Transparency and portability of VET skills and qualifications
European principles and tools, such as EQF, ESCO, ECTS, Europass and ECVET, provide a strong basis for transparency and portability of national and sectoral qualifications across Europe, including the issuing of digital diplomas and certificates.
This thematic category looks at how individuals are supported in transferring, accumulating, and validating skills and competences acquired in formal, non-formal and informal settings – including learning on the job – and in having their learning recognised towards a qualification at any point of their lives. This is only possible if qualifications are transparent and comparable and are part of comprehensive national qualifications frameworks. Availability of qualifications smaller than full and acquirable in shorter periods of time is necessary; some countries have recently worked on developing partial qualifications, microcredentials, etc.
The core objective of the external review is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of an ETB’s internal quality assurance procedures.
The purpose of the inaugural review of ETBs quality assurance was to:
encourage a quality culture and improvement of the learning environment and experience in the ETBs by using evidence-based, objective methods and advice;
provide feedback to ETBs about the overall effectiveness of their quality assurance, organisation-wide quality and the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The external review is conducted by review teams. National and international external reviewers are selected for their expertise in one or more specific areas, providing perspectives from education and training, quality assurance, learner voice, community and industry. SOLAS and the Adult Learning Association (AONTAS) provide support to the review teams.
The external review examines the following aspects:
Governance and management of quality
The review evaluates the comprehensive...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Further Education and Training Authority (SOLAS)
Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB)
Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB)
Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB)
Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB)
Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB)
Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB)
Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB)
Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)
Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB)
Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB)
City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB)
Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB)
Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB)
Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB)
improving and modernising the system of credentials for learners and people who improve their skills, competences and qualifications;
implementing the idea of micro-credentials;
supporting participation in lifelong learning and motivating to confirm achievements.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A tool for issuing and collecting digital credentials, the Odznaka+ (Badge+) application, was created in 2021 as part of the project. Its purpose is the inclusion of innovative and socially needed qualifications in the integrated qualifications system (IQS), as well as reducing barriers to the development of IQS by providing support to its national and regional stakeholders’. It was created by the Educational Research Institute and commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Science. The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
dissemination of the Europass-Mobility electronic document;
support for advice on and use of the digital Europass service;
facilitating access to information on learning opportunities in Europe, mainly in connection with learning mobility.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The main objective of the activities of the combined National Europass and Euroguidance Centre is to implement Decision (EU) 2018/646 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 April 2018 on a common framework aimed at providing better quality services in skills and qualifications (Europass). The National Europass Centre (NEC) deals with coordinating the issuance of Europass documents and promoting the Europass initiative, in particular for career counselling and information...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Science
Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE)
Offering small supplementary certificates for specific skills in demand on the labour market in regular IVET programmes.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Standardised supplementary certificates are required by regulation in some occupations, especially as regards work safety or environmental standards. Several secondary schools have sought accreditation by national authorities to assess and deliver these certificates. Training, usually a short course, is integrated into the regular modules in IVET but follows the standards set by the relevant accreditation body. If learners pass the module they are awarded the certificate as well. The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
VET Department of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (SFP)
To provide the opportunity for individuals to have their knowledge assessed and certified, according to a pre-set competence standard.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The System of vocational qualifications (SVQ) is based on Vocational qualification standards (VQS) developed by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) with the assistance of vocational qualifications technical committees. The SVQ assesses in real or simulated working conditions the ability of a person to carry out specific tasks according to a VQS. At the same time, the SVQ sets out the framework for the design and development of training activities to prepare the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA)
To support the systematic and flexible linking of education and the labour market by improving the system of labour market monitoring and future skills forecasting OSKA, reforming the professional qualifications system and integrating them into a system of labour market monitoring and future skills forecasting, OSKA as well as in the domains of systemising and description of skills, and matching, assessment and recognition of skills.
Development of the labour market monitoring and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The following measures are foreseen:
development of the professional qualifications system, modernisation of professional standards and the creation and implementation of skills profiles;
creating, developing and supporting the implementation of a skills classification and competences catalogue in VET;
further development of the jobs and skills forecasting system OSKA, updating of the methodology for general analysis and sectoral surveys, extension of analytical capacity;
supporting...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To aid lifelong learning and recognition of competences and qualifications through establishing a system of transferable credits used in the professional training of adults.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The development of the transferable credit system includes methodology for granting transferable credits for the professional training of adults including categories of skills to be considered for certification of competences: key, technical and occupation-related. It facilitates mobility and complies with the general provisions regarding competences acquired in education and training, including adult training.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
VAE must become more attractive for job seekers as well as for employees undergoing professional retraining. One of the objectives of the renovation of VAE is to combat recruitment tensions in the labour market, i.e. in the health and social care, early childhood, and social economy sectors.
One main goal is to increase the number of beneficiaries, by targeting 100 000 beneficiaries per year by 2027. It is important to note that the results in 2021 showed 30 000 beneficiaries. Additionally,...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The minister delegated for vocational training announced an ambitious reform at the end of 2022.
Law No 2022-1598 of 21 December 2022 on emergency measures relating to the functioning of the labour market includes several provisions that reform VAE along three lines:
simplification: facilitating the admissibility stage, shortening routes and harmonising funding rules;
making validation paths more secure: the law individualises and strengthens the support provided to candidates, giving...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Professional Integration (until 2022)
Ministry of Labour, Full Employment and Inclusion
Delegate Minister for VET under the education and labour ministers
The objective of the Higher education advancement fund is to make higher education in Flanders more digital, flexible and modern. One of the key points is to further develop lifelong learning in higher education, including more focus on labour market needs.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The main actions within the key point 'further developing lifelong learning in higher education' of the Higher education advancement fund are:
1. Agile offer of lifelong learning
There is a need for retraining, reorientation and reskilling. This includes developing micro-credentials and reshaping of programmes, in which social partners are involved. It is essential to strengthen cooperation with the private sector, e.g. in the context of dual learning. New, innovative pathways should also...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
raise the status of higher vocational education and stimulate the development of excellence in this area;
provide outstanding vocational colleges with the resources to work long-term on quality development and innovation in higher vocational education;
stimulate increased cooperation among vocational colleges and different education levels, and strengthen their cooperation with the labour market.
This means that the centres will amongst others work on shorter...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Centres of vocational excellence are intended to contribute to increasing professional competence and the quality of training at vocational colleges. Similar to centres for excellent education in the university and college sector, this is a prestigious scheme which should, among other things, stimulate increased quality in the vocational colleges that serve upper secondary learners, including apprentices, young people (15-29 years) and adult learners.
Centres of vocational excellence have...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Research (KD)
Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
CompetentNL aims to develop a national, connecting skill language that makes transparent which knowledge, skills and competences are relevant to the labour market and which training courses people can take to develop any missing skills. The more parties use the same skills language, the more valuable the insight into skills are for an individual:
companies can recognise the skills of an applicant or worker;
education institutions can make targeted decisions on granting exemptions;
...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The government is investing in the development of a skills-oriented labour market. This entails describing the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for the performance of activities in terms of skills: a common skills language, called CompetentNL, is being developed for this purpose. CompetentNL is an online skills dictionary in which all possible skills are categorised and described and which is linked to the complete and continuously updated VET qualification structure. CompetentNL...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
Cooperation organisation for VET and the labour market (SBB)
Employee Insurance Agency (UWV)
Statistics Netherlands (CBS)
Dutch organisation for applied natural science research (TNO)
This measure aims to promote vocational education and training (VET) and make it more attractive, bringing more students to choose the vocational training path earlier and allowing young people faster entry into the labour market. This should have a positive impact on youth employment in Lithuania.
