Effebi Association will take part of the Conference – Exploring the Challenges of Permeability: EQF-5 and Higher Levels (Higher Education and Higher VET)

On 9-10 December 2019, will take place the Conference Exploring the Challenges of Permeability: EQF-5 and Higher Level. Paving the way for flexible learning pathways and the role of the labour market in Malta. This Conference is co-organized by EfVET and CHAIN 5 and it will be host by EfVET Member, MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology). The organization of the conference is made possible by having the strong support of the Ministry of Education and Employment (MEDE) in Malta.

This interactive conference will focus on constructing flexible learning pathways through Levels 5 and higher of the EQF. To fulfill this objective, there will be an analysis of different contributions from multiple education sectors that can lead to creating bridges between them, possibly with the use of agreements between institutions, shaping progression routes and through better use of ‘recognition of prior learning’.

Theme

Flexibility, permeability and relevance remain the core principles driving the developments of higher education in a dynamic and fluid labor market. This international conference aims at exploring good practices as well as concrete and realistic possibilities for flexible learning pathways, integrating qualifications within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) with qualifications from the Vocational-Professional Education and Training (VPET) sector.

The EHEA promotes a 4-tier structure – short cycle, 1st cycle, 2nd cycle and 3rd cycle qualifications. On the other hand, the VPET sector is more commonly reflected informal programmes, offered at Levels 5 and higher than the European Qualifications Framework.

The conference also intends to explore the centrality of the short cycle/EQF Level 5 for the promotion and possibility of more national education systems having support structures and provisions for permeability, progression routes, flexible bridging programs. High-quality work-based learning could contribute to the relevance of both the EHEA and the VPET qualifications. This is also a good opportunity for countries to share their experiences and good practices on clear strategies already in place.

At the end of the conference, some decisions will be taken on further cooperation between the stakeholders involved (organizations and associations), to initiate a process with a view on shaping flexible learning pathways at a national level. In this context, consideration will also be given to how this can be supported at European level, involving experts and European networks.

For more infor follow the conference link