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MQC Annual Report 1

Malta Qualifications Council

November 2008 – December 2009Annual Report

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Contents

Message from the Hon. Dolores Cristina Minister of Education, Employment and the Family 6

A Year in Review - Introduction by the Chairman of the Malta Qualifications Council Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick and the Chief Executive of the Malta Qualifications Council Dr James Calleja 8

Council Meetings - November 2008 – December 2009 13

List of Council Members 14

MQC Staff List 14

1. The International Activities

ENQA-VET General Assembly - Budapest, 6-7 November 2008 16

Workshop on Testing the EQF: relating international, national and sectoral qualifications to EQF - Thessaloniki, 10-11 November 2008 16

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on Quality Assurance Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning - Malta, 18-19 November 2008 16

MQC hosts LDV EQF-FRAME Final Conference - Malta, 5 December 2008 17

European Conference “Quality in Work based Learning – meeting demands of labour market and lifelong learning” - Wiesbaden, Germany, 11-12 December 2008 18

Introduction of the new projects of the Lifelong Learning Programme 2008 - Brussels, 15 December 2008 18

Group of Coordinators Meeting for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications - Brussels, 26-27 January 2009 18

EQF Advisory Committee on Referencing - Brussels, 28 January 2009 19

European Training Foundation Conference on EQF - Brussels, 29 – 30 January 2009 19

EURES Information Session for EURES stakeholders - Malta, 30 January 2009 19

Grundtvig – Inservice Training Course Intensive Professional English Language Training For Business and The Workplace - Oxford, 1-14 February 2009 20

Peer Learning Activity Learning Outcomes Cluster - Reykjavik, Iceland, 12 – 13 February 2009 20

Bologna Follow Up Group Meeting - Prague, 12-13 February 2009 20

REFERNET Southern Regional Meeting - Madrid, 19-20 February 2009 21

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity - Vienna, 20 February 2009 21

CEDEFOP Seminar: The Role of Social Partners in implementing European Tools for Vocational Education and Training and Lifelong Learning - Thessaloniki, 26 – 27 February 2009 22

INLearning: Validating learning for an Inclusive Society First Partners’ Meeting - Malta, 3 - 4 March 2009 23

Third Meeting of the EQF Advisory Group and the First Meeting of the EQF National Coordination Points – Brussels, 4 - 6 March 2009 24

Thematic Group Meeting of ENQA-VET on Making VET More Attractive - Malta, 9 – 10 March 2009 24

Third Vocational Qualifications Transfer System (VQTS II) Project Meeting - Den Bosch, The Netherlands, 16-17 March 2009 25

Directive 2005/36/EC Committee Meeting for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications – Brussels, 26 March 2009 26

General Assembly Meeting of ENQA-VET – Ljubljana, Slovenia, 26 – 27 March 2009 26

HEQ-Bridges Project – First Partners’ Meeting - Bucharest, 2-3 April 2009 27

MQC Annual Report 3

Meeting in Pretoria on a Transnational Qualifications Framework for Small States in the Commonwealth – Pretoria, South Africa, 6-8 April 2009 28

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on Quality Assurance Procedures for Accreditation of VET Providers – Italy, 27 – 29 April 2009 29

Bologna Follow-Up Group and the Ministerial Conference of the Bologna Process - Brussels, 27– 29 April 2009 30

Recognition of Learning Outcomes Cluster Meeting - Brussels, 7 – 8 May 2009 31

Meeting of Directors General for Vocational Education and Training and the Conference New Tools for VET: ECVET and EQARF organised by the Czech Presidency - Prague, 18-20 May 2009 31

The Impact of Common Quality Assurance Framework ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity – Malta, 26 – 27 May 2009 32

16th Joint Meeting of the ENIC and NARIC Networks - Cyprus, 14-16 June 2009 33

Final Meeting of the ENQA-VET Making VET More Attractive Thematic Group - Stockholm 15 – 16 June 2009 33

Directive 2005/36 EC Group of Coordinators and Meeting of the Contact Points - Recognition of Professional Qualifications - Brussels, 22-23 June 2009 34

MQC participates in the Euro-Med Seminar for Bologna Experts - Malta, 22 – 23 June 2009 34

EQF 4th Meeting of the Advisory Group – Brussels, 10 – 11 September 2009 36

VQTS II 4th Partners’ Meeting – Slovenia, 23 – 24 September 2009 36

Conference on The Development of Competencies in the World of Work and Education (DECOWE) - Ljubljana, 24-25 September 2009 36

REFERNET Technical Meeting Developing CEDEFOP Documentary Tools and Valorising the Networks Assets – Thessaloniki, 24-25 September 2009 37

CEDEFOP European Conference on Qualifications for Lifelong Learning and Employability - Thessaloniki, 5-6 October 2009 37

The Seventh Plenary Meeting of the European Network of Reference and Expertise in VET (REFERNET) – Thessaloniki, 8-9 October 2009 38

Director General for Vocational Education and Training – Sweden, 10-13 October 2009 38

Fifth Peer Learning Activity – The Involvement of Stakeholders in the Design, Development Implementation and Monitoring of the National Qualifications Framework – Malta, 22-23 October 2009 39

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on European Social Partners on Quality Development in VET – Berlin, 28-30 October 2009 40

NQF Inclusive First Partners’ Meeting – Maribor, Slovenia, 9-10 November 2009 41

INLearning Second Partners’ Meeting – Celje, Slovenia, 11-15 November 2009 41

VQTS II Leonardo Da Vinci Project Final Partners’ Meeting – Prague, 12-13 November 2009 42

Launch of EQARF and ECVET Moving From Principles to Implementation – Brussels, 17-18 November 2009 47

ENQA-VET General Assembly – Vienna, 26-27 November 2009 47

Steering Committee 2 Building Bridges Between EQF and EHEA – HEQ-Bridges – Malta, 26-27 November 2009 48

ENQA-VET Final Conference – Sweden, 3-4 December 2009 48

Eighth Meeting of the Cluster on Recognition of Learning Outcomes and Peer Learning Activity on Describing and Defining Qualifications and Qualification Levels through Learning Outcomes – Brussels, 3-4 December 2009 49

Restructuring Forum - Brussels, 6-8 December 2009 49

Group of Coordinators for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications - Brussels, 10-11 December 2009 50

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2. Stakeholders’ Involvement Mutual Recognition of Qualifications – 3rd Designated Authorities’ Conference - Malta, 10 December 2008 51

MQC participates in Europe Close to You Fair - Valletta, 20 – 24 January 2009 52

National Workshop VQTS II - St. Julians, 3 February 2009 52

National Careers Convention, Mediterranean Conference Centre - Valletta, 1 – 3 April 2009 52

National Colloquium on The Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning - Floriana, 4 June 2009 52

MQC attends Business Breakfast to launch a Series of New Qualifications for the Maltese Financial Services Sector – Malta, 19 June 2009 54

MQC participates in EQUILIFISE Seminar - St. Julians, 22 June 2009 54

MQC Participates in the Education Pavilion during the International Trade Fair - Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta’ Qali, 25 June - 5 July 2009 55

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina visits MQC - 15 July 2009 55

Meeting at MQC with Life Long Learning Officials - 27 August 2009 57

Level-Rating of Drama Examinations - Valletta, 24 September 2009 57

MQC, in collaboration with NCHE, participates in KSU Freshers’ Week - University Campus, 30 September – 7 October 2009 58

Gozo Regional Committee Meeting - Xewkija, Gozo, 2 October 2009 58

Launch of the School Leaving Certificate - St Margerita Boys Secondary School Bormla, 14 October 2009 59

MEP Simon Busuttil visits MQC - 29 October 2009 59

MQC participates at GWU Conference - Workers Memorial Building, Valletta, 14 November 2009 60

MQC participates in Science and Technology Festival - University Campus 23 – 29 November 2009 61

Information Forum Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI) - Valletta, 25 November 2009 61

European Banking Training Network (EBTN) Meeting - St. Julians, 25 – 28 November 2009 61

TTNET Malta Information Meeting - The EQF and the MQF – Tools for Transparency - Institute of Tourism Studies, St. Julians, 1 December 2009 62

