1. Qualification Standards and for VET
European context and
its implications for
Qualification Standards and for
VET By
Yves Beernaert & Magda Kirsch
Europeaid/120164/D/SV/BG

2. References
Proceedings Maastricht 2004 conference on strengthening Eur. Cooperation in VET
The Copenhagen process: documents and tools
The Detailed work programme on the follow-up of the objectives of Ed. & Tr. Systems in Europe
Main policy initiatives and outputs in Ed & Tr. Since 2000, EU, March 2006
European network on QA in VET
Lisbon 2010 strategy: documents WG
ECVET: Cedefop dossier 12, Isabelle Le Mouillour
EQF consultation document (June 05) and synthesis of responses (April 2006)
See website:

3. The overall challenge for VET
VET has to provide for Skills and Jobs of the Future
« At present 80 million EU citizens are low skilled – 32% of the workforce – but by 2010 only 15% of jobs will be for those with basic schooling.
At the same time, the opportunities to participate in training are six times lower for workers with lower education attainment. »
Gordon Clark, EU Commission, October 2005, QA in VET conference

4. Qualification standards: a key element in VET
Qualification standards are part of an overall strategy / policy of Education & training and Labour at the level of
the development or upgrading of the QS
the implementation of the QS in the learning (and teaching activities)
the training of the teachers / trainers
QS development structures are in a process of change in many EU countries

5. Key characteritics of QS
Constant cooperation and interaction with industry and social partners
QS tools that enable swift and rapid upgrading and new developing of QS
Cooperation with the learning providers
Focus on learning outcomes
QS linked to QA and to Vocational Guidance

6. Challenges for VET across Europe (Jan Figel, EU Commissioner)
Quality VET: QS, methodology, ICT, teachers
Relevant VET and up-to-date VET
Response to new demands by new job and qualification profiles
Demand-lead VET systems
Contribution of VET to local, regional and national economic development
VET for 80 million low skilled citizens at risk of social exclusions

7. Implications for EU VET systems (Jan Figel, EU Commisioner)
Better and more systematic links between VET and the workplace:
cooperation school – industry;
placements in industry for pupils and teachers or trainers
Help to individuals to become mobile:
better information : EURES
better guidance,
personal portfolios,
language skills / intercultural skills

8. Implications for EU VET systems (Jan Figel, EU Commissioner)
Increased transparency and readability of VET qualifications
More open and flexible VET systems with integration of outcomes of non formal learning
Transfer and progression routes from IVET to general education and training
Education & training as a continuum of learning

9. Implications for EU VET systems (Jan Figel, EU Commissioner)
Enhance attractiveness and social status of VET
Breaking down barriers between general (sec.) education and VET
Increase retention in VET
Breaking down barriers between VET and H.Ed.
Fostering of innovation & entrepreneurship:
EU plan to promote business spirit in E & T (Feb.06)
Bigger role for ICT in teaching and learning
More attention to the professions of VET teachers and trainers

10. 5 Eur. Benchmarks in E & T By 2010
An EU average of no more than 10% of early school leavers
% of low-achieving 15 yr-olds in reading literacy to decrease by 20%
At least 85% of 22 yr–olds in EU to complete upper sec.ed.
Total number of graduates in MST to increase by at least 15% + gender balance
EU average level of participation in LLL to raise to 12.5% of adult working population

11. Progress in 5 benchmarks
2000
2004
2010 BM
Likelihood of achieving BM
1. Early school leavers (%)
17.3
15.7
13-14 10
Low
2. MST graduates
650000
745000
750000
+ 15%
High
3. Up.sec. attainment
76.4
76.7 77 85
4. Low achievers
19.4
19.8 20
- 20%
5. Particpation LLL
7.9
9.9 11
12.5
Medium low

12. Actions and activities at European & national level
QS development is taking place in the light of major EU & national developments to be taken into account
The Copenhagen process
The Detailed workprogramme of the concrete future objectives of the education & Training systems
ILLLP including Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci
EQF: European Qualification Framework
Many national initiatives

