1. Towards a European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF)
Education and Training Statistics
Luxembourg
30 January – 1 February 2006
Maria Hrabinska
In co-operation with Jens Bjornavold and Michael Teutsch
DG Education and Culture
Unit A6 – Analyses, Statistics and Indicators
Fine

2. Purpose of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
Facilitating the transfer and recognition
of qualifications of individual citizens
Within and between countries
Between education and training systems
Allowing use of all acquired skills
Opening to new learning

3. Our Lifelong Learning Experience at present: Still obstacles!
within and between countries
between education and training systems
to use of acquired skills
to new learning

4. The European Qualifications Framework
Cooperation in higher education (Bologna process)
Consultation — Not a final recommendation
Cooperation in vocational education and training (Copenhagen process)
Requested by Commission and Council in 2004 and European Council in 2005

5. The main elements of the EQF

6. Functions of the EQF
Tool (translation device) for comparing qualifications
Neutral reference point based on learning outcomes

7. A basis for co-operation
EQF implementation is voluntary
Entails no legal obligations on Member States or sectors
Fosters change by supporting reform

8. What EQF is NOT! EQF not about replacing national/sectoral frameworks
EQF not about harmonisation
EQF CANNOT define new qualifications

9. Country A Country B EQF Level 8 NQF/ NQS EQF Level 7 EQF Level 6

10. Swedish post-secondary engineering education (Påbygnadsutbildning) = EQF Level 4 = Irish post secondary education at national level 6 (Advanced certificate) E Q F

11. Each EQF Reference Level Wider personal and professional competences
The Eight EQF Levels
Knowledge
Each EQF Reference Level
Skills
Wider personal and professional competences
Image would be nice….

12. Types of competence Knowledge Skills
Personal and professional competence
Autonomy and responsibility
Learning competence
Communication and social competence
Professional and vocational competence

13. Focus on Learning Outcomes
EQF
Learning Outcomes
Non-Formal Learning
Informal Learning
Formal Learning

14. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of national authorities
Commitments to link national qualifications to EQF
Long term reform process
Learning outcome-based qualifications?
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
National Framework of Qualifications?

15. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of national authorities
Clear link between national qualifications and the EQF levels
Self-certification
Transparency of procedures
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Publishing of results

16. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of sectoral stakeholders
Sectors have expressed the need for a common reference point
Focus on an outcomes and competence based approach
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Invite sectors to link sectoral qualifications to EQF

17. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of sectoral stakeholders
Facilitate sector internal competence developments
Facilitate link between national and sectoral qualifications
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Ongoing work in the ICT sector exemplifies this approach

18. Consultation
Europe-wide consultation process from July to December 2005:
32 countries in ‘Education and Training 2010’
Bologna follow-up group
European Social Partner organisations
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Industry & sector organisations
Education and training NGO’s

19. Next steps: Consultation — Results
Input to drafting of Council and EP Recommendation in Spring 2006
Conference Budapest February
2006 to summarise input to
consultation
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
September 2006: Adoption of Draft Recommendation by the Commission

20. Next steps: support to stakeholders
Testing and experimentation in countries and sectors
EU funding for testing (Leonardo call for proposals)
Establishment of network on national and sectoral frameworks
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??

21. Summary 8 common reference levels (learning outcomes)
Common principles support EQF levels and provide guidelines for cooperation
A range of tools and instruments for individuals
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Commitment from national and sectoral bodies