VINFL National Conference - St. Julians, 15 December 2009 63

The Hon. Evarist Bartolo Shadow Minister on Education visits MQC - 21 December 2009 64

Series of meetings with Stakeholders from the Printing, Agribusiness and Care Sectors 65

Series of meetings at MQC with Tourist Guides 65

3. EQF / NQF Referencing Consultation Process

Meeting for Counsellors and Guidance Teachers - 3 December 2008 66

Meeting for Employers, Trade Union Activists and Students’ Organisations - 10 December 2008 67

Meeting for Teachers and Lecturers - 21 January 2009 67

EQF/MQF Information Seminar at Bighi Centre for Restoration (Heritage Malta) - 5 May 2009 67

Information Seminar on the Vocational Qualification and Transfer System (VQTS) Project within the EQF/MQF Context – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (MCAST), 14 May 2009 68

Launching of the Referencing Report - Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta – 4 November 2009 69

Mutual Recognition of Qualifications – 4th Designated Authorities’ Conference - Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta – 4 November 2009 70

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4. Publications and Promotional Material

MQRIC Information Leaflet 71

MQC Information Leaflet 71

MQC’s Information Leaflet on Informal and Non-Formal Learning 71

INLearning Publication and Promotional Material 72

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Boards 72

Pop-Up Banners 72

Referencing of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA) 73

The Essential Framework – A quick glance at the Level Descriptors of the Malta Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning 2009 73

Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning (VINFL) brochures 73

5. MQC Social Activities

Christmas Staff Meal – December 2008 74

Staff Lunch – 13 August 2009 74

MQC meets ex-Chairman of MQC Mr Charles Mizzi – 17 December 2009 74

Christmas Staff Meal – 21 December 2009 75

Children’s Christmas Staff Party – 31 December 2009 75

6. New International Projects 76

7. MQRIC Office 77

8. MQC’s participation in the Media 78

9. MQC Online

Launch of INLearning website - October 2009 81

Launch of MQC’s new website - November 2009 81

10. European Social Fund Projects

ESF 1.28 VQPACK 2008 - 2011 82

ESF 1.29 SKILLSPLUS 2008 – 2011 82

11. MQC’s Achievements in Numbers 84

12. Officers who accompanied MQC Staff in International Activities abroad 84

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Message

The Hon. Dolores Cristina Minister of Education, Employment and the Family

This Annual Report is a celebration of the achievements of the Malta Qualifications Council during the past year.

MQC had committed itself to accomplish clear and objective goals. In my opinion these have been reached successfully. As a team, the Chairman, Council members and its Secretariat have built a solid foundation for a more professional approach to issues related to qualifications and quality assurance.

This report is evidence of creative leadership, serious commitment and hard work. It is clear from the quality and the number of national and international activities organized that the Malta Qualifications Council is building a reputation of high standards, consistency and service to our community. The list of events organized throughout 2009 is impressive especially when one takes into account the limited financial and human resources that MQC possesses. Such an achievement bears evidence to a creative way of attracting and managing resources. I have visited MQC’s offices and participated in a number of MQC activities. My overall impression is that this agency is on track in establishing a culture of quality and standards in the area of qualifications which will greatly benefit our people and our economy. The initiative taken by MQC to reference our framework of qualifications to that of the European Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications Framework of the Higher Education Area is a long-term measure with far reaching goals. Similarly focus on the validation of informal and non-formal learning will enable people to achieve qualifications on the basis of what they are capable of doing. This is a breakthrough in the history of education in Malta!

My Ministry is completing draft legislation to embark on another reform journey - that in further and higher education. Following the successful completion of the reform in compulsory education, it is time to consolidate such reform and at the same time address quality and standards in post-compulsory education.

MQC Annual Report 7

2010 should enable us to establish the framework within which private and public further and higher education institutions can operate more effectively. A legal framework will regulate the provision and quality of such education and training. This report comes at a time when final discussions are underway on issues related to quality in further and higher education programmes that should enable learners to find more and better jobs and more importantly, to make lifelong learning a tool to sustain their employability.

I am particularly keen on seeing more of our young generation remain in lifelong learning. They should learn to make the most of every opportunity that is offered to them in further and higher education. Institutions such as the University of Malta, MCAST, ITS, ETC as well as courses offered by the new Directorate for Lifelong Learning and scholarship schemes on offer through Stratigic Educational Pathways Scholarships (STEPS) and Malta Government Scholarships Post-Graduate Scheme (MGSS) bear evidence to an education sector in constant and rapid growth.

The main targets established by Council and MQC’s ambitious Work Programme for 2010 confirm that this year will be just as equally challenging for this small but dynamic institution.

I augur that MQC will continue in its mission to help all training providers and learners move towards levels of excellence in education and training.

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A Year in Review

Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick Chairman of the Malta Qualifications Council

Dr James CallejaChief Executive of the Malta Qualifications Council

Introduction by

One could classify 2009 as a year of multiple achievements. The main targets set by Council in 2008 have been accomplished. Clear objectives, hard work and serious commitment by our small team of employees have made it possible to serve our increasing number of stakeholders and general public.

The most ambitious achievements in 2009 have been the drafting and submission to the European Commission of the Referencing Report of the Malta Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area and further consultation on the validation of informal and non-formal learning. The Report is the result of intensive consultation with many stakeholders on how our National Framework of Qualifications is aligned to the two overarching Frameworks (the EQF and the QF-EHEA). The response from the other Member States and the Commission itself and its institutions to the Report has been very positive. This means that the MQF is now referenced to the European Frameworks and we are proud to state that Malta is the second country (together with Ireland) to have its Framework recognized at European Union level. Other European Countries such as Greece, Portugal and Bulgaria are now consulting MQC on the manner this has been compiled. The process to validate informal and non-formal learning has seen new initiatives throughout the year gathering momentum among many stakeholders including industry, training providers and small and medium enterprises. Furthermore the

MQC Annual Report 9

launching by Minister Cristina of a new School Leaving Certificate can also be seen as a successful initiative which MQC took in collaboration with the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education.

The launching of a structured dialogue on the recognition of informal and non-formal learning culminated in a National Conference addressed by the Prime Minister of Malta the Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, in December. In June 2009 a national colloquium gathered a great majority of stakeholders to discuss the key features of such a process in the context of local, social and economic environments. In December, no less than 208 persons participated in a half-day seminar which brought together the key players who could make this process possible among whom the Spokesman for the Opposition on Education the Hon. Evarist Bartolo as well as Social Partners, executives from industry and high officials from public entities. There was a very positive and active participation by the participants.

One recalls that in June 2008, MQC had launched with the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) a policy document on this process. At that time, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina spoke about the need to ensure that all learning is valued and classified in the form of certified recognition. A follow-up to this event was the September 2008 Conference on Validating Informal and Non-Formal Learning: What it means to employers, organisations and learners organised with the Foundation for Human Resources Development. A year and a half later, this process is maturing enough to warrant the move towards a legislative framework.

The year 2009 has also seen the continuation of several projects at European Union level notably the Vocational Qualifications Transfer System (VQTS II), the INLearning project (which is being led by MQC and in which ten partners from nine Member States are participating) as well as the HEQ Bridges and the NQF Inclusive projects. All such projects have rendered MQC more visible among other institutes with similar goals and objectives and have served as an excellent training ground for the sharing of expertise and experiences in the fields of qualifications, quality assurance, the validation of informal and non-formal learning and the recognition of qualifications.

Our work has been appreciated by a number of partners who have invited MQC to act as partners in other EQF-related projects such as the FIRST project focusing on qualifications in the financial sector, the project on Common Grounds for Referencing NQFs to SQFs to the EQF, the Pro-Coach and EQF SPREAD which will focus on matching qualifications in sport and in the food sector (respectively) to the EQF.

