Copenhaguen Process, ECVET, EQARF Sophie Weisswange QANRP Brussels, 24 September 2009
Vocational Education and Training European cooperation 2002 Copenhaguen declaration Introduction of Open Method of cooperation Targets Mutual learning Common agreed objectives Reviewed every two years (Maastricht 2004, Helsinki 2006, Bordeaux 2008... and Bruges in 2010...) Since 2002, Based on a voluntary approach & providing concrete and practical results Inclusive; based on an agreement between 33 countries, the European social partners and the Commission 2
EU developments 2002-2009 main instruments and initiatives Europass a framework for transparency of competences and qualifications (2004) Common principles on validation of non-formal and informal learning (2004) Recommendation on lifelong guidance (2004) Reference Framework for Key competences (2006) Action plan on Adult learning (2007) European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong learning EQF (2008) - driving the establishment of National Qualifications Frameworks European Credit system for VET- ECVET (2009) European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET - EQARF (2009) 3
Strategic framework for E &T 2020 Strategic objectives 1. Lifelong learning and mobility 2. Quality and efficiency 3. Equity and active citizenship 4. Innovation and creativity (including entrepreneurship) 4
Bordeaux priorities 4 priority areas: 1)Implementing the tools and schemes for promoting cooperation in the field of VET 2)Heightening the quality and attractiveness of VET systems 3)Improving the links between VET and the labour market 4)Strengthening European cooperation arrangements 5
Bordeaux Communiqué (Nov 2008) Priority 1 - Implementing the tools and schemes for promoting cooperation in the field of VET i) establishing National Qualifications Frameworks on the basis of learning outcomes, ii) the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training, and iii)the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework. 6
Bordeaux Communiqué (Nov 2008) Priority 2 - Heightening the quality and attractiveness of VET systems i) Promoting the attractiveness of VET to all target groups Equity, guidance and counselling, facilitate pathways between education sectors, skills competitions (e.g. Euroskills) ii) Promoting the excellence and quality of VET systems Quality assurance, Mutual trust, Teachers, trainers and guidance officers, focus on learning outcomes based on EQF/NQF, Creativity and Innovation, language learning and general skills, permeability of learning paths between sectors, evidence base of policy setting (research, statistics, etc.) 7
Bordeaux Communiqué (Nov 2008) Priority 3 - Improving the links between VET and the labour market i) Develop forward-planning tools focusing on jobs and skills in line with the Council Resolution on "New skills for new jobs", ii) Ensuring the involvement of the social partners, iii) Improve guidance and counselling (throughout life) to ease transitions from training to work, iv) Promoting adult training, in particular in the workplace with special attention to SMEs, v) Developing validation and recognition of learning outcomes acquired in non-formal and informal contexts, vi) Increasing mobility, and vii) Increase role of higher education in VET 8
Bordeaux Communiqué (Nov 2008) Priority 4 - Strengthening European cooperation arrangements i) Increasing the efficiency of mutual learning activities, ii) Strengthen linkages between VET, school education, higher education and adult training, and iii) Consolidating exchanges and cooperation with third countries (in particular enlargement and ENP countries) and international organisations, such as the OECD, the Council of Europe, the ILO and UNESCO 9
From Bordeaux 2008 to Bruges 2010: Multiple challenges Short term: Economic crisis: rising unemployment Employment reduction of 3.5 million jobs in 2009 Unemployment up to 9.2% in 2009 (7.6% in 2008) Mismatch in supply and demand 4 million vacancies and 18 million unemployed (2008) Medium to long-term: Sectoral changes (New skills for new jobs) Enhancing knowledge based and low carbon economy Anticipating changing skill needs 78 million low-skilled in Europe 10
EQARF and ECVET 11
EQARF Key dates 20 May 2009: political launching conference in Prague under CZ presidency 18 June 2009 : Adoption by the EP and the Council OJ C 155, 8.7.2009, p.1 and p.11 (2009/C 155/01) 17-18.11.2009: technical launching conference, Brussels (300 participants) 12
The EQARF Recommendation Legislative part Recommendation to Member States Intentions of the Commission Technical annexes Description of quality cycle with list of quality criteria and indicative descriptors (Annex 1) Quality indicators for VET (Annex 2) 13
