To implement ECVET successfully, get the practitioners involved

The workshop, held on 30-31 May 2011, was the first to place practitioners at the centre of ECVET implementation issues. Participants debated the wider issues, but also presented detailed case studies in their countries. 

Some conclusions:

• Governments need to make clear policy decisions for ECVET implementation.
• Training providers and vocational schools should form partnerships allowing for the recognition of learning experiences abroad. ECVET can help them manage the opportunities that mobility can provide for their students, in the best possible way. Mobility should be covered systematically, rather than dependent on the interest and action of individual teachers and trainers.
• All stages of implementation should closely involve the people who will implement ECVET, i.e. teachers, trainers, mentors and training providers. Learning agreements, assessments, and recognition are issues of concern to all.

Isabelle Le Mouillour speaking at the ECVET workshop

Discussions on implementation continued during the annual ECVET forum in Madrid (9/10 June), where Cedefop presented its monitoring of ECVET developments. Some issues debated at Madrid mirrored Cedefop’s workshop, such as ways of involving relevant stakeholders, including practitioners, in ECVET;  working out a formalised strategy for implementation; and developing appropriate training for practitioners. 

The updated ECVET Q&A, on which Cedefop has also collaborated, was announced at the annual forum.