In 2009, MQC participated in no less than thirty-five international meetings supported and organized primarily by the European Commission. These meetings were focused on issues related to the objectives of MQC and in particular on the level-rating of qualifications, on the referencing processes between frameworks of qualifications, on quality assurance and on the validation of informal and non-formal learning. MQC was also invited to address meetings organized by the European Commission, the European Observatory of Sport and Employment (EOSE), CEDEFOP and the Commonwealth of Learning which organized a seminar in Pretoria on the new Transversal Qualifications Framework of Small States in the Commonwealth. MQC was invited to address the International Conference on the Development of Competences in the World of Work and Education (DECOWE) and the European Conference on Qualifications for Lifelong Learning and Employability as well as a number of meetings organized by the European Commission. It also addressed the CEDEFOP Conferernce on the Role of Social Partners in Implementing European Tools for Vocational Education and Training and Lifelong Learning. In the process of participating in these meetings, MQC has become part of a growing network

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of organizations and institutions working on issues related to qualifications and quality assurance and have helped put Malta on the map of international initiatives which ensure a better quality in further and higher education.

During the year 2009, MQC was selected to be the host of a number of European events. MQC is one of the members of the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (ENQA-VET) and in March 2009 the Third Thematic Group Meeting on Making VET More Attractive was held at the MQC premises. (The First Thematic Group meeting was also held in Malta in June 2008). In May 2009 MQC hosted an ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity (PLA) on the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework, which was attended by around twenty representatives of Member States with a background in education, VET, industry and quality assurance. This was followed by the organization of a Peer Learning Activity in October of one of the European Commission’s clusters on the Recognition of Learning Outcomes. This PLA focused on the involvement of stakeholders in the design, development and implementation of the NQF. It was attended by forty-five European representatives of education and stakeholders from twenty one member states. Both PLAs were supported by the active participation and collaboration of local stakeholders including social partners. Through these events MQC offered very good organization and hospitality and a mutual learning experience for us and our European partners.

During the year in review, Council has also sought to inform the highest Authorities in our country with the progress achieved. Meetings have been held with the President of Malta HE Dr George Abela, the Prime Minister the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi and the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat. In these meetings, the Chairman and the CEO spoke about the activities of MQC and their impact on social partners, on employers, public and private training providers as well as learners of all ages. The meetings also served to get feedback from the highest authorities of our country on how they perceive MQC’s work and on what further initiatives one could take to improve the service we provide to our increasing number of customers.

One particular service which has grown during 2009 has been the recognition of foreign qualifications. Whereas during the previous year MQRIC (Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre) processed 2566 qualifications this year, the number has grown to almost double that figure. A total of 5025 requests for recognition have been received, with over 60% of these receiving a recognition statement within a reasonable timeframe. The work within MQRIC requires research, continuous communication with our ENIC (Council of Europe/UNESCO) - NARIC (European Commission) networks and careful processing of the details describing credentials of qualifications at all levels of education from primary to higher education.

MQC has also been significantly engaged during 2009 in the organization of the Bologna National Experts Group on which the CEO served as Chairman between 2006 and 2009. No less than three seminars and an international conference were organized during the first two quarters of 2009. These activities would not have been possible without the valuable support and assistance of the European Union Programmes Agency. The activities drew the expertise of lecturers and management staff of the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the Institute of Tourism Studies where all activities took place. The activities focused on learning outcomes, the recognition of qualifications and quality assurance. A Euro-Med Meeting for Bologna Experts was also convened in June 2009 with the aim of establishing a network of committed Bologna Experts for the Region. Minister Cristina gave a keynote speech in which she encouraged members of the new network to work on common issues in higher education and to promote the Bologna process for better quality in the provision of higher education programmes.

One particular service which has grown

during 2009 has been the recognition of

foreign qualifications. Whereas during the

previous year MQRIC (Malta Qualifications

Recognition Information Centre) processed 2566 qualifications this year, the number has grown to almost double that

figure.

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The funding of activities organized by MQC would not have been possible without the search for support from the European Commission. In this respect, we are thankful for the financial grants awarded by the Commission to MQC on projects which we thought we should apply for and on which we have been largely successful. Our plans for 2010 are to continue tapping international sources of funding so that MQC’s mission is achieved more effectively and efficiently. Working on an international level helps in benchmarking our goals, our ideas and our products. It helps to build a new rapport with stakeholders who come from different cultural and social backgrounds, who address different issues but common objectives - those related to increasing the quality of life of our citizens particularly those at the margins of society or who have been excluded by an education system which did not adequately address their skills and competences. On the other hand, MQC’s involvement in the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (ENQA-VET) has helped us crystallize our commitment towards quality assurance in further and higher education.

Backing this development is our new website which was launched in November 2009. The new site reflects these developments and assists stakeholders and the general public in their interaction with the processes being used to make education and training more attractive, transparent and of a higher quality. The new website features all sectors of MQC and MQRIC with detailed information and documents on the ongoing projects as well as those related to our international activities. Another website belonging to the EQF-INLearning project has also been produced by MQC and launched in October giving details of this project on the validation of informal and non-formal learning.

Since 2008, MQC is also a member in the ReferNet network, which is the CEDEFOP arm for research on vocational education and training. In 2009, MQC was awarded funds to carry out intensive research during 2010 in this specialised area with special reference to Malta. The research will be undertaken in coordination with nine other local stakeholders, including educational institutions, trade unions and employers’ associations. MQC participated in plenary meetings held abroad throughout the year by ReferNet in preparation for the tasks required on this project.

One note of disappointment during 2009 has been the inability of MQC to launch the European Social Fund projects which we planned to start as early as summer 2009. The excessive bureaucratic procedures and written formalities which govern such type of projects discourage participation in such activities. On the other hand, the process itself has been a learning experience in negotiation, project design and administration. Our management team has worked very hard to facilitate such a laborious process which it is hoped will be finalised in early 2010. The two projects submitted by MQC aim at establishing occupational standards in nine key sectoral areas and in making vocational training more attractive to secondary school learners.

In 2010 we plan to achieve a higher standard in the provision of services in further and vocational education to our community by: • establishing an Awards System for all qualifications referenced to the Malta

Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning in which workloads translated in credits will provide a fairer classification of qualifications within each level of difficulty;

• organizing regular meetings with all Designated Authorities on the mutual recognition of qualifications;

• continuingtobuildupontheongoinginformation strategy about the MQF, the EQF and the referencing process to specific target groups and to civil society in general;

• setting up a structured forum for governmental and non-governmental Boards andAuthorities as a step towards the establishment of National Occupational Standards


and the validation of informal and non-formal learning; • improvetheservicesweofferwithintheMaltaQualificationsRecognitionInformation

Centre (MQRIC) by building more capacity and processes for the recognition of qualifications;

• signingProtocols with public and private further and higher education institutions on the level-rating of qualifications and sectoral qualifications frameworks;

• creating National Qualifications and Quality Assurance Registers for all institutions and programmes recognized by MQC;

• participatinginEU–funded projects, programmes and conferences on issues related to the objectives of MQC;

• strengthening the Office of the Mutual Recognition Coordinator so that Designated Authorities can address in a more effective manner their requests for the mutual recognition of qualifications, skills and competences;

• updatingthenewlylaunchedMQC Website on a regular basis making such service as interactive and efficient as possible;

• bringing together theCopenhagen and the Bologna processes as a means to bridge the perceived divide between vocational and academic education and ensure that the country’s economic and social growth is derived from both processes.

It is expected that during 2010, the regulations governing quality assurance and qualifications for further and higher education will be enacted by Parliament. MQC looks forward to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that such processes push our high quality in the provision of further and higher education into levels of excellence making Malta a more competitive and vibrant Member State of the European Union.

At the same time, we are deeply committed to working closely with all public and private entities providing education and training or overseeing such processes to ensure that all learners succeed and that no individual skill or competence is ignored or unrecognized within the national framework of qualifications. In this process, stakeholders, particularly employers and those representing employees will play an important function in helping MQC and Malta achieve levels of excellence in all forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Council Members, Managers and Staff of MQC for their sterling work throughout the year as well as the many stakeholders who interact with our activities and provide valuable feedback and support.

A special word of thanks also goes to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina and her team for backing our initiatives and for providing technical assistance when this was needed. MQC is only four years old. Over these years it has established itself as a reference point on qualifications and quality assurance particularly on issues related to education and training. We are confident that the experience gained since 2005 will serve to forge new achievements in years to come.


During the period November 2008 till December 2008 there were 2 council meetings. A new Council was appointment by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina on the 1st January 2009. The Council Members were appointment for one year. During 2009 there were 12 council meetings. All meetings were held at MQC premises.

Council Meetings November 2008 – December 2009

Council meets the President of Malta H.E. Dr George Abela 20th November 2009

Council meets the Prime Minister of Malta the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi 23rd December 2009

Council meets the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat 1st December 2009


2008 Mr Charles Mizzi Chairman

MembersMr Felix Borg General Manager, Operations, Employment and Training Corporation Mr Anthony DeGiovanni ex-officio Mutual Recognition Co-Ordinator Mr Vince Farrugia Member, Malta Council for Social and Economic Development, Employers’ Representative Ms Veronica Grech Registrar, University of Malta Dr Grace Grima Director-General, Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education Mr John Jones Member, Malta Council for Social and Economic Development, Unions’ Representative Ms Charmaine Portelli Senior Economist, Economic Policy Division, Ministry of Finance Mr Emmanuel Zahra Director, Institute of Mechanical Engineering (MCAST)

2009Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick Chairman

Members Mr Joseph Cutajar Senior Manager, Training Services Division, Employment & Training Corporation Mr Joseph Farrugia Malta Council for Social and Economic Development – Employers’ Representative Mr Vince Farrugia Member, Malta Council for Social and Economic Development, Social Partners Representative Ms Veronica Grech Designate Registrar, University of Malta Ms Joan Micallef Assistant Director - Directorate for Quality and Standards Quality Assurance Department Ms Charmaine Portelli Senior Economist, Economic Policy Division, Ministry of Finance Ms Rosylnn Vella Project Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Mr Emmanuel Zahra Director, Institute of Mechanical Engineering (MCAST)

Dr James Calleja Chief Executive Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications Mr Richard Curmi Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation Ms Carmen Dalli Finance and Administration Manager Ms Valerie Attard Communications Manager Ms Josephine Sultana MQRIC OfficerMs Shirley Micallef Recognition Officer & Personal Assistant to Chief Executive Ms Beatrice Mizzi Executive Officer Ms Sylvana Caruana MQC Senior Clerk Ms Jane Nind MQRIC Senior Clerk Mr Alan Cauchi Clerk Mr Mario Farrugia Support Staff

List of Council Members

MQC Staff List


ENQA-VET General Assembly - Budapest, 6-7 November 2008 This General Assembly was organised by the National Institute of Vocational and Adult Education. As a member state of the ENQA-VET, Malta was invited to the General Assembly which is held twice a year. In March 2008, the General Assembly was convened in Ireland home of FETAC, the hosting organisation of ENQA-VET Secretariat. MQC represents Malta on the ENQA-VET and the Budapest General Assembly was attended by Mr Charles Mizzi and Dr James Calleja, Chairman and Chief Executive of MQC respectively. The Agenda of the General Assembly was spread over one and a half days and included presentations on the state of play of ENQA-VET. The four parallel sessions discussed the next work programme which would lead ENQA-VET till the end of 2011.

Workshop on Testing the EQF: relating international, national and sectoral qualifications to EQF. – Thessaloniki, 10-11 November 2008 As coordinators of an EQF project, MQC was invited to share the project EQF-FRAME and to discuss the next steps which the Commission and CEDEFOP can take to promote the EQF. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive of MQC presented the EQF-FRAME in the second workshop and the focus was on the objectives of the project, the agenda and discussions of the three partners’ meeting held in Malta, Barcelona and Athens, the products - a publication of the research analysis, the Manual for referencing tourism studies qualifications to the EQF and the EQF- INFO tool meant to promote the EQF as a translation tool as well as the website of the project. This meeting also served to share MQC’s products of the project it led between 2007-2008 and to disseminate the results achieved and make Malta more visible in this area of concern.

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on Quality Assurance Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning – Malta, 18-19 November 2008 MQC hosted an ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on the Recognition of Prior Learning. This two-day Activity incorporated presentations on aspects of validation of informal and non-formal learning by various local organisations including Playmobil, Fimbank, the Westin Dragonara Resort, the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) and Junior College. The group discussed the mechanisms at national and European level to transform ‘informal’ learning into ‘formal’ recognition. They also discussed quality assessments of informal and non-formal learning. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive of MQC opened

1. The International Activities

Group photo of Peer Learning Activity Participants


and concluded this Peer Learning Activity. Dr Calleja also delivered a presentation on the Policy Document from Malta: Volume 4 of the Valuing All Learning Series entitled Frameworks for the validation of informal and non-formal learning. The Peer Learning Activity was also addressed by Mr Charles Mizzi, Chairman MQC and Mr Sean Feerick, Director ENQA-VET. Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager MQC was responsible for organising this activity.

MQC hosts LDV EQF-FRAME Final Conference Malta, 5 December 2008 As coordinator of a Leonardo da Vinci Project entitled EQF-FRAME MQC organised a half-day Conference to launch its deliverables. The Conference was held at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Resort, St George’s Bay, St Julians and focused on a discussion on “The Impact of the EQF on Qualifications and the Tourism Industry.” The Project had the following main tasks: To analyse training programmes and certification in tourism studies; To align national tourism qualifications to the EQF; and to produce an EQF Manual and Info-tool and test them among stakeholders. This project was possible thanks to the support of the Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme, and the project partners from Austria, Italy, Spain, Greece and Slovenia as well as national partners such as training providers and stakeholders within the tourism sector. The objective of this Conference was to assess the results of the two-year project and to discuss ways how to move forward. This Conference was co-ordinated by Ms. Doris Mangion, Seniort Manager MQC. Mr Francis Borg, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport was invited to address this conference. Amongst the speakers were Dr James Calleja who opened the conference. His speech was followed by various presentations from a number of project partners. Mr Karl Grech, MTA and Mr Reginald Abela spoke about the Tourism Industry in Malta and Qualifications in Tourism Studies. Mr Charles Mizzi, Chairman MQC and Mr Joseph Tanti, MTA concluded the conference.

The Panel of Local and Foriegn Speakers The EQF-FRAME participants

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive during the Final Conference

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive addressing the Peer Learning Activity Participants


European Conference Quality in Work based Learning – meeting demands of labour market and Lifelong LearningWiesbaden, Germany, 11-12 December 2008This conference formed a major part of the ENQA-VET work programme for 2008 and provided an important platform for policymakers and VET providers, to reflect on the interplay of work based learning and quality assurance in the lifelong learning context.

The aim of the conference was to develop common criteria for presenting national quality assurance systems in the field of work based learning (promoting mutual confidence) and to identify further options for European cooperation (including determining the need for further research), whilst at the same time taking into account the diversity of the European vocational training systems. The conference built on work undertaken within the framework of the ENQA-VET work programme and examples of useful practice in Germany and other European countries as well as the Leonardo Da Vinci Programme.

The MQC delegation was composed of Mr Charles Mizzi, Chairman MQC, Ms Maria Bartolo Galea, Senior Executive, ETC, Ms Margaret Buhagiar, Sales and Administration Manager, Salesian Press and Mr Karl Grech, Senior Executive, MTA.

Introduction of the new projects of the Lifelong Learning Programme 2008 – Brussels, 15 December 2008 The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new projects of the Lifelong Learning Programme 2008 – Leonardo, KA1- Studies, KA4 – Valorisation, EQF, NLLS and ECVET. The meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC and Ms Carmen Dalli Manager Finance and Administration, MQC. The meeting was addressed by managers of the Executive Agency coordinating such projects. There were formal presentations on the key stages of the Project Life Cycle, the financial and administrative issues and the dissemination and exploitation of results. This was followed by a specific action meeting for each cluster of projects. MQC participated in the EQF cluster as one of its projects INLearning was selected among 35 entries from across Europe. The project commenced in 2009 and will run through till January 2011.

Group of Coordinators Meeting for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications - Brussels, 26-27 January 2009 This meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC. During this meeting the constitution of a sub-group of the Group of Coordinators was included in the agenda. The draft agreement between EU-Mexico Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in the field of architectural services was also brought up. The meeting was adjourned till June 2009. The first meeting of the sub-group on architecture was later held in March 2009.