The development of experimental training programmes brings opportunities for students who have completed the first part of the basic education programme. They can study according to the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
According to the Government Strategic Analysis Centre (STRATA) study University, college or vocational training institution?, based on data retrieved from the 2013/14 school year to the 2018/19 school year, the number of students who chose to study in vocational education institutions together with second part of the basic education programme education has doubled. The number of students who chose to study only according to initial vocational education programmes (ISCED 2) has been...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The Training voucher aims to reinforce the quality of active employment measures, particularly as regards professional qualifications, seeking to:
contribute to improving the productivity and competitiveness of companies by reinforcing the professional qualification of their workers, especially those with lower qualifications;
boost the demand for training among the unemployed and active employees;
encourage lifelong learning pathways as well as the personal development of the active...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Training voucher is a direct financial support for vocational training to be granted to employees and the unemployed as a way of providing individual access to training.
It is addressed to employees aged 16 or over, regardless of their qualification level, and unemployed individuals, aged 16 or over, registered in PES for at least 90 consecutive days, with qualification levels 3 to 6. For the unemployed, to receive financial support, the training must correspond to that defined in the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
To achieve the specific training needs of the employed and unemployed.
To promote the return of the unemployed to the labour market through a rapid integration in training actions of short and medium duration.
To allow the acquisition of relevant competences, or the valorisation of competences already held, always allowing the continuity of the qualification pathway.
To enable the gradual acquisition of a professional qualification.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Modular training courses (Formação Modular Certificada) are addressed to adults aged 18 and over, employed or unemployed, who do not have the appropriate qualifications to enter or progress in the labour market, especially, those who have yet to complete basic or upper secondary education.
This is a modality that allows flexible training paths, through the realisation and certification of competence units and/or short duration training units (UFCD), that can be capitalised to obtain one, or...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
To raise the educational and professional qualification levels of the adult population through an integrated offer of education and training;
To improve adult employability conditions and to certify the skills acquired throughout life.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Adult Education and Training courses (EFA) are a flexible training pathway of variable duration, according to the certification level. They enable the development of social, scientific and professional skills needed for the exercise of a professional activity and simultaneously obtain a basic school level certificate (fourth, sixth or ninth grades) or an upper secondary level certification (12th grade).
EFA courses are addressed to adults, employed or unemployed, with low and very low...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
This measure is part of INCODE.2030. The Portugal digital academy is a national initiative that aims to bring digital competences to all Portuguese people including migrants), investing in inclusion and digital literacy, in the education of new generations, in the qualification of the active population, in advanced and specialised training of senior staff and in research. It is a free course aggregator platform where all citizens can improve their digital competences regardless of age. The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI)
Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Administrative Modernisation
Training and (re)qualification, in the digital area, aiming to face the challenges and opportunities of several business sectors strongly impacted by digital transition processes.
Fostering digital transformation.
Improving the productivity and competitiveness of entities and the country's economy, as well as individual skills and qualifications.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
More digital employment 2025 is a scheme providing free digital training for workers, managers and directors of companies, entities of the social economy and trainers. The training includes an initial and final diagnosis of digital skills, in line with the dynamic reference framework for digital competence (DCRF) proficiency levels, through the Portugal Digital Academy platform. If the training is completed, a certificate is issued. The training is developed in, and managed by, IEFP in close...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
The amendment of the Law on Adult Education aims at the alignment of the regulations with the development of the national qualifications framework and to improve the quality assurance system, to ensure quality and effective education focused on the needs of the individual and the labour market.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2021 Law on Adult Education provided guidelines for the development of a comprehensive quality assurance system and allowed for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. With the 2021 law, the adult education system has been completely aligned to the national qualification framework and based on occupation and qualification standards. The law allowed for formal recognition of non-formal and informal learning validation, as well as systematic quality control of the institutions...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
enabling individuals to acquire knowledge, skills and competences they need to thrive in an evolving labour market and society, to benefit fully from a socially fair recovery and just transitions to the green and digital economy;
supporting preparedness of providers of microcredentials to enhance the transparency and flexibility of the learning offering in order to empower individuals to forge personalised learning and career pathways;
fostering inclusiveness and equal opportunities and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
There are continuing discussions on national level about definition, concept and approach to the microcredentials based on the Council Recommendation on a European approach to microcredentials for lifelong learning and employability.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MIZŠ) (until 2023)
Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI)
LLCS 2030 focuses on the most urgent topics that were not or were only partly covered by the National recovery and resilience plan. It also paves the way for the replacement of the obsolete Lifelong Learning Act (568/2009) with new legislation.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
LLCS 2030 focuses on four thematic areas: qualification system; basic skills and civic education; lifelong learning and counselling, and motivation of citizens for lifelong learning; and building a system of skills management and identification of lifelong learning needs. It proposes 51 measures divided into 13 thematic units corresponding to topics in need of urgent intervention:
second chance education and ‘F-type programmes’ (ISCED 253) for low achievers in lower secondary general...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation
The primary objective of the pilot testing is to verify the effectiveness of the recognition of international ICT certification standards. The pilot also aims to identify the opportunities and conditions under which it would be possible - by means of an Amendment to the School Act and the relevant implementing Decree on Detailed Conditions on Completing Education by the Maturita Examination in Upper Secondary Schools - to replace part of the exam in the education field Informatics and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
On 1 October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports launched a pilot aimed at recognising international ICT certificates, that prove students’ knowledge and skills not only in informatics and information and communication technologies (in upper-secondary general schools, Gymnázia) and in education in information and communication technologies (in secondary VET schools) but also in digital competences in the profile part of the Maturita examination: Maturita in 4-year programmes...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic
The main goal is to introduce the theme of continuing professional education and training in a strong and transparent way into the social dialogue at the national level.
So far, the social partners in the Czech Republic have had only consultative role in the area of education and training. The proposal aims to gradually proceed to higher level of shared responsibility where social partners would cooperate on defining and governance of the continuing professional education and training system.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The proposal was drafted in the framework of the project Social dialogue and society 4.0 (2019-22), It is implemented by the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, the biggest trade union association in the Czech Republic, in partnership with the Confederation of Industry, the biggest employer organisation. The general idea of the proposal is to build a continuous learning culture and make it an integral part of not only social dialogue, but also society as a whole. A coherent public...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objectives and priorities of the strategy have been formulated on the basis of a SWOT analysis of the current state of the labour market. One of the opportunities outlined in the analysis is related to the provision of adequate education and training in the labour market, as follows:
changes in the admission plan for education for better adaptation to labour demand;
advanced training and training at the request of employers for the unemployed;
training for employees;
providing the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Investment in education, training and lifelong skills development brings benefits both to individuals and to society as a whole. Education is the engine for job creation, economic growth, improved social conditions and prosperity.
