4th EQAVET FORUM 2019, Helsinki 16 October

The 4^th EQAVET Annual Forum took place in Helsinki on 16^th October 2019, as part of the 4^th European Vocational Skills Week. The Forum was organized by the EQAVET Network Secretariat on behalf of the European Commission with the support of the Finnish EQAVET NRP (EDUFI). E.O.P.P.E.P. participated in the Forum in the framework of its obligations as the National Reference Point (NRP) of the EQAVET  Network, and was represented by Mrs Karnemidou Anastasia, Head of Communication & Development Division – Member of the EQAVET NRP 2019-2021 Project Team and Mr. Glaros Antonios, Head of the National Quality System Department– Project Manager of the EQAVET NRP 2019-2021 Erasmus+Project.

The 4^th EQAVET Annual Forum took place in Helsinki on 16^th October 2019, as part of the 4^th European Vocational Skills Week. The Forum was organized by the EQAVET Network Secretariat on behalf of the European Commission with the support of the Finnish EQAVET NRP (EDUFI). E.O.P.P.E.P. participated in the Forum in the framework of its obligations as the National Reference Point (NRP) of the EQAVET  Network, and was represented by Mrs Karnemidou Anastasia, Head of Communication & Development Division – Member of the EQAVET NRP 2019-2021 Project Team and Mr. Glaros Antonios, Head of the National Quality System Department– Project Manager of the EQAVET NRP 2019-2021 Erasmus+Project. 

The central theme of the Forum was the implementation of Quality Assurance in adult education and continuing vocational education and training and the supporting role of quality assurance in adults. In particular, the development of Finland’s new strategy on vocational education and training was presented. During the Forum, in addition to discussions and exchange of good practice among participants from all Member States, a study visit to a Vocational Education and Training School (AMIEDU School in Helsinki) was held.

The presentations at the Forum had the following thematic structure:

The experience of the adult education in Finland, how the lifelong learning system is supported in the country, the contribution of lifelong learning to the improvement of the social life of adults and methods for enhancing their knowledge and skills were presented. A reference was made to a flexible adult education and training, based on the needs and challenges of the labor market.

During the study visit to the AMIEDU School in Helsinki, there was an exchange of views and best practices with trainers and trainees. Additionally workshops were organized on a rotating model (carousel workshops), focused on three topics of the quality assurance: a) Flexible learning modes that allow students to create their own learning paths in order to meet their needs as well as digitalized learning, b) Evaluation of teachers and the changing role they have and c) strengthening the integration and development of career counselors.

There was also a presentation about Estonia’s experience in Vocational Education and Training system, the digital revolution aimed at improving digital adult skills, as well as the changing role of teachers.

Lastl, Hungary’s experience in enhancing quality assurance in continuing vocational education and training by enhancing integration and development of career guidance policies was presented.