The three main priorities to be followed up as a result of this meeting were to talk to Designated Authorities on the important provisions of the Services Directive, to provide

Participants during the various sessions of the European Conference


to the Commission statistics (2005-2006) on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and to follow up the issue of the publication of the Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Architecture. EQF Advisory Committee on ReferencingBrussels, 28 January 2009This meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC. The meeting was attended by eleven EQF Advisory Group Members. Malta, France, Sweden and Germany were the only member states invited to this sub-group while other members represented Business Europe, European Social Partners and European Trade Unions. Mr Carlo Scatoli presented the Mandate. Mr Scatoli said that this first meeting of the sub-group should address the key indicators of sectoral qualifications frameworks so that the Commission would have a clear indication of the way forward in this important area of the EQF.

Mr Loukas Zahilas distributed a short paper highlighting the main issues to be addressed during this meeting. He spoke about the main conclusions of the CEDEFOP workshop on the testing of the EQF through the 10 EQF Leonardo da Vinci projects which ran from 2006 to 2008 one of which was the MQC EQF-FRAME project which was concluded in December 2008. The meeting was concluded by Mr Scatoli who proposed that a next meeting of the sub-group on sectoral developments (of the EQF) will be held on the 25th May 2009. It was also agreed that all members of the group test such questions at national level.

European Training Foundation Conference on EQF – Brussels, 29-30 January 2009On an invitation from the European Training Foundation (ETF) Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC was invited to an international conference on the EQF and its links with a globalised world. The scope of the conference was to explore convergences and divergences in the development of qualifications frameworks. Over 150 participants from 70 countries took part. Speakers came from leading qualifications authorities such as the ones in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland. Other speakers represented the Commission, ETF, CEDEFOP, UNESCO and qualifications agencies in ETF partner countries such as Albania and Morocco.The conference had four plenary sessions which focused on:• TheEQF• QualificationsFrameworksworldwide• Qualificationsanddevelopment• QualificationsFrameworksinEUpartnercountries.

EURES Information Session for EURES stakeholdersMalta, 30 January 2009This information session was held in the form of a business breakfast and was organized jointly by the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) and EURES – The European Jobs Network. Amongst the talks delivered were those by Dr Sandra Sladden Chairperson, ETC, Ms Wallis Goelen from the European Commission and Dr Sue Vella, CEO from the ETC.

MQC was invited, together with other stakeholders, to make an intervention on the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) networking. Ms Josephine Sultana who is the alternate member to the Group and Committee of the Coordinators for the Recognition of the Professional Qualifications represented MQC during this event and delivered an address to the audience present. Ms Sultana’s speech focused on the aim and function of the NARIC network and also made reference to the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) Network which works closely with the NARIC network. Ms Sultana also referred to the Act on the Reciprocal Recognition of Qualifications and the role of the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) which, since August 2008, has been incorporated within MQC.


Grundtvig – Inservice Training Course Intensive Professional English Language Training for Business and the Workplace - Oxford, 1-14 February 2009 Ms Sylvana Caruana, Senior Clerk MQC was awarded a grant from the Grundtvig Programme to attend a professional business English Course in Oxford. The duration of the course was from the 1 February 2009 till the 14 February 2009 and the course was held at Oxford House College. The intensive course focused on report and minute writing, as well as on business conversations during meetings, interviews and presentations. The results of the course were put into practice by Ms Caruana on various occasions in the course of her work and proved to be very useful training for her work at MQC’s front office in dealing with the general public as well as for other secretarial duties. Peer Learning Activity Learning Outcomes Cluster – Reykjavik, Iceland, 12 – 13 February 2009

Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation participated in a Peer Learning Activity (PLA) that was held in Reykjavik, Iceland. This meeting had the objective of tackling the topic of costs and benefits of the validation of informal and non-formal learning.

Prior to the meeting in Iceland, a questionnaire was sent to all participating countries. The aim of this questionnaire was to look into existing empirical evidence on costs and benefits of the VINFL, while also investigating the conceptual challenges involved. The ultimate goal of analysing such data is to enlighten future research and support further development of the costs and benefits of VINFL, which would be cost effective and sustainable for all stakeholders.

Throughout the two day meeting, results of the mini survey held with the participating countries (through the questionnaire) were prescribed and analysed. Presentations were delivered from countries where validation is a stated right of the individual and hence requires a substantial permanent state support. Other presentations were delivered from countries where validation is currently financed on the basis of a combination of state, private and individual funding.

Participating countries in the Peer Learning Activity agreed that, the benefits through the Validation of Informal and Non-formal Learning include motivation, higher self- esteem enhancement of career opportunities and the possibility of a higher salary for the individual. Employers would gain more committed employees and better management of human resources that would eventually lead to an enhanced image and better productivity.

As a result, the local community would benefit through the reduction of the length and cost of training. However, there is a cost for such benefits. As countries are moving towards more mature and permanent systems of VINFL, costs benefits and sustainability are becoming an issue. Therefore through three different workshops, the PLA meeting attempted to identify the areas of research carried out that would eventually lead to peer learning outcomes which should be organised and consequently the impact will result on a European level. It was agreed to discuss the outcomes of this meeting and decide on the follow-up of the costs-benefits theme in the next learning Outcomes meeting held on 7-8 May 2009.

Bologna Follow Up Group Meeting – Prague, 12-13 February 2009 The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the issues related to the Bologna Ministerial Meeting in particular the Communiqué. The Commission suggested that the Communiqué must make explicit reference to the economic crisis and at the same time will contain

Participating countries in the Peer Learning Activity agreed that, the benefits through the Validation of Informal and Non-formal Learning include motivation, higher self-esteem enhancement of career opportunities and the possibility of a higher salary for the individual. Employers would gain more committed employees and better management of human resources that would eventually lead to an enhanced image and better productivity.


the goals and benchmarks for 2020 for all Member States and partner countries. This two-day meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja Chief Executive of the Malta Qualifications Council. REFERNET Southern Regional Meeting -Madrid, 19-20 February 2009The meeting was organised by CEDEFOP – REFERNET for the main purpose of introducing several new national consortium leaders/members, notably from the Southern Mediterranean region including Malta, to the importance of the REFERNET programme and its relevance in terms of exchange of information and best practices, which largely contributed to raising awareness about the importance of adequate vocational and educational training (VET) policies in every member state. MQC, being a REFERNET member, was invited and represented by Ms Carmen Dalli: Manager Administration and Finance, who was accompanied by Dr Martina Caruana: Director, Institute of Cultural Heritage Management and Conservation (ICMCH, Heritage Malta) as a national associate. The REFERNET coordinator welcomed the participation of several new national consortium leaders/members, namely from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Malta and Slovenia and of the Turkish representative, who currently has only ‘observer’ status in the network.

During the two-day meeting, the participants discussed the REFERNET work-plans for 2008, 2009 and 2010. Feedback from CEDEFOP on the Work-Plan 2008 was very satisfactory and a meeting of the Directors of REFERNET national institutions was later held on the 18 March 2009 to give them the opportunity to exchange ideas on VET development in the EU, CEDEFOP work programme and REFERNET’s role.

The main deliverable of the Work-Plan 2009 is the National (VET) Research Report which covers research activities and initiatives in the area of VET in Europe and the EU Member states. The main aim of this report is to provide a critical review of three main topics, namely (a) benefits of VET; (b) VET and employment-related mobility and migration and (c) two VET-related research topics based on national priorities. The deadline for submission of this report was 30th September 2009. The template for the Thematic Overviews – a database on EU national VET systems and developments (eKnow-VET) – was revised and members had to submit their contributions by 31st May 2009. The draft Work Plan 2010, together with the timetable was handed to the participants. The most relevant issues are the National VET Policy Reports (NPR), the Thematic Overviews (eKnow VET) and developing the VET-Bib bibliographical database. By October 2009, templates were sent to all REFERNET members and the deadline to submit all documentation is tentatively 1st March 2010. Malta needed to reapply for funds in order to be able to contribute to the research material requested by CEDEFOP. This research will commence in January 2010.