The strategy focuses on the modernisation of the adult education system by creating opportunities for the use of digital technologies, as well as by increasing the digital skills and competences of the workforce for full participation in digital education and the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The goal of the reform of continuing education at higher education (HE) institutions, anchored in the programme of the current government, is to improve the framework conditions for CET programmes in order to strengthen their quality, transparency and international reputation.
In the decision of the Council of Ministers of 21 April 2021, which gave the go-ahead for the implementation of this reform, several objectives are associated with this project:
standardisation of the (legal)...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In order to implement this reform, the higher education law was amended. The so-called higher education legislation package came into force on 1 October 2021.
The central actor in this reform is the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF). The four types of HE institutions (universities and university colleges of teacher education, universities of applied sciences and private universities) are also involved. Those interested in continuing education at HE institutions...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF)
In addition to the provision of IVET and CVET (upskilling, reskilling), Centres of excellence in VET (CeEVETs) must offer retraining of teachers, head instructors and instructors, offer work-based learning opportunities for dual learners contracted by SMEs, and be an interface between basic schools (lower secondary education in particular) and VET schools and between VET schools and higher education institutions for career choice and VET-related aspects. CeEVETs will be responsible for the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The creation of centres of excellence in VET (CeEVETs) is determined by the Lifelong learning and counselling strategy for 2021-30 adopted by the government on 24 November 2021. According to the strategy action plan, a pilot phase of transforming some of the existing centres of VET into CeEVETs should already start in 2022, co-funded from ESIF (specific objective 1.4 ‘Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship’ of Operational programme Slovakia...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation
Issuance of the EDCL in addition to paper diploma or certificate in initial vocational education and training (IVET).
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The EDCL offers many benefits for citizens, employers, and organisations, enabling:
students to prove the validity of their diploma or certificate;
training institutions across Europe to issue diplomas and other certificates of learning in a format that is easy to generate;
authorities (employers, universities, etc.) to easily check the authenticity of harmonised documents;
a common understanding of qualifications and certification across and beyond the European Union;
the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Children and Youth
VET Department of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (SFP)
To keep pace with the rapidly changing world of labour, and to ensure equal access to high-quality education irrespective of learners' social and cultural backgrounds, age and gender, it is necessary to increase coherence between, and the flexibility of, different levels and types of education. The dividing lines that prevent permeability between formal, non-formal and informal learning, as well as between general and vocational education, need to be reduced.
To create opportunities for...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In order to ensure flexible learning opportunities, accessibility of high-quality education and training, and supported learning with the aim of reducing drop-out and early leaving rates and exploiting every individual's potential to the fullest, the following measures are foreseen:
developing and implementing a common standard for secondary education to integrate general and vocational secondary education;
updating the Standard of vocational education and specifying the differences...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The main objective of the Act of 19 November 2020 is to implement the Directive (EU) 2018/958 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 June 2018 on a proportionality test before adopting a new regulation of professions. This Directive lays down rules on a common framework for conducting proportionality assessments before introducing new, or amending existing, legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions regarding regulated professions. Member States should act within the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In November 2020, the Act on the principles of the recognition of professional qualifications attained in other EU Member States was amended.
The most important changes include:
ensuring that new regulatory provisions (in this area) are justified, following the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination and indicating the entities to which they apply;
indicating how regulatory provisions comply with the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination;
indicating the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The government has set, as a strategic objective, the upgrade of VET from the level of a forced solution for few, to a conscious education and career choice for many.
The main objectives of the new legal framework are:
providing knowledge, skills and competences in accordance with the needs of the labour market;
empowering general adult education;
strengthening permeability among education levels;
improving employability for all.
The reform also aims to improve initial and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In December 2020, Law 4763/2020 introduces a legal framework regulating VET and LLL and describing the organisation of each school type, the qualifications and the role of their staff (manager, teachers, career/vocational counsellors). The Law also establishes the structure of the Hellenic Qualifications Framework (HQF) and regulates qualifications for NQF/EQF levels 3, 4, and 5.
The law also establishes for the first time a two-year vocational training programme for lower secondary (basic)...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs
General Secretariat for VET, Lifelong Learning and Youth
By offering international mobility grants to VET learners, it is intended to:
allow trainees in entrepreneurial training to carry out part of their practical training in a company located in another country of the European Union. At the IFAPME, these internship hours carried out abroad are recognised as part of the graduation;
promote foreign language skills;
strengthen business skills;
provide internationalisation of the employment and/or training policies;
promote the acquisition of...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2014, every year several dozen learners from different VET programmes and from the IFAPME network complete a professional and linguistic training course of 4, 6, 8 or 13 weeks duration. This internship abroad is an integral part of the vocational training offered by the regional training provider IFAPME. Focused on practice and know-how, these scholarships cover all or part of the compulsory internships necessary for graduation. A short course in English is offered to learners involved...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Walloon Institute for Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurial Training and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (IFAPME)
The objective of the changes is to make it easier to foreign vocational qualifications to be recognised in Norway. This is intended to enable more people to use their qualifications in Norway.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The suggested changes relate not only to formal education but also include a comprehensive review of what people can do when it is being considered whether they can practice their profession in Norway. Additionally, some of the principles in the act and associated regulations shall also apply to individuals with professional qualifications from third countries.
A set of principles were suggested:
the approval principle: when processing applications, emphasis must be on the overall...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of the national VET team is to support the implementation of EU VET tools in Erasmus+ projects in Lithuania; its objectives are to:
raise the awareness of Erasmus+ potential applicants and beneficiaries about EU VET tools;
improve the understanding of Erasmus+ potential applicants and beneficiaries about the implementation of EU VET tools in the projects in the national context.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The work plan of the national VET team, to be established in 2021, will focus on:
carrying out analysis on the use of EU VET tools in the national context;
providing promotional material about EU VET tools (one e-booklet and two newsletters);
organising discussions engaging the National Authority and relevant stakeholders on the implementation of EU VET tools in Erasmus+ projects, a monitoring seminar and presentations on the use of EU VET tools in Erasmus+ projects.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
the measure is intended to support training companies in continuing apprenticeship training in the during the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic, by enabling them to outsource in-company training for a certain period of time without incurring any costs;
in addition, the number of new apprenticeship places on offer is to fall as little as possible, both for autumn 2020 and thereafter.
