ESF Program “Development of professional qualifications system” 2008-2013

    CONFIRMED
With Directive no. 317 by the Minister of Education and Research
March 19th 2008

Program "Development of professional qualifications system"

General objective
A supporting and sustainable professional qualifications system, regarding labour market needs, has been implemented on lifelong learning and on the free movement of workers.

Sub-objectives

• A new concept and quality assurance principles have been developed for the professional qualifications system. A qualification framework linking educational qualifications and professions has been implemented on the description of professional levels and learning outcomes. The implementation of the professional qualifications system follows the principles of quality assurance.
• Classification principles of professional activities have been modernised, a catalogue of Estonian professions has been prepared.
• The methodology for the preparation of professional standards has been modernised, professional standards renewed.
• A renewed system of crediting professions is now in operation.
• For the assurance of the quality of key activities related to the professional acknowledgement of qualifications, the parties related to the implementation of this professional qualifications system and related groups are trained in their field of activity and competency.
• The public has been informed of the development of professional qualifications system, implementation thereof and of the program activities.
  

Program target groups are

• Writers of professional standards;
• Members of professional committees;
• Members of professional council;
• Vocational teachers, teaching staff and the trainers of adults;
• Experts related to crediting professions, developing professional qualification system, directing educational politics, planning of human resources and employment.

Activities supported by the program

1. Development of the new concept and quality assurance principles for the professional qualifications system.

• Implementation of quality framework linking educational qualifications and professions;
• The experience of EU states are mapped and analysed for the development of qualification systems;
• The division of roles of Estonian qualification system is analysed, defined and developed, a concept for the new professional qualifications system is created, methodology for linking the old and new system, and the quality handbook for professional qualifications system;

2. The classification and cataloguing of Estonian professions

• The classification principles of professional activities and the practice of other countries are mapped and analysed;
• A catalogue of professions is prepared on the basis of new classification principles;
• Methodology for prognostic studies of labour market and professional activities is developed.

3. The modernisation of the methodology for the preparation of professional standards, renewal of professional standards

• The methodology for the preparation of professional standards is renewed; methodological instructions thereof are published;
• The co-operational network of the representatives of labour market, vocational and higher education and the forms of cooperation for the preparation of professional standards are developed and expanded;
• Professional standards are prepared and translated into English and Russian;
• Annexes to professional certificated are prepared.
• 4. Development of the system of crediting professions
  
• Principles are developed, and in 15 domains the APEL-based crediting of professions is piloted;
• Crediting of partial qualification regarding 30 professions is activated;
• Methodological instructions for competency-based crediting of professional skills are developed;
• Competency-based assessment of professional skills in 25 domains is activated;
• For the graduates of vocational and higher education schools are created the opportunities for crediting professions.

5. Development of competency centre of professional qualifications system, training of experts related to the implementation of quality system and related groups

• The employees of Estonian Qualification Authority are trained;
• The writers of professional standards, members of professional councils, responsible persons of Awarding Bodies, members of professional committees, teachers, trainers of adults are trained.

6. Informing of the program activities and results

• The communication strategy for the professional qualifications system is developed;
• Introductory events of the program are carried out;
• Program activities are introduced in the media;
• Promotional products thereof are ordered.

Program eligibility period
The eligibility period of the program is from December 1st 2007 to December 31st 2013.
Eligible are the costs, which have incurred during the eligibility period and within the following 90 calendar days provided that the activists have occurred within the eligibility period.

Program budget
The total cost of the program is 51,999,988 Estonian kroons;
The maximum financing of the program by the community is up to 85% of the program cost and maximum sum thereof is 44,199,990 Estonian kroons. State financing is at least 15% of the cost of the program and the minimum amount is 7,799,998 Estonian kroons.