Sophie Weisswange DGVT meeting European developments in VET Quality Assurance Dublin 22-23 May 2013
EQAVET
EQAVET list of indicators Underlying objectives: Better employability Better match between training supply and demand Better access to VET No 1 Relevance of quality assurance systems for VET providers No 2 Investment in training of teachers and trainers No 3 Participation rate in VET programmes No 4 Completion rate in VET programmes No 5 Placement rate in VET programmes No 6 Utilisation of acquired skills at the workplace No 7 Unemployment rate No 8 Prevalence of vulnerable groups No 9 Mechanisms to identify training needs in the labour market No 10 Schemes used to promote better access to VET
Achievements (1) Development of common principles, reference criteria, indicators, guidelines and tools for quality improvement in VET at national, regional and local level as appropriate
Oparational Definitions for the indicators 2009
Building blocks system level The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework is complex and its implementation will take time. The building blocks can be applied at both the provider and system level. The building blocks support and complement each other. Early analysis has identified examples of all the building blocks. Set clear rules for deciding who offers VET provision Identify what information and data should be collected and used in the VET system Use feedback to improve VET Recognise and build on existing internal arrangements Define and implement a communications strategy Provide clarity over funding Set clear roles and responsibilities for different parts of the VET system Pilot initiatives and value success Ensure quality assurance covers all aspects of VET provision Ensure VET is founded on a strong involvement of external and internal partners and relevant stakeholders
Building blocks for VET providers
Webtool The IT tool is the result of the work of 2 working groups from EQAVET during 2 years. WG1: working on guidelines for NRPs for developing a quality culture approach WG2: Using indicators to monitor the system System and provider levels Similar structure for both Development of additional material http://www.eqavet.eu/gns/home.aspx
Outcomes 2011-2012 Lifelong learning
EQAVET Work programme Date: 10 in 12 pts
Achievements (2) Collection of hard data through the survey - some examples
National VET policy and the national approaches to QA Has a national approach been devised aimed at improving quality assurance systems at national level and making best use of the EQAVET Reference Framework in accordance with national legislation and practice? BE(nl), BG, DE, EE, IE, EL, FR, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, AT, RO, FI, SE, UK(Eng, Wls, Nir), Yes HR It is still in preparation (planned year of introduction) BG (2012), CZ(2013), ES, CY(2013), HU(2013), SK(2013), UK(Sct) No, we need more time to devise it No, we do not need it BE (fr), DK, ES, SI _
QA National reference points Has a National Reference Point for VET been established in your country? Yes BE(nl), BG, CZ, DK, DE, IE, EL, ES, IT, CY, LT, LU, HU, MT, NL, AT, PT, RO, SI, SK, FI, SE, UK(Eng, Wls, Nir, Sct), HR No BE(fr), EE, FR, LV, PL* EE, FR, LV: NRP not yet officially established but it functions within the relevant ministry PL: The NRP has been established but not yet in operation
Achievements (3) Creating a community of practices
Other Projects Project QALLL: Tracking of quality assurance related projects in VET and adult learning
LLP Call Other projects/initiatives Quality assurance related projects EQAVET knowledge and promotion unit 5 Projects 5 Seminars Conference
EQAVET External evaluation Scope Scope: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability Period: 2002-2012 14 questions related to context governance text content of the recommendation (NRP nat. approach ) Postulate: EQAVET fulfils 2 objectives Quality improvement Enhanced transparency and thus mutual trust between VET systems and VET qualifications
EQAVET External evaluation Methodology Analytical framework based on the 14 questions Judgement criteria elaborated Indicators designed for each criterion Mostly qualitative indicators due to the research methodology Desk research Interviews (78 interviews) Country fiches (34 (2 for BE)=(27+1)+ HR + FYROM + TR+ ICE + NO + LI) + 6 case studies (IT, FI, DE, RO, SK, EL) Lifelong learning programme
Main findings EQAVET framework is still politically relevant and even more so since the Bruges Communiqué The choice of the Recommendation as legal basis was a good one EQAVET is consistent and complementary to the other tools (ECVET, EQF) but does not cover certain aspects dealt with by ECVET and EQF (e.g. qualification design, certification process) Lifelong learning programme
Main findings (2) The work at European level as well as in MS has sped up since the adoption of the Recommendation...... the evaluation notes a significant increase of nomination of NRPs just after the adoption of the Recommendation The material developed at European level is felt to be user friendly and useful but difficult to disseminate at national level because of the language issue NRPs - key role - seem to lack resources sometimes Lifelong learning programme
Main Findings (3) EU Governance structure is considered appropriate Importance of having adequate expertise Projects have a real impact when they are targeted at the authorities dealing with the implementation of the national approach for quality assurance in VET Stakeholders' involvement varies from country to country. The lowest involvement is from students and higher education sector as well as companies /industries those who would have a major interest in the transparency aspect Lifelong learning programme
(draft)recommendations (1) Continue the cooperation work at European level Strengthen the qualification design, assessment and award dimension Consider translating the material developed Strengthen the NRPs Deepen the LLL approach Consider increased cooperation with higher education Lifelong learning programme
One country example - Finland Comprehensive quality strategy in Finland for next 10 years embracing EQAVET philosophy and Bruges Communiqué objectives Skills demonstration system Performance based funding some of the indicators used for this are from EQAVET Lifelong learning programme
(draft) Recommendations (2) If transparency of process is to be a stronger focus then more efforts should be made: In terms of reporting on the national approach, a new way of reporting more operational and prescriptive - should be elaborated Involve more the stakeholders who have the greatest interest in transparency i.e. companies, students Lifelong learning programme
EQAVET reporting Finalisation of the external evaluation: June Commission reporting in October Coupled with reporting on QA in HE Lifelong learning programme