This results in the following policy guidelines to:
enable apprenticeships...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In close cooperation between the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), the Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK), the Vienna Public Employment Service and the Vienna Employment Promotion Fund (waff), as well as conceptually supported by the two research institutes ibw and öibf, a model of a new, innovative training association was developed. It was finally implemented at the beginning of 2021, offering apprenticeship training companies the possibility of continuing their apprenticeship training for a...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The innovation programme INVITE aims at increasing participation in CVET by connecting existing learning platforms, improving the transparency and quality of digital CVET offers, and allowing a low-threshold, individual, modular approach, building on existing skills, in a secure digital environment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Starting point was the innovation competition INVITE, initiated by BMBF within the National skills strategy and is implemented by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Traiing (BIBB) with the support of an IT consulting company (VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH). The competition has had a two-stage structure (outlines: April-September 2020 / applications: January-March 2021). It addresses platform operators, continuing education providers, academic institutions...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
To improve approaches to developing and implementing VET curricula and examination as well as recognition of prior learning.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
VET provision, curricula, examination
In December 2016, the ESF project ‘Development of sectoral qualifications system for vocational education development and quality assurance’ was launched to develop new occupational standards and modular VET programmes for most of professional qualifications (sectoral qualifications).
In 2017, amendments to the Vocational Education Law specified the legal framework for the modularisation of VET programmes. VET modules were included in the State...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To ensure accessibility of career education in all general and vocational education schools; and Latvia’s participation in the Euroguidance network aimed at supporting the development of the European dimension of lifelong guidance, supporting competence development of guidance practitioners, and providing information and communication on the European dimension of guidance.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In December 2015, the Government adopted regulations on career education. Within this framework, the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) launched a national ESF project Career support in general and vocational education schools (2016-20) to ensure accessibility of career education in all general and vocational education schools. New methodological materials were developed. In 2017-18, more than 20 seminars and two national conferences for schools’ career guidance teachers/specialists...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objective is to enable professional and non-professional experience to be recognised with a view to obtaining all or part of:
vocational certificates and diplomas (provided by the Ministry of Education) - vocational capacity certificates (certificat de capacité professionnelle, CCP) - vocational aptitude diplomas (diplôme d’aptitude professionnelle, DAP) - technician’s diploma (diplôme de technicien, DT);
Secondary school leaving diploma (baccalaureate) of the general education...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Through the recognition of professional and non-professional experience, learners can obtain either full or partial diplomas on EQF levels 2-5. The Grand-Ducal Regulation of 15 December 2017 states that candidates requesting validation of prior experience have the right to receive personalised support to submit their application. The support is limited to the maximum of 12 hours and can be provided in French, English or Luxembourgish.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of the measure is to create conditions for the formation, recognition and validation of mastery qualifications (skills) acquired in employment and elaborate a model of the subsystem of 'mastery skills acquired in the workplace' that can be used in various sectors of the economy.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
To work towards that goal, the ministry organised a discussion on the subject involving representatives of Lithuanian industry, business and employer associations. Participants were selected with a broad mandate to represent business associations and individual companies, uniting the vast majority of Lithuanian organisations and having knowledge across a wide range of business needs.
Participants in the discussion acknowledged that the assessment and recognition of high-level competences...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Raising the attractiveness, flexibility and permeability of upper secondary VET programmes; developing trilateral cooperation amongst IVET stakeholders, higher education and companies involved in dual VET; creating upper secondary VET institutions that can be entrance pathways to higher education; creating VET programmes for vulnerable students to reduce the rate of those leaving school without a qualification; strengthening career guidance; cooperation with higher education, which enjoys a...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Hungary from the school year 2020/2021 introduced the following IVET programmes, and changed the name (types) of the existing IVET institutions as follows:
Five-year technological programmes (Technicums)
The previous vocational grammar school (szakgimnázium) programmes have been renamed Technicums (Technikum) and will provide five years of combined general education and VET with the possibility of a preparatory foreign language year. At the end of the programme, learners acquire the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
IVET schools and adult education and training providers have to operate as an Accredited Examination Centre (AEC) to raise the quality of the VET programmes they offer. The National Accreditation Office (Nemzeti Akkreditációs Hivatal) is entitled to certify an AEC, based on the standards defined by the Hungarian Standards Institution (Magyar Szabványügyi Testület).
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
An important innovation of the new Act on VET LXXX of 2019 is that final vocational examinations will be delivered by AECs instead of VET institutions and AL providers. The centres will run the exams for both (full or partial) VET qualifications listed in the national register of vocational occupations and vocational qualifications offered in adult training.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Culture and Innovation
IKK Innovative Training Support Centre Plc
National Accreditation Authority
Institute of Transport Sciences Nonprofit Ltd.
National Office for VET and Adult Learning (NOVETAL)
The content-based programme and outcome requirements (Képzési és Kimeneti Követelmények, KKK) of the qualifications listed in the register of vocational occupations and the adult training programme requirements of vocational qualifications are formulated in parallel with the publication of the Act LXXX of 2019 on VET and the government Decree on its implementation.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Preparation and elaboration of the programme and outcome requirements (KKK) have been realised with experts, who know both their own profession and the learning outcome-based methodology well. The training programme of the VET institution or adult training provider is developed in accordance with the programme and outcome requirements (KKKs) in case of vocational occupations listed in the Register of Vocational Occupations and PKs in case of vocational qualifications acquired in the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The VET Act of 2019 differentiates vocational education and vocational training. Vocational education can be provided within the IVET framework on the basis of programme and outcome requirements (KKKs) and in formal school-based adult education. Vocational training can be provided within the framework of adult training by adult training providers if they have been previously registered or authorised. Thus, CVET is divided into adult education and adult training. The qualifications provided...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The goal of the modifications is to differentiate traditional school-based VET programmes from short-term courses, and to ease the mutual recognition of the VET qualifications of EU member countries.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
According to VET Act LXXX of 2019, the name of the national qualifications register has changed to the register of basic occupations (szakmajegyzék), which includes a list of primary occupations qualifying holders to perform a wide range of activities within a certain economic sector. The number of basic vocational occupations listed in the register, which came into force on 1 September 2020, has been reduced to 174. The Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) may propose changes to the existing...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To improve the education quality monitoring system based on statistical information, the results of comparative educational research, the achievement of students at the national level and other indicators characterising the results of the work of education institutions: analysis of the results of centralised examination and accreditation and licensing, as well as evaluation of the quality of teachers' work, the use and analysis of information, taking into account the medium and long-term...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The national approach to quality assurance was reviewed in 2016 and the outcomes of the review have been published. As a result, the Cabinet of Ministers approved new regulations concerning the procedures for accrediting education institutions, examination centres, general and vocational education programmes and evaluating the professional activity of heads of schools. The revision also supported the increased use of EQAVET indicators, including the collection of data on teachers and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To expand the national framework for qualifications and other competence modules.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In March 2018, the Ministry of Education and Culture set up a working group for the preparation and coordination of the expansion of the national framework for qualifications and other competence modules. The task of the working group was to specify in more detail the criteria specified in the Act on the national framework for qualifications and other competence modules (93/2017) and to formulate a proposal for the required legislative amendments.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
improve the links between the demand and supply side of the adult training market;
increase participation in funded lifelong development activities, for instance by replacing the tax training deduction scheme with a subsidy: the STAP budget (Stimulans ArbeidsmarktPositie).
Through the Subsidy scheme for flexible vocational education third pathway VET, the education and labour ministries intend to stimulate public and private VET institutions and emerging new...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Several measures have been developed by the education and labour ministries to stimulate enrolment in lifelong learning. The measures concern both the supply side and the demand side of the adult training market.
