on alternative training forms; assigning responsibilities and accreditation conditions of training providers. The Commission for Employment Promotion is established. Joint Assessment Paper Report is finalised. According to the JAP Romania s short-term employment and labour market policy priorities are determined by the following challenges: restructuring still far from being finalised, will continue to have a negative impact to employment; some areas/regions will be more affected by high and increasing employment in agriculture; negative trends in labour market participation and employment in general and in industry especially; insignificant job creation in services; Insufficient development and contribution of the private sector to employment; unemployment located mainly in urban areas; high long term unemployment (half of total unemployment) and youth unemployment rates, especially for low qualified people. Other issues presented in the document are: low participation and high drop-outs in upper secondary and post-secondary level of education (especially for population living in rural areas and Roma), a wage policy which obstructs job creation and drive people into the informal labour market due to high social contributions and tax-wedge. New regulations are passed in the area of unemployment benefits and employment stimulation (Law 76/2002). The provisions are related to the creation of statistical indicators for labour market at national and local level; modifications to the Classification of Occupations in Romania; diversifying the active employment measures etc. A Commission for Employment Promotion (tripartite body) is created. The Commission has a specific role in monitoring implementation of the Employment Plan. The Anti-Poverty and Promotion of Social Inclusion Plan is elaborated, with a special section on education. 17
Regional Centres NAE started to be established. Rural Education Programme started with the support of World Bank. The project targeted to increase of educational services quality in rural areas and to improve students performance. The priority actions of the programme were: professional development of teachers and managers, improvement of school infrastructure and learning facilities, developing the local partnership between schools and other relevant partners. Phare 2000 HRD programme was launched 2003 New changes to Education Act are passed (Law 268/2003). Main provisions are related to the promotion of lifelong learning and are referring to: extending the length of compulsory education from 8 to 10 years; bringing down the enrolment age of entry to compulsory education from 7 to 6 years of age; generalisation of the preparatory group of kindergarten (last year of preschool education destined for 5 year-olds); introducing the same learning standards for all children, on the basis of which formative evaluation is carried out (in the form of portfolios), as well as final evaluation of pupils after 8 th grade in order to guide them towards one of the two tracks: high school or the school of arts and trades; including the national curriculum of skills recommended by the Memorandum on lifelong learning and the Detailed Work Programme. New changes in the VET system are implemented: technical high schools, schools of arts and trades and the additional year paths; definition of levels of vocational training which can be obtained by the new structure; specifications related to the granting of fiscal facilities to companies that provide, on a contract basis, opportunities for VET schools: training stages, scholarships, endowments, jobs for graduates, etc. A New Labour Code is adopted (Law no. 53/2003) including a chapter related to vocational training that stipulates: the new forms of vocational training (e.g. apprenticeship on-the-job); the obligation of employers to provide regular access of all employees to vocational training, as well as the responsibilities of trainees; the financial conditions of training. Implementation of the EU Phare program 2001 Access to Education for Disadvantaged Groups with focus on Roma Program is launched. The general objective of the project is to support the implementation of the MER strategy to improve access to education for disadvantaged groups and to promote inclusive education for all, with a special focus on Roma and students with special education needs, in order to fight the social exclusion and marginalisation and to promote human rights and equal opportunities. The main components and activities of the program was: support the school inspectorates in elaborating and implementing county strategies; elaborate, deliver and/or monitor of the training programmes for school Inspectors; support the development of curriculum and educational materials; support the community participation in education; identify all cases of segregation in education; support the creation of a framework to sustain the children with special needs integration in/with mainstream schools. 2004 Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family was appointed Project Management Authority for Sectoral Operational Program Human Resources 18
A new Law on Higher Education was passed in order to address the challenges of the Bologna process of the universities The statute of the Regional Centres for Adult is officially approved by the Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family Initiating the EU Phare Program 2003 005-551.0.02. Access to education for disadvantaged groups (October 2004 March 2007). The main objectives of the program are: increase the quality of preschool education, in the view of increasing participation in the compulsory education of children from the disadvantaged communities; increasing the quality and educational practices towards reduction of school dropout in disadvantaged communities; developing the second chance education for young school leavers persons from disadvantaged areas. The components of the program are: institutionbuilding activities and grant schemes addressed to 14 counties of Romania. Plan (2004 2006) is elaborated. This document on strategic development at national level, together with the Anti- Poverty and Promotion of Social Integration (2002-2010) Plan and Joint Integration Memorandum (signed in 2005) approach education function of priorities, such as the development of human resources, fight against social exclusion through active measures, access to mass education, extension of compulsory education, quality and equity in education, the special needs of the vulnerable groups and communities. New changes to the Education Act are passed (Law 354 /2004), concerning the introduction of the new funding system for the pre-academic public education aimed at ensuring fund decentralization at educational unit level and the reorganization of the school network. Teacher s statute is officially changed (Law 349 /2004).Main provisions refer to the implementation of the new system of funding, management, and teaching and governance staff remuneration. New regulations on unemployment insurance system and employment support are passed (Law No. 107/2004). The provisions are aiming at increasing the investment in training and the free participation to CVT for specific categories of disadvantaged categories. Phare 2002 HRD programme was launched. 2005 officially approves (by. Decision 875/2005) the Short and medium term strategy for the continuous vocational training, 2005-2010 Adult Board is appointed as the national authority for qualifications; EU offer assistance to this process through Phare 2004 Program (Social and Economic Cohesion, HRD priority, Increasing the Adaptability of Labour Force measure) Social partners, Ministries represented in NATB and Prime Minister sign the Tripartite Agreement on Qualification Framework; Phare TVET 2003 Program starts, focussed on 172 schools, as the third stage of a multi-annual Phare program (2001-2003), aiming at consolidating the results of the reforming process entailed by previous programs New official regulations on authorisation of adult training providers are promoted; authorisation committees are established at county level and a national register on accredited training providers is created. New official regulations on evaluation and certification of competences acquired in informal and non-formal contexts are promoted. 19
Sectoral committees are established with the assistance of NATB; the process is based on the tripartite agreement on Qualification Framework. Agency for Qualifications and Partnership between Universities and Economic and Social Representatives (ACPART) is appointed as responsible organisation for development for qualifications specific to higher education A new Law on Apprenticeship at the work place was passed. Romania commits itself in its reply to the Commission to develop a NQF. EQF consultation (joint effort of MoER, NCDVET, NATB, ACPART, including stakeholders from all over the country). Assistance for NATB as NQA will be covered from Phare 2004-2006 (3 programmes). 2006 Evaluation of Phare TVET RO 2001 and 2002 programs; Selection of Distance Education Centres that will be supported within the PHARE TVET RO 2006 Program. approves the methodological norms for applying the regulations related to the Law on Apprenticeship at the work place; Agency for Employment publish the list with the qualifications for which apprenticeship programs at work place funded from the unemployment fund can be organised. The law of quality assurance in education was approved (Law no. 87/2006) and the Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-university Education was established as the institution of national interest in charge with implementing the methodologies of quality assurance in Romania. The Agency for Quality Assurance in higher education was established, replacing the former national accreditation agency. Romania prepared the Strategic Operational Plan for the ESF funds. The main priorities of the SOP are: education and training in support for growth and development of knowledge based society, linking life long learning and labour market, increasing adaptability of labour force and companies, modernising the Public Employment Service, promoting active employment measures and social inclusion. The Phare programme for assistance of NATB as NQA is under tender procedure now and it is expected to start this year. It is expected also the development of policy paper on NQF. 20