Future activities and challenges in Quality Assurance at European level
Quality assurance in VET is seen as a key instrument in supporting Europe’s transition to a knowledge-based society. In 2001 the European Commission as part of the Copenhagen Process established a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Quality Assurance in VET. Among other things, the TWG developed a Common Quality Assurance Framework (CQAF), to help and assist member states in improving quality assurance in VET. The Common Quality Assurance Framework (CQAF) is a prime example of an approach, which poses challenges to both education providers as well as the education systems in regard to factors important from the viewpoint of quality and its development needing to be paid attention to. Character of the CQAF is based on a broad definition of quality and an even broader model of management the CQAF is a flexible framework which provides a common language and mutual learning.
TWG will be phased out during 2005 but further cooperative work remains necessary. This is also stressed in the Maastricht Communiqué on the Future Priorities of Enhanced European Cooperation in VET (2004). In order to continue the work of the TWG it is therefore launched a European Network on Quality Assurance in VET. The European Network on Quality Assurance in VET will build sustainable co-operation in the field of Quality Assurance in VET across Member states. The Network will provide a cooperative platform at European level for structured exchange if information and experience, debate, mutual learning, consensus building and maximising of output and results, including from a range of education and training European programmes. The Network will also serve as a bridge linking Higher Education to VET. The overall aims of the Network are to promote the use of the CQAF and foster cooperative, inclusive and voluntary networks at all levels.
To ensure close connection between development work and debate on the European level with real practice, i.e. VET systems and providers, national networking should support the European Network through national nodal (contact) points on voluntary basis. They would act as a relay for different networks involving stakeholders from all Quality Assurance VET systems (initial, continuing, adult, private and public) and including the provider´s level.
For more information about educational systems and QM in EU countries, visit the website of CEDEFOP.
CEDEFOP - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training