On the supply side, the education ministry has introduced three initiatives to stimulate the development of flexible VET and higher professional education courses, responding to the needs of (working) adults.
Through the Subsidy scheme for flexible vocational education third...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Council for upper secondary VET schools (MBO Raad)
Cooperation organisation for VET and the labour market (SBB)
Council for private providers of education and training (NRTO)
National association of employers (VNO-NCW/MKB Nederland)
National umbrella organisation of social partners (Stichting van de Arbeid)
The project aims to supplement elements enabling the deepening competences of adult in further education.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The project is aimed at creating and coordinating a network of further education entities. Within the project, reorganisation of the National register of qualifications (NSK) should take place, consisting of adapting the offer of authorisations to the needs of the labour market and optimising the network of authorised entities that award qualifications, among which are also VET schools. An emphasis will be put on the development of digital competences: educational programmes for the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic
The Qualifica programme is a flagship integrated strategy promoting adult training and qualification. It also aims to:
raise employability;
promote digital and literacy competences;
link training with labour market needs.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Qualifica programme is based on:
cooperation and coordination among education, labour and higher education ministries in the development and implementation of policy tools and instruments;
combining adult education and professional training with recognition, validation and certification of competences (RVCC process);
promoting the coherence of the network of training courses;
promoting tailor-made training.
2016 legislation introduced Qualifica centres as a key tool of the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (MTSSS)
Ministry of Education (ME)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
The main objectives of the Qualifica passport are to:
promote flexible qualification pathways;
promote participation and recognition of lifelong learning;
raise VET awareness among employers.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Qualifica passport is a guidance instrument and personalised register of all qualifications, achieved learning outcomes and competences acquired or developed by an individual. It is a key instrument of the Qualifica programme, enabling the evaluation of everyone’s training, as well as allowing the identification of possible missing components and aiming to build a tailored training pathway. It is an instrument available in electronic format that allows adults to list their education and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (MTSSS)
Ministry of Education (ME)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
The call for proposals Strengthening the competences of young people through active citizenship to increase employability was published in October 2019. Its objective was strengthening the competences of young people through training, contributing to increasing the proportion of young people employed after leaving the operation and to the reduction of youth unemployment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The purpose of the call is permanent inclusion of young people in the labour market through innovative projects that enhance their general and specific competences for greater employability as well as active citizenship. It encourages innovative forms of youth work in tackling youth unemployment. The target group are unemployed young people 15 to 29 years of age.
Projects implementing activities were supported in one of the following:
work with young people within organisations in the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MIZŠ) (until 2023)
The aim of the project is to facilitate successful inclusion of the newly-arrived migrants into the linguistic and economic mainstream of the host country by enabling them to access community or public services, and work independently as community interpreters and/or intercultural mediators, particularly in healthcare settings or as assistants in programmes training community interpreting and intercultural mediation.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Tramig is a 2019-21 Erasmus+ project that contributes to successful inclusion of migrants by defining the practice, status and role of intercultural mediators and interpreters working in healthcare; creating a proposal for the occupational standards and vocational qualification of these two professions; creating teacher-training modules drawing on best practices of the consortium partners; training migrants for collaborative teaching in healthcare sector interpreter and intercultural mediator...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The measures aim to ease access to education for migrant students and provide equal access to students under international protection.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Rules on Slovenian language courses for secondary school students regulate the organisation and implementation of an intensive Slovenian course and additional Slovenian lessons for students whose mother tongue is not Slovenian or who have not completed primary education in the Republic of Slovenia. The rules establish that schools are in charge of organising intensive Slovenian language courses of approximately 160 hours to be held by qualified teachers for teaching Slovenian.
The Rules...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MIZŠ) (until 2023)
To provide legal arrangements making modern tools and instruments, which have been tested in various projects, compulsory in VET.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Amendments to the law should allow students to receive a State-recognised partial vocational qualifications, thus promoting a competence-based approach in VET.
Introducing modular VET programmes should significantly reduce the time needed to respond to labour market skill demands. The content of the developed modular vocational education programmes needs to be flexible in vocational basic education, pre-secondary vocational education, vocational secondary education, vocational continuing...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of the national ESF project, System of verifying qualifications, is to set up a comprehensive system for verifying qualifications and results of non-formal and informal learning. The specific objectives are to:
establish structures and set mandatory procedures for lifelong learning with an emphasis on the validation and recognition of qualifications;
pilot in practice the system of validation of qualifications and their parts (units of learning outcomes).
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The project System of verifying qualifications, run by the State Institute of Vocational Education, started in 2019 and is expected to be completed on 1 February 2023. It aims to complement existing qualification standards of the National system of qualifications (NSQ) by developing assessment manuals and to suggest and pilot processes of validation of non-formal and informal learning concerning approximately 300 qualifications. 72 qualification cards placed in the national registry of NSQ...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
The overarching goal of the national education strategy (guidelines) for 2021-27 called Future skills for the future society, is to provide for quality education to help realise people’s potential, develop their ability to adapt and responsibly manage constant changes in society and the economy.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
There are four main areas of development envisaged in the national education strategy 2021-27:
Highly competent educators
Highly competent educational staff implies the training, attraction and retention of outstanding teachers and academic staff, as well as systematic and purposeful professional development, methodological and consultative support. Stimulating the motivation of teachers and academic staff is also important.
Availability of quality education to everyone
Quality...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
to inspire innovation in learning, as well as continuous improvements to governance and business processes, and the use of state-of-the-art technologies;
to encourage a socially responsible approach towards the surrounding environment, customers, employees, clients and the public;
to open up programmes to employees and the public, while enabling the adoption of transparent and clearly communicated decisions;
to help ensure employees are experts in their fields;
to achieve a high level...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2017, the EU allocated as much as EUR 25.7 million for implementation of the Erasmus+ programme in Lithuania. Almost 900 eligible applications were submitted for grants in the country per year. Some 297 education and training applications were received in 2017. A sum of about EUR 11 million was allocated to higher-education establishments; more than EUR 3.5 million to VET institutions and about EUR 500 000 to general education schools. Pupils, students and education staff participating in...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
the definition of a qualification profile for validation experts;
the contribution to quality assurance within validation processes.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since the validation strategy should encourage qualification providers to include validation elements in assessment procedures, the Ministry of Education took the initiative to draw up a qualification profile for validation experts. Thus, at the beginning of 2019 it commissioned two VET research institutes (ibw and öibf) with this task, assigning the responsibility for this project to wba (Weiterbildungsakademie) - the validation centre for adult learning experts.
Within this project, a...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF)
consolidation of the heterogeneous field of higher VET by defining connecting elements and thus creating a common understanding of what this term means;
establishing a legal basis for a common understanding of higher VET, either through a quality assurance act on higher VET or an amendment of the NQF Act;
introducing higher VET as a label with a clear message to make the qualifications more visible and better known;
indicating this area in...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
To realise parity of esteem and increase the visibility and public perception of higher VET qualifications, a discussion on the establishment of a defined educational field for higher VET qualifications was started in 2019 within educational policy. The Ministry of Education commissioned a paper that should form the basis for further discussion and decision-making (Grundlagenpapier). This paper, which was drawn up by ibw, was presented and discussed in a conference with national and foreign...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) (until 2022)
Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF)
The objectives of setting up apprenticeship programmes for adults, leading to EQF level 5 are winning new target groups for dual VET programmes and taking action to reduce the skilled labour shortage.
