The Project, the Work of the UK NARIC, and the EU Networks Dr Cloud Bai-Yun 8 th May 2006, Sofia

The Project, the Work of the UK NARIC, and

the EU Networks

Dr Cloud Bai-Yun8th May 2006, Sofia

Technical Assistance for Upgrading of Vocational Qualification Standards taking into account best practices in EU member

states under PHARE 2003

Europeaid/120164/D/SV/BG

Project period November 2005 – November 2006

The Project

Improving labour force mobility and competitiveness with a view to European labour market integration

Strengthening the institutional capacity for management and further developing of the quality of VET in Bulgaria

Specific Objective:

Elaboration and upgrading of 80 vocational qualification standards according to labour market needs and requirements

The Objectives of the Project

Elaborated EU good practices in development & applying vocational qualification

standards and a comparative analysis, including EU instruments for assessment and

certification of vocational qualifications

Proposal for upgrading framework requirements for development of vocational

qualification standards in Bulgaria

Aligned framework in respect of scope and content of each standard complied with

the framework of the EU member states

Developed and upgraded 80 vocational standards in the selected sectors

Developed manual for drawing up curricula and syllabi for upgraded standards

Training and contents provision on development and applying of vocational

qualification standards to approximately 2,720 experts at national, regional and school

level

The Scope of the Project

Electronics and automation

Chemical products and technologies

Production and processing

Tourism and services

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries

Sectoral Focus

According to the Terms of Reference and work undertaken previously, five sectors have been identified as the key focus of this Project:

Challenges

• Start Up Phase

• Stage 1: Current VET Situation / International Analysis

• Stage 2: Development of Vocational Qualification Standards

• Stage 3: In Country Training

• Stage 4: Project Reporting

Chronological Stages of the Project

Key components• First Findings and

Identifications of national systems

• Work Plan and Structured Implementation Mechanism

• Specific Activities Schedule

Observations and Analysis• Similarities between the systems, where

the general or majority approach clearly represent good European practice;

• Differences between the systems, where some judgement is necessary to identify the best and most helpful European model;

• Key findings and recommendations relevant to Bulgaria.

The Beneficiaries

Standards Setting

VET Experts

Training Providers

Employers

NAVET

MLSP

MoES

Sector Stakeholder

Youth

The Consortium in support of the Project: UK NARIC Student Computer Arts Society (SCAS) BADNINA New Bulgaria University (NBU) Fast Track to IT (FIT) County Dublin Vocational Education Committee

The Experts Group International Key Experts Local Experts

Project support team

The Project Team

Adopting a needs and knowledge driven approach to Identify commonalities and practices leading to recommendations, tailored training and targeted reports in close cooperation with beneficiries and stakeholders in Bulgaria

The Methodology

The European Network of National Information Centres (ENICs): established in 1994 by the Council of Europe and UNESCO

to develop joint policy and practice in all European countries for the recognition of qualifications to play a key role in the implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention (11 April 1997)

The National Recognition Information Centres (NARICs): established in 1984 in the Member States of the EU, the EEA countries, Cyprus and Malta

to assist recognition and integration of national educational systems to provide, through designated national centres, authoritative advice and information on recognition of diplomas and periods of study undertaken in other States.

The work of the UK NARICThe European Networks and National Centres

The Working Structure of the Networks: National Centres

• Albania• Andorra• Armenia• Australia• Austria• Azerbaijan• Belarus• Belgium• Bosnia and

Herzegovina• Bulgaria• Canada• Croatia• Cyprus• Czech Republic• Denmark• Estonia

• Finland• France• Macedonia• Georgia• Germany• Greece• Holy See• Hungary• Iceland• Ireland• Israel• Italy• Latvia• Liechtenstein• Lithuania• Luxembourg• Malta• Moldova• Monaco

• The Netherlands• New Zealand• Norway• Poland• Portugal• Romania• Russian Federation• San Marino• Serbia and

Montenegro• Slovak Republic• Slovenia• Spain • Sweden• Switzerland• Turkey• Ukraine• United Kingdom• USA

The Council of Europe and UNESCO/CEPES jointly provide the Secretariat for the ENIC Network

The European Commission supports activities of the NARIC Network in the areas of improving the quality and transparency of education systems, identification of good practice, the comparative analysis of systems and policies

The ENIC Bureau & NARIC Advisory Board

Working Groups preparing and drafting policy and implementation proposals

The work of the UK NARICWorking Structure of the Networks

In the Bergen Communiqué, Ministers committed themselves to

‘draw up national action plans to improve the quality of the process associated with the recognition of foreign qualifications. These plans will form part of each country’s national report for the next Ministerial Conference.’

The work of the UK NARICBFUG Guidelines for National Action

Plan

Prepared by the ENIC Bureau, the NARIC Advisory Board and the Bureau of the Lisbon Recognition Convention Committee, 2006

Key components:

Legislation Recognition practice Information provision Structures

The work of the UK NARICThe National Action Plan for Recognition:

Guidelines for Implementation

A model based on: Needs analysis and market demand

key customers: • individuals with qualifications / skills attained from outside the national system • academic, professional and commercial organisations receiving individuals with overseas qualifications

Information demand: Provision, standards, quality

Structured approach to information provision information dissemination through membership services easy access to the public

The UK Model The Work of the UK NARIC

NARIC processes on average 50,000 applications per annum for the purpose of further study and employment opportunities in the UK. These applications demonstrate a notable concentration on qualifications from India-Subcontinent, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa (2004-05 data)

U/G & P/G Admissions

ProfessionalEmployment

Seeking Opportunities

Work Permits

991813783

10473

Demand for information

Although the information demand vary, there has been an identifiable interest in the provision of education and training in key occupations and subject areas such as Health Care, Teaching, Engineering, Construction and business management.

Subject analysis

International Qualifications databases:

Training provision: Country-/region-specific programmes; Sector-specific programmes; Security and documentation evaluation programmes

Evaluation and Assessment service: recognition statement Career path report

Service Provision

The UK NARIC serves over 1000 members in the UK and internationally.

Education and training sector continues to form a significant part of the membership base (2004-05 data).

The UK Model Membership base

Code of Practice Information management Evaluation and benchmarking criteria

Process and Procedures Application process Appeal process

Service Standards Obligations Professional rights

www.naric.org.uk/index.asp?page=30&section=4

The work of the UK NARICQuality standards

Country file

Education System and Qualifications Structure

Education System and Qualifications Structure

Managing Director

Qualification & Skills Division

Evaluation Services

10 members

June 2005

External Advisors Group

Delivery Partners

Business Teams Support Function

Organisational Structure and Professional Development

Research team4 members

Project team2 members

Delivery Partners

Research & Dev Division

Sales & C.S. Division

3 members

Delivery Partners

Technology Group4 members

Finance2 members

HR

Company solicitors

Operations Director

PA to MD

Information team

2 members

Staff development and training strategy through:

Induction and Familiarisation Programmes Professional Development Skill-based training

To ensure that informed opinion is based on knowledge not speculation and that recognition of qualifications truly

reflects value and standards.

Continuing skills and knowledge development