1. Programme Overview Mark Novels 5 th December 2011 Quality Assurance in Technical and Vocational Education and Skills Study Tour (5 th -9 th December 2011)

2. Programme objectives Provide an introduction to UK strategy and approaches, tools and systems to providing quality assurance in TVET; Showcase good practise, achievements and challenges in the area of quality assurance in TVET, within the UK; Provide first-hand insights into the work of quality assurance in the UK, through visits to UK colleges (or similar learning environments) and input from quality assurance managers and inspectors; Review the different elements of UK quality assurance provision as potential models for national reform plans in participating delegate nations; and Provide opportunities to network with leading UK and international experts in the field of quality assurance.

3. Programme structure and content Afternoon visits to colleges and other organisations to: Observe the practical application of quality assurance in the learning environment Meet college staff, employers and learners Develop awareness of good practice and key challenges Interconnecting themes throughout the event relating to: Employer engagement The qualifications system The learning environment Morning presentations and seminars led by UK experts to: Explain UK policy and approaches to quality assurance in TVET Explain the tools and techniques that are used to set and maintain standards Promote discussion and explore concepts in detail Dedicated time set aside in order to: Review and reflect Share ideas and consider how good practice can be used to develop and/or enhance quality assurance in different country contexts Explore opportunities for networking/collaboration

4. So, what are your personal objectives for the study tour? Which aspects of the study tour are of most interest to you and why?

5. Understanding Quality Assurance

6. Quality assurance: The processes and procedures that systematically monitor different aspects of a service, process or facility to detect, correct and ensure that quality standards are being met.

7. Issues for consideration What are the drivers for quality assurance in TVET? Who benefits? How should quality standards in TVET be defined? How can these standards be maintained and monitored? What are the challenges for establishing TVET quality assurance systems? What risks do we need to manage?