Graduates of general education programmes at upper secondary level and university dropouts are at the centre of attention in this respect.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Under the title Apprenticeship NEW for adults, the Federal Economic Chamber has taken the initiative within its education campaign (Bildungsoffensive, BO) to develop a programme for people with a HE entrance qualification that leads to a dual VET qualification at NQF/EQF level 5. Through this programme the attractiveness of dual VET programmes for these new target groups should be increased. At the same time, the programme should cover knowledge, skills and competences that enable the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) (until 2022)
The purpose of the new order is to regulate the structure and content of the catalogue and the procedure for its management and updating, so that it responds quickly to the training demands of emerging sectors and occupations. It aims to improve labour market transparency and unity as well as worker mobility.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A training speciality consists of ‘the grouping of professional competences, contents, and technical specifications that respond to a set of work activities framed in a phase of the production process and related functions, or to the acquisition of transversal competences necessary in a professional environment and context’. The Order TMS/283/2019 foresees mechanisms for dissemination, monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with the objectives set. Accreditation procedures, career...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To enable trainers to access the Certificate of pedagogical competences (CCP) through the recognition, validation and certification of pedagogical skills acquired through formal, non-formal and informal ways.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Recognition, validation and certification of competences of trainers (RVCC-For) process, launched in 2019, targets professionals (including VET-school leaders) with proven experience as trainers or in other education and training activities, who wish to certify their pedagogical competences acquired through formal, non-formal and informal ways.
The RVCC-For process enables them to access the Certificate of pedagogical competences (CCP). It takes place in three stages through individual...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
The aim is to update the vocational college regulations with new provisions on admission to higher vocational education (EQF level 5): privacy, deftness and recognition of foreign education.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Ministry of Education and Research prepared a proposal for new provisions in the new higher vocational education regulation, aiming to gather all possible rules for vocational colleges into one regulation. These were submitted for public consultation and the new vocational education (EQF level 5) regulation (Fagskoleforskriften) was adopted on the 15 July 2019, based on the input from the consultation round.
The social partners and relevant stakeholders have been involved through an...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objective was to implement quality assurance procedures in Slovakia based on international experience and to set the quality indicators adjusted to the national environment and culture.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The national EQAVET implementation report (2016-20), containing measures to strengthen quality assurance in IVET, has been prepared. At the end of 2016, ŠIOV, the quality assurance national reference point (QANRP), joined a European project aiming to introduce peer review in the country. Another Erasmus+ project Mobility for quality (June 2017 - November 2018), run by ŠIOV, resulted in training the staff of the institute as well as practitioners from education institutions in the European...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2015 action plan highlighted the importance of key competences. It provides small-scale training in career management skills and is expanding entrepreneurship education as a key competence through training (simulation) companies, young entrepreneur fairs and by establishing training enterprises in arts and sports VET schools. The 2016 action plan, approved in April 2016, provides for the further development of career guidance and planning for pupils, students and adults. The project...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The CROQF portal serves as the central tool for labour market monitoring and the main evidence base for the development of sector profiles and occupational standards. It supports preparation of the analytical and sector justification for entry of occupational standards in the CROQF register, as well as analysis of development trends by sector.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2018, the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy (MROSP) produced the CROQF web portal, the central portal of labour market and education indicators. The portal offers insights into current labour market trends, rather than forecasts for the future. It integrates data on employment from the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO), data on unemployment from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ), enrolment in secondary and higher education programmes from the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy (MROSP)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The higher education qualifications framework was approved by the Ministry of Education in November 2018, but has not been included in the Higher Education Act so far. The approval provides a formal basis for the implementation of the document. The final step in the implementation of the Framework will be the development of the self-certification report, which will demonstrate the compatibility of the framework with the overarching qualifications framework of the European higher education...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To develop the system (using the principle of modularisation) that will allow for taking into account the previously learned skills of participants in retraining courses, and train the learner only for those skills that s/he needs for the final exam. Participants will be able to undertake an internship directly in a company, which is not possible in current model.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Quality of the accreditation and retraining system (Kvalita systému akrediatací a rekvalifikací, KVASAR) project was prepared during 2016-17 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and was launched in October 2017. It pilots the modularisation of retraining courses. The project also tests solutions for funding the modular system of retraining, and proposes guidelines for employers' participation in the whole process.
In 2018, a public tender procedure was launched to contract a...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The project aims at developing the system of master exam and master qualifications in the Czech Republic as a tool of education and training, and recognition of master craftsmanship, thus contributing to quality improvement of further education and training in the crafts.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The project Master craftsman examination system (Mistrovska zkouska system) was launched in November 2017 and lasts until 2021. The project defines the overall master craftsman examination model and prepares comprehensive expertise for its implementation. Elements of the master exam system are developed and reviewed. For the different master qualifications, these elements comprise both qualification and assessment standards, guidelines for the assignment of the master exams, curricula of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Czech Chamber of Commerce
National Institute for Education (until 2019)
National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In December 2017, the Slovenian Government passed the Decree on the methods and conditions for ensuring the rights of persons with international protection.