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity – Vienna, 20 February 2009Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, MQC participated in the ENQA-VET PLA Planning Meeting in Vienna. As PLAs are constantly being developed therefore the main objective of this meeting was to assess the PLAs held in 2008, learn from them and see how to improve forthcoming meetings. However this development depended on the feedback of the hosts and experts.

The expert assigned to the PLA in Malta was Mr Peter Noorhoek and his roles mainly are to help design the programme, analyse questions and to make sure to get as much input from the participants. This information collected will contribute to the report. It was agreed that questionnaires will be duly filled by participants before the PLA. Although the template of the questionnaire should be respected for a clearer analysis,

MQC will benefit from the CEDEFOP REFERNET Programme in terms of exchange of information and best practices, which largely contributed to raising awareness about the importance of adequate vocational and educational training (VET) policies in every member state


changes should be done to adapt the questionnaire to a specific PLA. However it is difficult for an expert to address focused questions as groups are different.

It was emphasised that the PLA’s value is through variety and balance between education and stakeholders. This will lead to a successful PLA where both the host country and all the other participants will benefit. It was agreed that on-site visits are to be reduced to three instead of four so there would be more time to reflect and exchange experiences. For this reason, there was an agreement to keep contact between participants.

There was a one-to-one discussion between the host and the experts of the 2009 PLA’s. The programme was discussed and the expert sought ways on how to improve it. It was suggested that time allocated for presentations should be reduced while increasing time allocated for discussions. Furthermore to facilitate participation it was emphasized that a semi-circle seating arrangement had to be adopted. The room needed to be split in four so that participants could discuss the different but related topics.

An updated version of the PLA was sent to Dr Calleja and Mr Noordhoek and then to ENQA-VET. It was suggested that the hosts would be invited for the on site visits (ITS, MCAST and ETC). It was also agreed that cooperation with the expert through feedback on the questionnaire was necessary.

CEDEFOP Seminar: The Role of Social Partners in implementing European Tools for Vocational Education and Training and Lifelong Learning –Thessaloniki, 26 – 27 February 2009Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager MQC and Ms Jeanelle Catania Assistant Project Manager Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry represented Malta in a CEDEFOP Seminar held in Thessaloniki.

The targeted audience were primarily social partners with around eighteen union representations and around twenty two representatives connected to Eurochambre. The first session consisted of information about the European tools for transparency and mobility, namely the European Qualifications Framework (EQF); European Credits for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET), the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework (EQARF) and Europass.

In the session regarding the role of social partners in the development and implementation of the European tools, Ms Mangion delivered a presentation on the ongoing contribution of social partners in the design, establishment and implementation of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF). She explained how the stakeholders including social partners shaped the four policy documents on Qualifications Frameworks; Vocational Education and Training (VET); Quality Assurance and the Validation of Informal Learning. They were also later involved in the consultation on the Level Descriptors and the Handbook which references the MQF to the EQF and the Dublin Descriptors of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Ms Mangion concluded her presentation by highlighting that Learning Outcomes qualifications are directly related to an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders including social partners. CEDEFOP representatives encouraged qualifications agencies and ministries to follow Malta’s good practice and involve the stakeholders including social partners in projects co-funded by the European Commission. Social partners in Europe are involved at a European Level but not at a national level, however they want an active role at a national level.

During the workshops participants discussed how social partners can be encouraged to participate in CEDEFOP study visits. Meetings between the National Programmes


Agency and social partners, and study visits’ topics that address the needs of the social partners and the economy at the time help to motivate social partners’ participation. An example of such a topic is the impact of the economic crisis and discussion on how partners are dealing with it. There should be more study visits targeting the relationship between the labour market and VET systems. Some argued that the financial crisis has an impact on apprenticeships as businesses are trying to survive so they cannot give opportunities to apprentices.

The social partners showed a positive response to future participation in study visits and emphasised that the national programmes agency and CEDEFOP must have a list of contact persons, as it is not enough to have a list of organisations. They also recommended that the social partners themselves should nominate other social partners, their counterparts, who would be interested in and would benefit from a particular topic.

INLearning Project Partners during the First Partners’ Meeting

Dr James Calleja, chairing the First Partners’ Meeting

INLearning: Validating learning for an Inclusive Society First Partners’ Meeting – Malta, 3 - 4 March 2009 INlearning: Validating learning for an Inclusive Society, a project partly funded by the Leonardo da Vinci programme is coordinated by MQC and includes partners from Austria, Italy, Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Estonia, Turkey and Portugal.

The aim of the project is to reach as many persons as possible, notably those in the lower academic levels, so as to facilitate their entrance into the lifelong learning process. The objective of the Project is to profile individuals in the specific jobs of the identified sectors, namely printing, agribusiness, construction, hospitality, transport, security and childcare, and eventually matching their knowledge, skills and competences to the occupational standards identified. It is also an objective of this Project to develop a methodological framework/tool which facilitates the process of validating informal and non-formal


learning and consequently connecting this framework and the national framework to the EQF level descriptors.

The partners agreed, (with the guidelines on VINFL published by the EU commission as a basic guidebook), to develop a general validation process and to gather such information in a validation manual that would accompany the lifepass. The lifepass (portfolio pendrive) will consist of a programme template on pendrive, where individuals can insert testimonials and evidence of their learning, using the latest ICT tools. Indeed this tool for self-assessment will enable the individual to show that he/she can perform professionally and would also guide the employer in the selection and recruitment process.

The eight work packages designed for the Project were clearly described during this meeting and all partners agreed to undertake a number of duties and to perform a number of tasks. The work packages include the management and coordination of the project, the review of processes of VINFL in the respective partners’ countries, the setting of a project website, researching occupational standards and the development of the validation methodological framework. Templates to gather information regarding the structure of the VINFL system in each country, occupational standards and the lifepass, together with the proposed logo of the project were also discussed.

Finally the partners agreed to the proposed dates of the next three meetings that later took place in Slovenia (3-4 November 2009) and the last two which will take place in Italy (27-28 May 2010) and a final conference in Malta (21 January 2011).

Third Meeting of the EQF Advisory Group and the First Meeting of the EQF National Coordination Points – Brussels, 4 - 6 March 2009Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC participated in the Third Meeting of the EQF Advisory Group and the first Meeting for the EQF National Coordination Points where MQC has been designated by the MEDC as the focal point of Malta. The Role of a NCP is to disseminate information on the EQF, act as coordination point for the referencing process and interact with social partners, stakeholders and the Commission on issues related to the EQF. To ensure coordination within the NCP’s group meetings will be held yearly in Brussels.

The purpose of both meetings was to update member States on the situation of the EQF process and to exchange views between EQF National Coordination Points (MQC is Malta’s NCP) concerning their experiences and foreseen activities, key challenges and ideas of cooperation related to the referencing of national qualifications levels to the EQF. Some of the issues discussed during the meetings were the learning outcomes approach, the ETF/EQF global conference in 2011, the EQF pilot projects for 2009, the implementation of an EQF Website where NCP’s have to provide information on all aspects concerning the EQF. NCP’s were also encouraged to foster a quality culture through the EQF and to ensure that a quality assurance policy is adopted at the earliest possible. The Commission promised its full support as well as financial assistance.

Thematic Group Meeting of ENQA-VET on Making VET More Attractive Malta, 9 – 10 March 2009The Third Thematic Group Meeting on Making VET More Attractive of the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (ENQA-VET) was hosted by MQC.

There was an agreement to focus on Initial Vocation Education and Training (IVET) which refers to the age group who just completed their compulsory education. Thematic Group Participants during

the Meeting


The objectives of the meeting were:• Toanalyseasampleofpolicyinitiativesthataimtoimprovethequalityandrelevance

of IVET at system and provider level; • To improve the visibility of quality IVETandmake itmore attractive for the target

groups; • Toreviewthe10indicatorsoftheEQARF;• ToplantheThematicGroup’spolicyrelevantdeliverables.

VET’s image and status, the career pathways and the link to industry vary across Europe. However, there was a consensus that the VET providers must be supported by local and international networks and National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF). Thus this concerted effort helps them to achieve the highest levels of quality and visibility.

Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, a member of this Thematic Group presented the VET Quality Awards Proposal. This idea was discussed during the second Thematic Group meeting in Wiesbaden and further developed by Ms Mangion and Ms Rita Silivask the Estonian representative, following the design and analysis of a questionnaire sent to all Thematic Group members. Following a discussion the group decided that the proposal will be included in the Final Report of the Thematic Group.

The meeting was very productive and the discussions on policies and processes that make IVET relevant and on quality instruments continued to shape the Final Report. The first draft of the report was later discussed in the fourth and final meeting of the Thematic Group which was held in June in Stockholm. Third Vocational Qualifications Transfer System (VQTS II) Project Meeting Den Bosch, The Netherlands, 16-17 March 2009 Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications MQC, Ms Carmen Dalli Manager Administration and Finance MQC, Mr John Sciberras Director Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute (MCAST) participated in the third VQTS Project Meeting held in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. MQC is a partner in this Leonardo da Vinci project which deals with Electrical and Electronics Engineering qualifications, and is co-ordinated by 3s Research Laboratories based in Austria. The role of the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute (MCAST) is that of a national associate providing technical expertise.

The Third Partners’ Meeting was a follow up to the national workshops held by each

Thematic Group Participants during the Meeting

Group photo of the Thematic Group Participants


partner to discuss and evaluate the two competence matrices developed by the German colleagues and the Austrian colleagues. The meeting highlighted the importance of having a single competence matrix on which the whole group will focus on its development, publication and dissemination. One of the objectives of the meeting was to map existing VET courses with a standard competence profile and to discuss ways on how the standard format can better reflect qualifications and industry’s needs. Between this meeting and the training and valorisation workshop for which social partners from the participating Member States were invited, the partners and their technical associates had to come up with a common understanding of terms and produce a step-by- step manual. This defined the technical terminology, and illustrated a user-friendly competence matrix with examples to make it more real and easy to understand. MQC shall translate the manual into Maltese and publish it bi-lingually. (in English and Maltese).

MQC assisted the project co-ordinator in the first work package dealing with project management. Thus MQC was responsible for the quality management aspects of this project for which it subcontracted the services of two evaluators. One will evaluate the project’s products which will be in draft form, produce questionnaires, facilitate discussion and get feedback during the Slovenia workshop held in September 2009. The other evaluator shall assess the project as a whole following its completion in November 2009 by comparing the project application to the actual deliverables and results. Directive 2005/36/EC Committee Meeting for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications – Brussels, 26 March 2009The participants of this one day meeting included representatives from the various EU member states. Representatives from the EEA countries and Switzerland were invited to the meeting as observers. The meeting focused primarily on the transposition of Directive 20005/36/EC. During this meeting the polish representatives also presented the bridging programme for polish nurses and midwives. The minutes of the meeting held on the 10 June 2009 were adopted and a number of amendments to Directive 2005/36/EC were brought up. Ms Josephine Sultana, MQRIC Officer, attended this meeting on behalf of MQRIC.

General Assembly Meeting of ENQA-VET – Ljubljana, Slovenia, 26 – 27 March 2009The European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Training (ENQA-VET) convened its General Assembly (GA) to discuss the proposed Work Programme for the cycle 2010-2013 and the recommended structure by the Commission of the European Quality Assurance Reference Points (EQARPs) to implement the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework (EQARF) which was voted at the European Parliament in December 2008. The meeting had two Plenary Sessions and two workshop sessions. Malta, through MQC is a full Member of the ENQA-VET network. The meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC.

In the GA the Work Programme (WP) was at the centre of a discussion that drew the attention of the Board and the Secretariat of ENQA-VET to be more focused and specific in the design of a WP which should capture the results of a series of activities held during 2008 and 2009 and build on such activities the roadmap for a more effective ENQA-VET at national, regional and European levels. Member States showed appreciation for the enormous work that the Secretariat had undertaken during the period under review and encouraged by the support of all Member States recommended that the forthcoming WP should be a document which presents a rationalization of activities and resources and a clear strategy for the next three years. In the deliberations that followed four focal points were tabled for discussion by Malta namely that the WP should focus on four clusters: stocktaking, tools (such as the EQF, the indicators for QA, ECVET, work-based learning,

One of the objectives of the meeting was to map existing VET courses with a standard competence profile and to discuss ways on how the standard format can better reflect qualifications and industry’s needs.


the certificate supplement, Europass), internal quality assurance and external peer review activities.

The GA also debated the proposed structure by the Commission of the European Quality Assurance Reference Points to complement or replace the ENQA-VET network. As expected the proposal was welcomed with resistance but in a spirit of cooperation. Member States reiterated that the ENQA-VET network captures a wealth of expertise in QA of VET which could be used by the Commission to implement the EQARF. A decision was taken to alert, in writing, the Commission about the reservations of ENQA-VET in creating another structure for QA of VET and in offering ENQA-VET as the anchor-point for the EQARPs possibly with the designation by governments of the same members of the ENQA-VET as members of the EQARPs. HEQ-Bridges Project – First Partners’ MeetingBucharest, 2-3 April 2009 ACPART, Romania’s National Agency for Qualifications in Higher Education and Partnership with the Economic and Social Environment, based in Bucharest, was awarded a Leonardo da Vinci Project under the Lifelong Learning Programme with the acronym of HEQ-BRIDGES. The project’s name is actually Building Bridges between EQF and EHEA with the overall objective of supporting the implementation and development of EQF by developing and correlating national and sectoral qualifications frameworks and systems in relation to the EQF and strengthening the links with EHEA.

Two sectoral areas, that is the Air Transport Industry and Mechatronics, have been selected as the two main sectors for exploring how the development and application of the learning outcomes approach promoted by EQF can facilitate comparison of qualifications awarded by national authorities for Higher Education levels with qualifications issued by the air transport industry and the mechatronics sectors and enterprises at National and European level.

MQC is one of the ten institutions forming the partnership of this project, coming from seven European countries, namely Romania, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Malta and

The International HEQ-Bridges Project Partners


Slovenia. The partnership is quite varied, ranging from a private company namely DEKRA (Germany); Universities of Zaragoza (Spain), Rouen and Versailles (France), ‘Politehnica’ University of Bucharest (Romania) and University of Primorska (Slovenia); Technological Institutes of Dublin (Ireland) and Bucharest (Romania); and authorities namely ACPART (Romania), MQC (Malta), Civil Aeronautic Authority (Romania). The project start-date was 1st March 2009, ending in February 2011 (two-year duration). The official launching of the project was made on the occasion of this Meeting. Malta was represented in this meeting by Ms Carmen Dalli, Manager: Finance and Administration, MQC and Ms Claire Seguna, Lecturer at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, MCAST.

The launching was ceremoniously held in the Romanian Parliament House, with opening speeches from high-profile personalities in the Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection. After a short introduction from each of the project partners, the Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation kindly offered all the participants a welcoming lunch in the lavish restaurant of the same Parliament House.

The meeting was then hosted by the project co-ordinator, ACPART, in its central offices in Bucharest. ACPART was also responsible for the overall management of the meeting and the proposed agenda was followed meticulously by all the partners. Discussions on both days were very intense until all partners reached unanimous agreement on the deliverables required from the project and what each partner will contribute towards each work-package. The overall project plan was approved by all partners, notably all the actions and tasks to be finished off by the next Partners’ Meeting which was held in Malta in November 2009. The main deliverables of the project are (1) Report on Comparative Assessment of Methodologies and Learning Outcomes in the seven partner countries; (2) Good Practice Guide for the design/description of qualifications in the Air Transport Industry and Mechatronics; (3) the European Journal for Qualifications Framework; (4) a Network of national agencies/departments/authorities responsible for the HE qualifications development in the partner countries in order to facilitate the process of linking the NQFs to EQF; and (5) an Interactive website for the project. Meeting in Pretoria on a Transnational Qualifications Framework for Small States in the Commonwealth Pretoria, South Africa, 6-8 April 09 The Transnational Qualifications Framework Management Committee (TQFMC) met in Singapore from 06-10 October 2008 and drafted a consultation document for the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC). Following a recommendation by the TQFMC it was agreed that the Community of Learning of the Commonwealth would organize three cluster meetings for the small states of the Commonwealth. The meeting for representatives of African and Mediterranean countries was organized in Pretoria, South Africa with a view to (i) explain the content of the draft consultation document to the cluster members and (ii) to solicit for inputs and secure buy-in and agreement.