EQARF: the Quality Cycle and Indicators Define goals and objectives Indicators Purpose and plan Review Indicators Feedback and procedures for Change Methodology Implementation Coherent with goals Indicators Assessment and evaluation Collection and processing data; discuss results Indicators 14
Annex 1 Description of the quality cycle For each phase : quality criteria, indicative descriptors at system level, indicative descriptors at provider level, are set out 15
Annex 2 - List of indicators 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 16
The main stakeholders Council European Parliament European Commission European Network QANRPS Member States Social partners Regional and local authorities 17
Outcomes expected from the Member States Design an approach to best use EQARF and improve QA systems involving [ ] relevant stakeholders Use and develop EQARF Designate a Quality Assurance National Reference Point Participate actively in EQARF network Undertake a review and report on the implementation process every four years 18
Outcomes expected from the Commission Promote and participate together with the MS in the European Network contributing to policy development in the area of QAVET Develop guidance material Facilitate cooperation Facilitate Mutual learning Provide information on quality assurance in VET across countries present a report every 4 years to the EP and the Council on the exp. gained and implications for the future, including if necessary a review of this recom. Undertake an evaluation of the implementation of the recommendation on the basis of the report and if necessary its revision 19
Outcomes expected from EQARF Network Work programme Guidelines Common principles CommonTools Develop indicators Reference criteria Reference criteria for the review and reporting of MS on the implementation process 20
Outcomes expected from national reference points (QANRPs) Inform stakeholders about the European Network activities Take concrete initiatives to promote further development of EQARF in the nat. context Support self evaluation as a complementary and effective means of QA in respect of the implementation of the European Network s work programme Ensure that information is disseminated to stakeholders effectively Brings together relevant bodies and involve social partners and all stakeholders concerned at national and regional levels Support actively implementation of European Network s work programme 21
EQARF - Perspectives New era for quality assurance European Quality Assurance Reference Framework Network (EQARF Network) Quality Assurance National Reference Point (QANRP) Member States (Network, QANRP, Implementation, review, report..) Commission (active participation in the network, report, evaluation, review,..) 22
Next steps Communication on VET policy (April 2010) Comprehensive review of the Copenhagen process in Bruges (December 2010) Post-2010 Lisbon Strategy (New Commission, new Parliament... Spring 2010? ) 23
EQARF Roadmap 24-25 September 2009 End 2009 January 2010 QANRP meeting Signature of the contract for the EQARF Network secretariat Launching of the EQARF Network Elaboration of a website centralised at Europa website level Two years after adoption (2011) Design of the approach by the Member States must be finished Two years after adoption (2013) First progress report and evaluation of the EQARF recommendation 24
The ECVET Recommendation Legislative part: Recommendation to Member States Intentions of the Commission Technical annexes 1 and 2: Concepts and glossary (prealable) Description of qualifications in units of learning outcomes (main) Transfer Process (assessment, validation, recognition and accumulation of learning outcomes) and partnerships (essential) ECVET points allocated to qualifications and to units (additional) European Commission, DG EAC Unit B5 25
Work being done A. ECVET testing (specific calls LdV) B. Coordination of Pilot projects (Contractor) http://www.ecvet-projects.eu/default.aspx C. Design of an ECVET users guide for experimenting ECVET D. ECVET testing bulletin http://www.ecvet-projects.eu/bulletins/registration.aspx 26
Perspectives and developments: Organising the European cooperation in the field of ECVET: The European ECVET Network Organising the governance for the implementation of ECVET: The ECVET users group Improving information and communication on ECVET Brochure, website Creating or adapting tools, with CEDEFOP support Europass, Templates, guidelines Developing expertise on specific topics ( ) Quality assurance for ECVET, Transition VET-HE and complementarity between ECVET and ECTS 27
ECVET: the roadmap Launching of the European ECVET network First meeting of the ECVET users group and first forum of the ECVET network 28