13. Initiatives in EU countries
Bnl: Accent op talent, –
Reports, working groups: competence learning, guidance
Pilot projects: pedagogical hothouses
DK: Retention in VET : Nov. 2005
Reports: Better education; Retention in VET
DK VET reform (2000) and FOU programme of pilot projects
NL: Deltaplan (formerly also AXIS)
Reports Delta plan for science and technology
Projects and initiatives: e.g. coaching gifted VET pupils

14. Initiatives in EU countries
Finland: National development plan E & T: 2004 – 2008
Focuses for VET : Output based approach, internationalisation, cooperation general sec. Ed. & VET; more VET students in H.Ed.; stronger cooperation VET - industry; VET credit system, restructuring QS, work-based learning, development of integrated skills tests, outcome assessment, learning outcomes
Local and regional education between VET providers to use all talents of youngsters
Pilot projects and/or experimental schools
NO: Culture for learning (2004)
Differentiated Ed & Tr based on abilities / needs of each child; adapted and customised learning; learning outcomes
Staff as resource person for competence development
Demonstration pilot schools

15. Development of Eur. Policy in Education & Training
The Bologna process (declaration 1999)
Lisbon strategy 2000 – 2010
Role of knowledge and innovation
Need to modernise Education and training
Lifelong Learning communication (2001) and Resolution (2002)
Concrete future objectives of E & T systems (2001) followed by Detailed Workprogramme (2002)
Copenhagen Process in VET (Declaration in Dec. 2002)
EQF and NQFs (2005)

16. The Copenhagen process
The Copenhagen Declaration
EUROPASS: transparency of qualifications and competences
Eur. Network on QA in VET
CQAF: Common Quality Assurance framework
Lifelong guidance (Recommendations and Handbook)
Validation of non formal (and informal) learning
ECVET
NRP network

17. The Copenhagen process
Europass
Europass CV
Europass Mobility
Europass Diploma Supplement (H.Ed.)
Europass Language Portfolios
European Certificate Supplement (VET)
National Europass Centres: information

18. Detailed Workprogramme E & T
3 strategic objectives:
1. Improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in Europe
2. Facilitating access of all to education and training systems
3. Opening Up education and training systems to the wider world

19. 1. Quality & effectiveness of Education & Training
1.1. Improving education and training for teachers and trainers
1.2.Developing skills for the knowledge society
1.3. Ensuring access to ICT for everyone
1.4. Increasing the recruitment to scientific and technical studies
1.5. Making the best of resources

20. 2. Facilitate access to E & T
2.1. Create open learning environments
2.2. Making learning more attractive
2.3. Supporting active citizenship, equal opportunities and social cohesion

21. 3. Opening up E & T to world
3.1. Strengthening the links with working life and research, and society at large
3.2. Developing the spirit of enterprise
3.3. Improving foreign language learning
3.4. Increasing mobility and exchange
3.5. Strengthening European co-operation

22. ILLLP Integrated Lifelong Learning programme (2007-2013)
Integrated Programme
Comenius Erasmus Leonardo da Vinci Grundtvig
School education H. Ed Initial and Adult education
and continuing
advanced VET
training
Transversal programme
4 key activities – Policy development; Language learning; ICT; Dissemination
Jean Monnet programme
3 key activities – Jean Monnet Action; European Institutions; European Associations

23. EQF European Qualification Framework
The development of EQF 8 levels
National Qualification
frameworks
The development of
sectoral qualification
Frameworks
Linking up sectoral
with NQF and with EQF
EQF Level 1
EQF Level 2
EQF Level 3
EQF Level 4
EQF Level 5
EQF Level 6
EQF Level 7
EQF Level 8

24. Conclusions QS development at national level should take into account:
Internal economic and social developments with a European and global perspective
developments in Education and Training in Europe;
QS development has to be part of a national comprehensive strategy of education and training and employment
QS development has to be flexible to respond to new challenges and demands of industry and society

25. Thank you for your attention and good luck in projects and work!