Why Qualifications Frameworks Barbara Kelly Director of Qualifications

Why Qualifications Frameworks? Barbara Kelly Director of Qualifications 19 September 2016

Background (Ireland) • • • National Framework of Qualifications was established in 2003. Significant national discussion and debate with education and business stakeholders. In 2006, NFQ was self certified as compatible with the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (the Bologna Framework). By 2006/7 used to classify skills in Ireland’s National Skills Strategy. In 2009 the Irish NFQ was referenced to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning(EQF). Today EQF levels appear on many qualification certificates issued in Ireland also on Certificate and Diploma Supplements. NFQ – currently includes only national awards (underpinned by Quality Assurance). From 2016 recommencing a national dialogue on NFQs. Planning a Review of the NFQ to assess impact. Currently seeking a legislative amendment to better support recognition of foreign awards.

National Framework of Qualifications QQI, an integrated agency for quality and qualifications in Ireland

Why develop a National Qualifications Framework? • • Economic & social Education – support players/stakeholders Recognition (academic & professional) Where to?

Economic & social • Nearly one in eight people living in Ireland comes from abroad (11. 8%)………. . the sixth highest proportion of foreign nationals in Europe • Diverse Labour force • Matching skills & labour market needs • Social inclusion - promoting one step up • Maximising potential & talent.

Education - Supporting stakeholders • • Ministries/agencies Education and training providers Industry/sectors/employers Professional bodies Regulators Community of practice Learners

Recognition • Comprehensive Framework (General, vocational, higher education) • Academic and Professional • Transparency • Comparability • Mobility

Where to? • Qualifications Frameworks and systems need to be dynamic and innovative • Informal and non-formal learning • Private, professional, sectoral and international qualifications • Neighbouring country arrangements • Development of Regional Frameworks and interest in World Reference levels/learning outcomes • Europeans are using their qualifications outside of the country where they were achieved. Holders of qualifications achieved outside of Europe are presenting their qualifications in Europe as they seek further education, training and employment opportunities. • The EQF can play an important role in signalling the policy intent that qualifications frameworks need to be open and responsive. • The EQF can play an important function in facilitating the recognition of European qualifications internationally and the recognition of qualifications from around the world in Europe. • We would encourage the work on establishing and strengthening the associations between the EQF and qualifications frameworks outside of the EQF zone. • European New Skills Agenda (Driver) including revised EQF Recommendation • Next phase important - new challenges………. new supports needed • Crossroads………. Fix or Grow

Thank you bkelly@qqi. ie