Overview

Created in 2009 and later updated in 2020, the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) is a European framework designed to support countries and education and training providers in developing, assessing, and continuously improving quality assurance in vocational education and training (VET).

The framework is based on a four-stage continuous improvement cycle: (1) Planning, (2) Implementation, (3) Evaluation/Assessment, and (4) Review/Revision. The cycle is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach and can be applied at both vocational education and training system and provider levels.

The framework contains 10 reference indicators addressing areas including participation, completion, graduate placement, workplace use of acquired skills, teacher and trainer development, labor-market training needs, unemployment, vulnerable populations, and access to vocational education and training. It also includes indicative descriptors that help countries and providers examine the operation of their quality-assurance systems.

The EQAVET framework supports quality assurance in:

• Learning environments (e.g., school-based provision, work-based learning and apprenticeships, formal, informal and non-formal provision)
• All types of learning contexts (e.g., digital, face-to-face, blended)
• Public and private sector VET providers
• VET awards and qualifications at all levels of the European Qualifications Framework

The framework is a reference framework, not a single accreditation system. It does not require participating countries to adopt one uniform quality-assurance model. Rather, it provides principles, indicators, descriptors, and processes that countries and providers can adapt to their own systems.

Background

The framework was established through a 2009 Recommendation of the European Parliament and Council. It was intended to strengthen cooperation and provide a common European reference for improving quality and increasing transparency in vocational education and training.

In 2020, the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience incorporated and updated the framework. The revised approach expanded its application beyond its earlier concentration on school-based initial vocational education and training and strengthened its relevance to continuing education, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and other delivery settings.

The framework is supported

Partners

European Union Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion implements through cooperation with participating European countries.

National Quality Assurance Reference Points bring together government bodies, education and training providers, social partners, and other stakeholders to support national implementation. These national points participate in the European network, exchange practices, support self-evaluation, and engage in European-level peer review.

Funding

The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework is a continuing European Union policy framework rather than a standalone grant-funded initiative. The European Commission supports the European network and secretariat, while participating countries maintain National Quality Assurance Reference Points and implement the framework through their national and regional vocational education and training systems.

Resources

European Commission. About the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training. https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/working-together/eqavet-european-quality-assurance-vocational-education-and-training/about-eqavet_en

European Commission. European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training. https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/working-together/eqavet-european-quality-assurance-vocational-education-and-training_en