Project Overview

In 2006, the Helsinki Communiqué underlined the need to further develop and implement common European tools specifically aimed at VET, with regards to Common Quality Assurance Framework (CQAF) in VET. The framework contributes to quality improvement in VET and to increased transparency of VET policy developments between Member States, thereby promoting mutual trust, mobility of workers and learners.(OJ C 311, 21.12.2007, p. 13.)

Based on the above CQAF, this partnership, through an LdV -TOI developed a European-model based on CQAF for VET-providers. Starting point of the development was the ISO-model of Folksuniversitetet Sweden and the attention areas for (Adult)VET. The model focused on the common nominators for quality assurance at VET-providers level with regards to national peculiarities.

The elaborated CQAF-model by this partnership consists of three major axes regarding outcome of learning processes. The first axe relates to essential themes regarding the content and learning methodologies (see attached model). The second axe concern vital organizational themes that are essential for the delivery of (A)VET and the third one covers important themes that address issues of the learner. To each axes there are 4 themes attached, totally twelve themes. They have been defined and indicators have been distinguished that steer quality development of the whole VET- program on that specific theme. These enable organizations to give proof that they have taken good care of that specific theme. The model can be used as a monitor and assurance instrument for assessment of Quality at EU level as well as for the development of the organizations` own quality system. The model incorporates 28 indicators to monitor and assess quality measures to be taken at a basic level (1) as well as at a more sophisticated level (level 4). The national Agencies for VET in partner countries have shown interest in the model and some part of it has already been tested by the Swedish YH-myndigheten.  However, the 12 themes and 28 indicators of above elaborated model, need to be tested at wider level by VET-providers and then it has to be developed to a user-friendly online instrument for VET providers. That is why there is a need that coordinating partner and YH-myndigheten will test the model at a wide range in order to finalise the model before it is developed to an online-instrument. The partners will test the changes in the model in their own countries to make sure that they are applicable.