The European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training Network comprises representatives of the European Union Member States, Candidate Countries and European Economic Area countries, Social Partners, scientific advisers and the European Commission. The work of the EQAVET Network is supported by the Secretariat and collaborating experts.
There are two representatives per Member State. One representative is appointed by the relevant ministry/ministries responsible for quality assurance, certification and qualifications in VET in the Member State; in Finland The Ministry of Education and Culture. The other representative is the Quality Assurance National Reference Point which in Finland is Finnish National Agency for Education. The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for developing educational policies and international cooperation in this field. The Department for Vocational Education and Training of The Ministry of Education and Culture deals with matters relating to:
- Vocational education policy
- Vocational Education and Training
- Work-based training
- Vocational skills demonstration
- Preparation of legislation and financing of VET
- Steering and evaluation of activities in the field
- Quality Assurance
- Authorisations to provide VET
- Qualifications and training programmes
- Student selection criteria
- International cooperation in VET
The Commission works in partnership with the EQAVET Network and manages and supports its work, with the support of the Secretariat. The European Commission chairs the EQAVET Network and works in partnership with the Member States and the Social Partners in order to ensure the effective implementation of the Reference Framework. The Commission will facilitate the development of guidance material, provide information on quality assurance in VET across member countries, and facilitate cooperation and mutual learning.
The Steering Committee is chaired by the European Commission. The main responsibilities of the Steering Committee are:
- offering advice to the European Commission;
- informing about and contextualising policy needs within the Member States;
- ensuring appropriate coordination, strategic development and coherence with work in other relevant policy areas and process.
The Secretariat provides leadership, expertise and support in the efficient organisation and management of business and content. It is responsible for the effective communication and dissemination of the outcomes of the EQAVET Network, particularly those regarding policy-useful content, which contribute to the process of improving and building a culture of quality assurance within and across the EU.