Malta

Promoting parity of esteem between academic and vocational qualifications

The Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Council and the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Conference have been legally set up by the Minister responsible for Education, Youth and Employment to ensure coordination and effective problem-solving in all matters relating to qualifications.

The Council, which will be chaired by the Director of the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (Malta QRIC), (see Cedefop Info 3/2003) will ensure the timely dissemination of information and the coordination of activities related to the awarding and recognition of qualifications of the various certificate/diploma awarding bodies. It will support the development of instruments of transparency in qualifications and frameworks for course organisation, as may be developed and agreed upon by the European Union and identified as good practice in countries outside the EU. Above all, it will strive to promote parity of esteem and facilitate the passage between vocational and academic courses, ensuring that vocational training will provide a path both to higher education qualifications and employment.

The Conference has been created to bring together all the authorities designated by law to grant warrants, licenses or similar permits to practice a profession or a calling, as well as representatives of the trade unions and employers and to the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre.

The Conference, which will be chaired by the National Systems Directives Coordinator will meet at least once a year to further coordinate mechanism set up to assist businesses and citizens and to clarify principles and discuss matters related to the evaluation of credentials. It will provide a forum for discussion of problems, assist in resolving recurring problems expediently and contribute towards a uniform application of the general systems directives.

It is hoped that both the Council and the Conference will act as a mutual support service so as to break down barriers which prevent citizens and businesses from taking full advantage of the EU Internal Market.

Further information:
Joyce Pullicino, National Coordinator
Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment
Great Siege Road, Floriana, Malta, CMR 01
Tel. (356) 21228194
http://www.education.gov.mt

Source: Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment