At the beginning of April, the Twinning project implemented an activity under Component 1 to strengthen the quality assurance of education and training from a lifelong learning (LLL) perspective. Activity 1.2.5 was one of the peer learning activities regarding Western Balkans-based occupational standards in VET sector. The two experts: Daria Duilović and Tina Šarič delivered a two-day workshop on the main trends of cooperation at the regional level, examples of regionally-based occupational standards, methodological and organizational approaches in the design and development of competence-based VET, implementation of competence-based VET, apprenticeship, as well as assessment of competences in competence-based VET. The workshop enabled the exchange of know-how, experience and challenges related to the development and assessment of competence-based qualification standards in the Western Balkans in VET sector.
Photos: Two-day workshop on approaches in the design and development of competence-based VET
Photos: BC representatives applying presented approaches to design occupational standards
The third study visit in the project was organised under Component 2, intended to provide support to the further implementation and enhanced capacities of the National Qualifications Framework in accordance with the QA framework. The study visit took place in France from 24 to 28 April 2023. The BC delegation consisted of 5 representatives from the Department for Higher Education, the NQF Unit, the Department for International Cooperation and the Department for European Affairs under the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as a representative of the Unit for Quality Assurance in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Center.
Since the study visit dealt with the area of quality assurance system, the delegation visited the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres), the National Authority for the Financing and Regulation of Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (France Compétences), the Ministry for Higher Education and Research (MESR), the world-renowned culinary and hospitality school Ferrandi Paris, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Paris Ile de France), and the University Institute of Technology (IUT). BC representatives learned about the organization and resources of Hcéres, and the methodology for the evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions and programmes. They also discussed the French experience with regard to the development of qualifications system & qualifications standards, the assessment of formal VET programmes, as well as external assessment of VET institutions. The visit to the Ministry for Higher Education and Research (MESR) provided more insight into the processes within the HE curriculum design, the implementation of the credit system, and the accreditation of the study programs. In addition, the tour around Ferrandi Paris was also a valuable experience for the delegation, as was the visit of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The University Institute of Technology offered a virtual tour around one IUT (classes, labs, student facilities), and provided insight into quality assurance and collaboration with employers to meet the needs of the labour market.
Photos: BC delegation sharing experiences with their French colleagues at the host institutions
This Newsletter was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Twinning project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.