European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training
EQAVET is a comprehensive framework developed to ensure quality in vocational education and training across Europe. Established from the 2009 recommendation by the European Parliament and Council, EQAVET framework supports the continuous improvement of VET systems.
What is EQAVET?
EQAVET is built around a dynamic quality assurance and improvement cycle, which encompasses four key stages: planning, implementation, evaluation/assessment, and review/revision. At the core of EQAVET are a set of descriptors and indicators designed to guide quality management at both the VET system and provider levels.
Rather than enforcing a specific quality assurance system, EQAVET offers a flexible framework that includes common principles, suggested descriptors, and indicators. These resources allow stakeholders to select the elements most relevant to their unique needs, making EQAVET a versatile “toolbox” for enhancing the quality of VET systems and services.
How EQAVET Supports Quality in VET
EQAVET plays a crucial role in supporting the objectives of the 2020 recommendation on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience. It highlights how the EQAVET framework can be utilised to bolster the quality of both initial and continuing VET, ensuring a high standard across various learning environments and methodologies.
The EQAVET Framework can be applied by both VET providers and at a system level to improve the quality assurance of:
- Learning Environments: This includes a wide range of settings such as work-based learning, apprenticeships, informal or non-formal learning experiences etc.
- Learning Contexts: EQAVET is adaptable to different learning formats, including digital, face-to-face, and blended approaches.
- VET Providers: The framework is applicable to both public and private sector VET institutions, ensuring consistent quality standards across the board.
- VET Qualifications: It supports the quality assurance of VET awards and qualifications at all levels within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
By adopting EQAVET, VET providers and systems across Europe can continuously assess, improve, and uphold the quality of their educational offerings, contributing to the overall growth and resilience of vocational education and training.
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