European context
After quality framework concepts were developed and implemented first in the area of Higher Education (especially triggered by the Bologna process, see www.enqa.eu), the topic is being discussed for the area of VET as well. This has been triggered by the Lisbon process, which sets down the development of high quality European VET systems as one of the strategic points in order to realise a dynamic and competitive European economic area.
Since the beginning of the Copenhagen process in 2002, European framework models and instruments for the implementation of quality in VET have been developed. In this process, quality management concepts derived from industry and economics played a big role. Thus, already in the CQAF and later in the EQARF Recommendation the principle of continuous improvement by Deming and the Deming circle were implemented. The topic of quality also plays an important role with regard to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). In Annex III of the EQF, common principles for quality assurance in the higher education and the VET area are laid down.
For more information go to:
The responsibility for the promotion of quality in VET at European level lies with EQAVET. At national level, the national reference points have an important function in the exchange between European and national developments.
Austria has started to implement the European concepts and recommendations very early in the area of VET schools and colleges in the framework of the VET quality initiative (QIBB).
For more information about QIBB go to:
www.arqa-vet.at/quality/qibb/EN/
For more information about quality in the European context go to:
www.arqa-vet.at/eqavet/quality_milestones/EN
