One of the main issues throughout Europe is to ensure and develop the system of quality in VET education. Development of initial as well as further (vocational) education and its quality improvement may be supported by various tools. The National Qualification Framework (NQF) in each country represents the most important national ones, the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) is an important representative of the European ones. Both tools have many advantages which can be used not only separately, but also using their key aspects in a parallel way. Both tools focus on supporting transparency and qualification accessibility, they work with learning outcomes and have a clear relation to the European Qualification Framework (EQF). So, it is the main reason for looking for the way of linking NQF with ECVET. One of the very effective options of how to increase the proportion of students gaining experience in partner organisations within EU is to implement a new concept of mobility based on ECVET principles. “Partnership for ECVET” is a two year project and the objective is to link ECVET with the relevant NQF to be able to use learning outcome-based courses, in order to increase the quality and transparency of VET and increase students mobility and it quality. This will be achieved by the development of learning outcome based modules (ULO) for chemistry/pharmacy, cosmetics, car mechanics, gastronomy and health care and by qualifying participating and other teachers through a training course, to create learning outcome-based modules, for their field/industry, by using ECVET and EQF/NQF principles. This will foster the integration of students´ mobility in the formal learning pathway and provide greater transparency in terms of individual learning experiences. The target groups of the project are: VET schools and providers, VET teachers, VET learners, employers. The project will jointly realise the following products aimed at VET teachers and providers across the EU: Methodological Guide which will aid schools to identify and use appropriate methodology to test and implement LOs and ULOs in work-based learning environment. Portfolio of LOs and ULOs containing on-line database of LOs and ULOs. Training course leading to developing Mobility Manual – a guide helping to make the mobility project management smoothly going and problem-free. Participation in the project offers an opportunity for the partners to up-skill teachers and to develop the organisation's capacity by facilitating learning experiences for the staff which will ultimately impact on the learners. The project will have a positive impact on the increase in number and quality of mobility and vocational training which will be more competence-based and customer oriented. Teachers involved in the project acquire new competences relating to the structuring of the curriculum into learning outcomes. Support from experts in ECVET (EfVET) will ensure quality development and strengthen dissemination and exploitation of the developed project outputs to 24 European countries.
“Partnership for ECVET” (PECVET) was from the beginning a two year project that was extended for 38 months because of COVID-19 pandemic. Even with these challenges partners reached it’s main objectives and more. Till the end of the project we saw the importance of unified ways of ensuring VET learners training quality and transparency of their gained skills. the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) principles that connect with the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and the European Qualification Framework (EQF) is still and will be valid and one of the best tools in practice and to use it within all European VET organisations. Developed PECVET tools contribute to the goal greatly. We have made analysis, prepared guide, templates, forms, database for VET organisations who are preparing students for chemistry, cosmetics, mechanics, gastronomy and health care/ pharmacy. Those tools are applicable for any study area. One of the biggest impacts was developed database of unit of learning outcomes (ULOs). In there we have succeeded to include even passed Erasmus+ projects’ (EREIVET, Using ECVET for Agricultural program) created ULOs as well. In total teachers can find more than 120 (including for firefighting, agriculture, electrician, social care, business administration). Beyond the project we will still invite others to share to expand this database. Project results impacted greatly our target groups: - At least 6 VET schools and providers which improved VET learners education procedures - 42 VET teachers who took part in the 3 trainings off/online and became experts on ECVET principles - More than 6 VET learners took part in exchange practicing the tools - More than 12 social partners were reached for work with ECVET tools - More than 8 new concrete partnerships were created for VET learners mobilities using PECVET tools - Various target groups and stakeholders were reached through dissemination activities (almost 36 000 participants through on/offline and other channels) Partners have created these tools for VET teachers and providers across the EU: - Report revealing the situation of ECVET integration in VET education in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Norway, Cyprus and Italy. It also provides the base for VET teachers to understand - Portfolio of LOs and ULOs containing on-line database of LOs and ULOs that is open with many examples - Manual on how to create ULOs - Implemented training course resulted in creating Mobility manual – a guide helping to make the mobility project management smoothly going and problem-free - Methodological guide which helps VET schools to identify and use appropriate methodology and created tools to test and implement ULOs in work-based learning environment Two multiplier events (off and online) reached various stakeholders who enriched our discussion and project outcomes. Even if there are current changes of ECVET system at the European level, we see from our partners and other colleagues around Europe that ECVET tools will continue be relevant and best way to ensure quality of VET learners education and transparency of their gained skills. We see potential in micro credentials for credit system solution and possible continuation area to work on. Further project ideas were already discussed and concrete plans are set for new partnerships within VET learners mobilities where ECVET tools will be used.