To help with the integration into the local environment, the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants, in cooperation with a person with international protection, prepares a personal integration plan. The plan is based on the needs, knowledge, skills and abilities of the person. It includes various activities...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MIZŠ) (until 2023)
Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In July 2016, the Slovenian Qualifications Framework (SQF) Act came into force, serving as the legal basis for SQF implementation and full operationalisation. The SQF register describes qualifications in accordance with SQF and EQF levels and contains 1 684 qualifications (1 358 educational qualifications, 312 national vocational qualifications and 13 supplementary qualifications). The adoption of the SQF Act in 2016 opened up the system to supplementary qualifications awarded on the labour...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI)
This policy development aims to develop a system of recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning in Croatia.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2018, the National Council for the Development of Human Potential adopted recommendations with a conceptual framework for further development of the recognition and validation system.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The promotion of ECVET focuses on expanding its uptake by VET providers in Croatia and thus supports learner mobility, recognition of learning outcomes and quality of mobility arrangements.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A national ECVET portal was developed in 2016. A growing number of Croatian institutions are recognising the benefits of ECVET. Amendments to the VET Act from 2018 stipulated that VET students can acquire learning outcomes during periods of international mobility. This is intended to support VET schools in setting up longer periods of VET student mobility. Six workshops were organised in 2018 for around 230 teachers and school directors. The participants were introduced to different aspects...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The National curriculum for VET sets the general framework for IVET curricula for the attainment of qualifications at CROQF/EQF levels 2-5.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National curriculum for VET (Nacionalni kurikulum za strukovno obrazovanje) was adopted in July 2018, as the common framework for the development of VET curricula (at CROQF/EQF levels 2-5) in Croatia. It sets out the purpose, values, aims and principles of VET in Croatia and describes teaching and learning processes, including work-based learning and learning cycles. It encompasses qualifications on CROQF/EQF levels 2-5 and defines the curricular framework for VET, which comprises...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To develop a single all-encompassing strategy for validation of prior learning nationally.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The main initiative relates to validation of skills for refugees and migrants. Measures have been taken to speed up the mapping and validation of skills and competences of refugees and other recent immigrants. The Ministry of Education and Research has allocated extra funding support from the 2016 budget. Skills Norway coordinates the Erasmus+ project VISKA (2017-20) on validation of prior learning for asylum seekers, immigrants and low- qualified adults. In the Norwegian trials, refugees...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Research (KD)
Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2015, a public hearing was held to assess the possible implementation of ECVET. The results pointed to a number of possible actions, such as piloting ECVET for mobility or skills validation, and creating a forum for users to discuss and reach a common understanding of how it works. Measures implemented are linked to the target groups that benefit from the use of ECVET principles. For young people who take part of their education abroad, ECVET tools are secured through the work of national...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) (until 2021)
The objectives are to facilitate lifelong learning and mobility across borders.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Ministry of Education and Research adopted, in November 2017, a regulation formalising the overall position and status of the NKR. A range of stakeholders were involved (including the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions and the National Union of Students in Norway. A reference group was established with representatives from higher education, upper secondary schools, vocational schools, social partners,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Research (KD)
Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
increased cooperation between the social partners and the government;
better access to flexible and job-relevant further education for individuals;
increased cooperation between education institutions and the business sector for developing further education.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Design work for shorter and flexible industry programmes for continuing training in post-secondary vocational education was initiated in December 2018. The programmes address the building and construction and the healthcare sectors. They are meant to be modular, allowing for combining studies with work, and with a cross-sectoral/cross-professional dimension and may be web-based, school-based and job-based. The post-secondary vocational education schools are responsible for developing the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education and Research (KD)
Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The white paper, From exclusion to new opportunities: coordinated efforts for adult education, was approved in the Council of State in February 2016. It targets low-skilled adults at risk of exclusion from the labour market. It aims at increasing opportunities for training and recognition of prior learning. The white paper proposes three main measures and supports development of tools to map basic skills.
The three main measures from 2016 (the information may be outdated) are:
easier...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2015-17, NQF and EQF levels continued to be added gradually to qualifications and certificates. The NQF and the levelling of qualifications thus became a visible part of national education databases. The framework is operational and forms an integral part of the Danish education and training landscape. Two (interconnected) websites are available: the nqf. dk website, which targets the international public; and the ug. dk website, which provides the national public with comprehensive...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objective of this initiative is to give adults the opportunity to obtain a VET education based on a combination of prior learning, work experience and a VET programme.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
EUV is a VET programme for adults (aged 25+) that builds on the work experience and prior learning the adult already possesses. EUV was introduced in the 2015 reform. EUV gives adults with at least two years of relevant work experience the option to take part in VET-equivalent education without having to follow a basic programme or undertake an internship. The programme is State-funded, costing EUR 3.49 million (DKK 26 million) in 2015 and EUR 9.39 million (DKK 70 million) in 2016. From...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Giving Danish citizens an overview of their competences when applying for education courses or jobs.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A new version of the RPL tool, the My competence folder (Min kompetencemappe), was launched in 2017.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The Youth pass (Passe Jovem) records the participation of young people (aged 12-18) in non-formal and informal learning, promoting the recognition and validation of their skills and competences, and supporting their employability. It can also help young learners acquire a certificate.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Youth pass was piloted from 2017 to November 2018. Its full-scale implementation started in 2019. An individual's competences, skills and experiences may be accumulated, leading to a certificate as soon as a minimum of 25 hours of activities per year is reached. The Youth pass can also be used when applying for a job. More broadly, it is intended to promote learning in a diversity of contexts.
The Youth pass is a free of charge tool. Users can upgrade their profile. The competence...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ)
National Youth Council (Conselho Nacional de Juventude)
To boost adults’ and NEETs’ qualifications and tackle the excessive structural qualification deficit of the Portuguese population.
To ease adults’ and NEETs’ access to further studies and boost their employability.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Ordinance No 232/2016 consolidated the rules of RVCC, introduced Qualifica centres, described a simple process of creating and authorising them, strengthened the teams of professionals in these centres and expanded the network.
The RVCC process comprises two paths, education and professional, each based on a different set of standards:
the key competence standards (for education validation);
the professional competence standards (for professional validation).
The RVCC process also...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
The implementation of the National credit system for VET has the following main objectives:
promoting flexibility in the qualification pathways and certification strategies within the scope of the national qualifications system (SNQ);
capitalising on individual training and lifelong learning paths, with a view to obtaining qualifications;
promoting the transparency of the learning outcomes achieved or to be achieved through its quantitative expression;
improving the certified learning...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2017, Portuguese legislation introduced a National credit system for VET in line with ECVET principles, which was intended to support permeability between VET pathways and higher education, as well as mobility within Europe. A major priority is that the system supports adult qualifications. It applies to level 2, 4 and 5 qualifications of the national qualifications framework, QNQ (Quadro Nacional de Qualificações). It also applies to certified training programmes/courses, which are...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
To develop qualifications based on the learning outcomes approach.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2015, the National Agency for Qualification and VET (ANQEP) introduced a new methodology for designing qualifications based on learning outcomes. It applies to VET qualifications at levels 2, 4 and 5 of the NQF.
Since 2016, ANQEP has been organising and monitoring several training courses for coordinators and trainers from professional schools where qualifications will be developed according to this new methodology. It has also been carrying out training sessions for the different VET...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
The aim of the project is to improve the quality and content of 21st century vocational training and adult education.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The aims of the project Improving the quality and content of 21st century vocational training and adult education (GINOP - 6.2.4) include the review of the examination system, the development of a validation system and the preparation of a methodology for VET content development that is compatible with open and innovative learning settings as well as the demands of the economy. Uniform criteria were also developed to strengthen the external evaluation system in CVET. Criteria include...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Culture and Innovation
IKK Innovative Training Support Centre Plc
National Office for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Learning (NOVETAL)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL) carried out a review of the entire national catalogue of occupational standards. It aimed to set up a 2019 work plan that would accommodate the need for updating occupational standards and (where appropriate) designing new ones which could have greater significance or impact on employment.
The INCUAL is responsible for defining, updating and adapting the Spanish national catalogue of occupational standards...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Policy expectations from the provision of RPL services are high. The assumption is that if we make our skills and learning, however attained, visible as qualifications, ultimately there will be better skills matching and less unemployment and underemployment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2016-19 action plan for education includes the aim to develop a national policy on the recognition of prior learning (RPL) (objective 2.1, action No 44) by 2018. The 2025 National skills strategy that was published in 2016 has, among its objectives, the development of a system for RPL and better recognition of workplace learning in support of lifelong learning. In 2017, QQI published policies and criteria for validation in FET. RPL is also a part of the review of the national framework...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Established in 2003, the Irish national framework of qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level, single national entity through which all learning achievements may be measured and related to each other. Underpinned by quality assurance principles, the Irish NFQ describes qualifications in the Irish education and training system and sets out what each qualification says about what learners know, understand and are able to do. It also sets out qualifications pathways from one NFQ level to the next.
