Towards a European Towards a European Qualifications Framework for Qualifications Framework for

Lifelong LearningLifelong Learning

Vienna, 21 October 2005Vienna, 21 October 2005Michael TeutschMichael Teutsch

European CommissionEuropean Commission

Functions of the EQFFunctions of the EQF

Neutral reference pointNeutral reference point based on

learning outcomeslearning outcomes

Translation deviceTranslation device for comparing qualifications

The European Qualifications The European Qualifications FrameworkFramework

• Bologna and Copenhagen

• Focus on Qualifications

• Reflects an explicit need

• Expert group

Consultation—

Not a final recommendatio

n

Our Lifelong Learning Our Lifelong Learning Experience: Obstacles!Experience: Obstacles!

• within and between within and between countriescountries

• between education and between education and training systemstraining systems

• to use of acquired to use of acquired skillsskills

• to new learningto new learning

A basis for co-operationA basis for co-operation

• EQF EQF implementation is implementation is voluntaryvoluntary

• Entails Entails no legal no legal obligationsobligations on on Member States or Member States or sectorssectors

• Fosters changeFosters change by by supporting and supporting and informing reforminforming reform

What EQF is NOT!What EQF is NOT!

• EQFEQF not about not about replacingreplacing national/sectoral national/sectoral frameworksframeworks

• EQFEQF not about not about harmonisationharmonisation

• EQFEQF CANNOT define CANNOT define new qualificationsnew qualifications

The Main The Main

elements elements

of the of the EQFEQF

EQF Level 1EQF Level 1

EQF Level 2EQF Level 2

EQF Level 3EQF Level 3

EQF Level 4EQF Level 4

EQF Level 5EQF Level 5

EQF Level 6EQF Level 6

EQF Level 7EQF Level 7

EQF Level 8EQF Level 8

Country ACountry A Country BCountry B

Q

Q

Q

NQF/

NQS

NQF/

NQS

NQF/

NQS

Q

Q

Q

Q

NQF/

NQS

NQF/

NQS

NQF/

NQS

NQF/

NQS

Swedish post-secondary engineering

education (Påbygnadsutbildning)

= EQF Level 4 = Irish post secondary education at national

level 6 (Advanced certificate)

EE QQ FF

The Eight EQF LevelsThe Eight EQF Levels

EachEQF

Reference Level

Knowledge

Skills

Wider personal and professional competences

Focus on Learning OutcomesFocus on Learning Outcomes

EQFEQF

LearningOutcomes

Non-Form

al LearningFormal Learning

Info

rmal

Lea

rnin

g

Using the EQFUsing the EQF

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Table 1: Learning Outcomes

Aimed at qualifications authorities, experts: makes translations between systems and

frameworks possible

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Table 2: Supporting InformationNeeds to be compiled and completed at

national or sectoral level

Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of nationalnational authorities authorities

• Commitments to link national qualifications to EQF

• Long term reform process

• Learning outcome-based qualifications?

• National Framework of Qualifications?

Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of nationalnational authorities authorities

• Clear link between national qualifications and the EQF levels

• Self-certification

• Transparency of procedures

• Publishing of results

Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of sectoral sectoral stakeholdersstakeholders

• Sectors have expressed the need for a common reference point

• Focus on an outcomes and competence based approach

• Follow up of Maastricht Communique

Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of sectoral sectoral stakeholdersstakeholders

• Invite sectors to link sectoral qualifications to EQF

• Facilitate sector internal competence developments

• Facilitate link between national and sectoral qualifications

• Ongoing work in the ICT sector exemplifies this approach

ConsultationConsultationEurope-wide consultation process from July to December 2005:

• 32 countries in ‘Education and Training 2010’

• Bologna follow-up group

• European Social Partner organisations

• Industry & sector organisations

• Education and training NGO’s

Next steps: Preparation of Next steps: Preparation of Commission proposal Commission proposal

• Consultation process – until December 2005

• Analysis and discussion of results at Budapest conference end February 2006

• Commission draft Recommendation mid-2006

• Informal Ministerial Meeting March 2006

Next steps: support to stakeholders Next steps: support to stakeholders

• Testing and experimentation in countries and sectors

• EU funding for testing

• Establishment of network on national and sectoral frameworks

• International workshop on national and sectoral frameworks

SummarySummary

• 8 common reference levels (learning outcomes)

• Common principles support EQF levels and provide guidelines for cooperation

• A range of tools and instruments for individuals

• Commitment from national and sectoral bodies