...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Increasing quality in VET mobility and facilitating the recognition of learning outcomes achieved abroad, thus helping learners to capitalise on mobility experiences, even short-term ones.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Italian context has been characterised in recent years by reform processes aimed at building an Italian lifelong learning system and a national system of skills certification. The several acts adopted, including the inter-ministerial Decree of 30 June 2015 regarding the QNQR (National framework of regional qualifications) and the inter-ministerial Decree of 8 January 2018, defining the QNQ (the Italian national qualifications framework), in line with the European principles for the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
National Institute for Public Policy Analysis (INAPP)
Establishment of the national system for validation of non-formal and informal learning and certification of competences, for lifelong learning.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Law 92/2012 on the reform of the labour market defines for the first time in Italy the validation of non-formal and informal learning, as one of the key elements to ensure and implement lifelong learning in a comprehensive and systematic manner, establishing rules and regulatory requirements (standards) concerning the characteristics of the system and the stakeholders involved, ensuring transparency, usability and broad accessibility of validation/certification services (IVC).
In recent...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Regions and autonomous provinces
Ministry of Education and Merit
Ministry of Education (until 2022)
Ministry of Universities and Research
Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (until 2019)
The objective of the National framework of regional qualifications (QNQR) is the national recognition of the regional qualifications and their referencing to EQF. The QNQR is the mutual reference for identification, validation and certification of regional qualification and competences in terms of training credits, also in a European respect.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In June 2015, an inter-ministerial Decree (signed by the education and labour ministries) introduced an operational framework for the recognition of regional qualifications and related skills competences at a national level (National framework of regional qualifications, QNQR). The agreement was endorsed by an inter-ministerial decree signed in June by the education and labour ministries. Mutual recognition of regional qualifications and standard procedures (including the issuing of final...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Regions and autonomous provinces
Ministry of Education (until 2022)
Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (until 2019)
Guarantee individual mobility and support the match between supply and demand of skills in the labour market; heighten the recognition and transparency of learning acquired and needs, as well as the use of certifications at national and European level;
ensure the readability, consultation and portability of qualifications and competences for lifelong learning in the context of the National system for the certification of competences.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2013, the Legislative Decree No 13 article 8 sets up the National repertory of education and training and professional qualifications.
In 2014, the National Technical Committee was established and works for the development of the National repertory that is a comprehensive collection of national, regional and sectorial repertories existing and encoded by the entitling bodies. The entitling bodies are the qualification authorities: education ministry (for school and university...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Ministry of Education and Merit
Ministry of Education (until 2022)
Regions and autonomous provinces
Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (until 2019)
Implementation of National qualifications framework and National strategy for the certification of competences.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A national strategy on lifelong learning has been defined, together with the implementation of legislative norms on the identification and validation of competences acquired in different contexts, through which the National system for the certification of competences has been launched. Since 2012, as a consequence of the Recommendation for validation of non-formal and informal learning (2012), a national legal framework on validation of competences has been progressively developed in Italy.
...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Regions and autonomous provinces
Ministry of Education and Merit
Ministry of Education (until 2022)
Ministry of Universities and Research
Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (until 2019)
National Institute for Public Policy Analysis (INAPP)
National Agency for Active Employment Policies (ANPAL)
place the learner at the centre by optimising all possible types of innovative learning methods and environments;
improve skills sets that contribute to professional development, employment mobility and active citizenship;
develop support structures for adult learning;
improve governance in the lifelong learning sector.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Malta National Lifelong learning strategy 2020 consolidated ideas and processes that were already taking shape in different organisations and institutions in Malta, such as to ensure a single, coherent location to guide actions in lifelong learning. This strategy is not a stand-alone document but interrelates with other important national documents published in the same period whose recommendations dovetail with those in this strategy. It also builds on the recommendations of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry for Education (MFED)
Ministry of Education and Employment (MEDE) (until 2020)
The objective of validation of informal and non-formal is to identify, assesses and formally certify the knowledge, skills and competences which individuals develop throughout their lives by means of participation in non-formal and informal learning. The validation process can result in an award recognising the skills, knowledge and competences an individual has obtained in her/his years of experience in a particular occupation. This award then provides the opportunity to further studies,...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2015, the National vocational education and training policy highlighted the need for training programmes for staff involved in validation, and for validation for learners with disability or learning difficulties. The Malta national lifelong learning strategy 2020, also adopted in 2015, set a target for having in place a transparent and sustainable system of validation. Reflection on a national plan for recognition of the skills and competences of the whole labour force by 2024 has been...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) (until 2021)
ECVET allows learners to accumulate, transfer and use their learning in units as these units are achieved. ECVET principles are at the foundation of the Maltese VET system. ECVET credit points are integrated in VET qualifications at EQF levels 1 to 4. Through this project the NCFHE aims to promote ECVET through various events and the publication of various leaflets and information.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2015 National vocational education and training policy proposed measures to:
mainstream modular structures (as they allow for unit transfer) by 2017;
use ECVET for MQF/EQF levels 1 to 4 and ECTS for VET and academic qualifications at levels 5 to 8;
base validation processes and assessment on ECVET.
All courses at EQF/MQF levels 1 to 4, including part-time ones, are modular-based on units and follow ECVET recommendations. Similarly, courses at EQF/MQF levels 5 to 8 are modular-based...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) (until 2021)
It provides a strategic opportunity for an outlook on possible goals for the furthering and widening VET in Malta. Policy recommendations are two-pronged: addressing quality and attractiveness as well as ensuring labour market relevance. These notions are interlinked in providing and sustaining stronger vocational education in Malta.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National vocational and training policy mapped the VET sector in Malta and identified areas for future actions.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry for Education (MFED)
Ministry of Education and Employment (MEDE) (until 2020)
The objective of establishing the Malta qualifications framework (MQF) and its referencing to the EQF is to make the Maltese qualifications system framework easier to understand and review, and more transparent at national and international levels. The MQF is also a referencing tool that helps to describe and compare both national and foreign qualifications to promote quality, transparency and mobility of qualifications in all types of education. The reference levels make it easier to...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016, the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) published the fourth revised edition of the referencing report that sets the parameters for all qualifications and awards that can be conferred in Malta. It reflects on the range of current reforms representing a move towards a more modular based concept as building blocks for qualifications. Such an approach is intended to allow for and promote lifelong learning for non-traditional learners. It calls for better...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) (until 2021)
The EQF and MQF learning outcome descriptors promote transparency and comparability of qualifications of different national systems. This shift towards a learning outcomes orientation in education and training aims to help learners to progress in learning by facilitating flexible learning pathways and transfer across different levels and types of education and training and across national borders; this enables learners to accumulate and transfer different learning outcomes acquired in...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The compulsory education system has reviewed all its curricula in terms of learning outcomes and will be introducing them as from the academic year 2019-20.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry for Education (MFED)
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
Ministry of Education and Employment (MEDE) (until 2020)
National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) (until 2021)