MQC was invited to represent Malta in the Cluster Meeting in South Africa. The Chief Executive of MQC attended the Cluster meeting. Dr Calleja acted as one of the scribes of this Cluster Meeting.

The objectives of the meeting were to: • Consult with the cluster members on the draft TQF document• Discuss the comments received from the cluster members prior to the meeting • Formulate proposals for the amendment of the report • Seek buy-in from the cluster members

The main deliverables of the project are (1) Report on

Comparative Assessment of Methodologies and Learning Outcomes in the seven partner countries;

(2) Good Practice Guide for the design/description of qualifications in the Air Transport Industry and Mechatronics;

(3) the European Journal for Qualifications Framework;

(4) a Network of national agencies/departments/authorities responsible for the HE qualifications development in the partner countries in order to facilitate the process of linking the NQFs to EQF; and

(5) an Interactive website for the project.


• Agree on the modus operandi on how best to roll out the TQF • Make recommendations to COL for the consideration of the Ministers of Education

The discussions were led through a number of presentations on the following aspects of the TQF: • History of VUSSC • Background to the TQF

m Definition m Purpose m Structure of the TQF – architecture of the TQF-levels, credits, fields of study,

qualification types etc. m Governance of the TQF m Registration of Nationally Accredited Qualifications courses on the TQFm Qualifications Frameworks as a global phenomenon

• Further considerations on the challenges and the added value of the TQF

Cluster members agreed that the Ministers of Education are informed about the latest developments and the requirements for the members to sign off acceptance of the TQF guidelines as pre-requirement for participating in VUSSC.

It was also suggested that the other two clusters (Caribbean and Asia-Pacific) held their meetings early in May 2009 so that the TQF Management Committee meeting could be convened towards the end of May in Vancouver, Canada. The aim being that the approved TQF/VUSSC document was ready for the Ministers’ meeting which was scheduled for 15-19 June in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Following the approval in Kuala Lumpur by Ministers of Education of the TQF Document, it is envisaged that: (a) COL should inform all Member States about the Ministers decision (b) Member States should promote and support the TQF process; (c) COL should develop the TQF portal and(d) consider the findings of the TQF evaluation report (e) reference to TQF should be visible on all certification.

The Members of this Cluster also approved the TQF Document and strongly reiterated that this process will further enhance greater mobility, competitiveness and employability of people in the Small States of the Commonwealth. The VUSSC/TQF represents the tool for human resources development.

The results of this Cluster together with the deliberations of the two cluster meetings in the Caribbean and the Asia Pacific were fed into a Communiqué on the adoption of the TQF by Commonwealth Minister of Education (including Malta) who met in Kuala Lumpur in June 2009.

ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on Quality Assurance Procedures for Accreditation of VET Providers – Italy, 27 – 29 April 2009This Peer Learning Activity on Quality Assurance for VET providers was held in Rome and was oraganised by Isfol together with the Italian Ministry of Labour and promoted by ENQA-VET. MQC was represented by Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation.

The new Italian accreditation model was presented to the participants representing Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Luxemburg, Malta,


the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Scotland and representatives from CEDEFOP, Secretariat and the Social Partners. The objective of this Peer Learning Activity, was to offer all those attending, an opportunity for individual and collective reflection on how a professional’s practice can develop as a result of constructive engagement with the experiences of others.

The activity included presentations from both the Italian Ministry of Labour and that of Education. Other presentations included analysis of a pre-activity questionnaire sent to participants, and the planning and implementation of the accreditation model in three Italian regions, namely Lazio, Piemonte and Veneto. Researchers from Isfol also talked about studies carried out by their institution on the main outcomes of past experiences of the implementation of the accreditation model by the Regions. Efficiency and effectiveness, indicators for accreditation, were also discussed after a presentation delivered by another researcher from Isfol.

Finally, significant time was dedicated to visits to VET providers, namely Centro Engim and Centro Elis. This proved quite interesting as the participants had the opportunity to learn about the systems of quality assurance and the impact of accreditation on the respective VET providers. Furthermore, the participants were given valuable information about activities carried out within the respective training institutions, results achieved and on one occasion, the opportunity to talk to students about their experience at the institution including the projects they were working on.

Bologna Follow-Up Group and the Ministerial Conference of the Bologna Process - Brussels, 27– 29 April 2009The purpose of the Ministerial Meeting was to approve the Leuven/Louvain-la-Neuve Communiqué on the future of the Bologna Process which now has been transformed into a process leading towards the European Higher Education Area. The Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) meeting served as a preparatory meeting for the Ministerial Meeting. The meeting was attended by the Hon Dolores Cristina, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr Bryan Magro, Head of the Ministry’s Secretariat, Professor Alfred Vella, Pro-Rector of the University of Malta, Ms Roberta Avellino, President KSU and Dr James Calleja Bologna Follow Up Coordinator and Chief Executive MQC (BFUG - Malta).

The Sixth Bologna Ministerial Conference focused on the key indicators of the European Higher Education process which are namely mobility of students and teachers, quality assurance, social dimension, lifelong learning the connection between the Qualifications Framework of the EHEA and the European Qualifications Framework, employability of learners, student-centred learning, research and data collection. The main thrust of this meeting has been the agreement to set up mechanisms in all partner countries to transform the EHEA in the best Higher Education system in the world.

The Ministerial Conference opened with speeches by Minister Vandenbroucke of the Belgium/Flemish Community and Minister Ondrej Liska of the Czech Republic. Their speeches were followed by a keynote speech by Mr Jan Figel in which he spoke about the EU’s contribution to the Bologna Process and the need for openness with other regional systems at a global level. Mr Figel was followed by Mr Sjur Bergan of the Council of Europe who delved into the need for greater cooperation of European levels on issues related to mobility, transparency and qualifications frameworks. He reiterated the Council of Europe’s commitment towards the European Higher Education Area and stressed that the setting of qualifications frameworks could help accelerate this process.

The main thrust of the Ministerial meeting has been the agreement to set up mechanisms in all partner countries to transform the EHEA in the best Higher Education system in the world.


Recognition of Learning Outcomes Cluster Meeting Brussels, 7 – 8 May 2009 Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications participated in the meeting as a member of the cluster on the Recognition of Learning Outcomes which is an initiative co-ordinated by the European Commission. The cluster is composed of European Governmental representatives and CEDEFOP, ETF and Eurydice experts.

Following the new strategic framework for European co-operation in education and training the cluster will be involved in the implementation of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) as a support group to the EQF Advisory Group. This was a meeting characterised by a sense of direction in terms of the cluster’s new role; follow-up mechanisms to facilitate mutual learning on the validation of informal and non-formal learning; and the two 2009 Peer Learning Activities (PLAs) one of which was hosted by Berlin on the 15th and 16th June and the other by Malta on the 22nd and 23rd October.

There was a consensus that among the cluster’s priorities in 2010-1011 there should be a focus on the Referencing Process and templates, the role of learning outcomes in NQFs and learning outcomes and single qualification profiles.

Following the PLA on the cost of benefits of the Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning and the first draft of the Guidelines for the Recognition of Informal and Non-Formal Learning three main fields of interest were identified, for events to be included in the 2010-2011 work programme. These include: 1. portfolios, assessment, partial validation, training of assessors and assigning credit to the

validation of informal and non-formal learning. This PLA is planned to take place in Portugal as it offered to share its experience with the other members of this cluster.

2. the role of enterprise in validation, public investment in the validation of the unemployed and the validation of drop-outs and the low-skilled in time of crisis.

3. there will be a joint PLA with the cluster on Higher Education (HE) on the validation in HE.

This was a very productive meeting in terms of shaping the future activities enhancing and promoting mutual learning. The presentation on a brief outline on how stakeholders were involved in the design, development, implementation and monitoring of the Malta Qualifications Framework, and possible topics for discussion was very well received. Through the PLA on Stakeholders’ Involvement which was later held in Malta in October Malta has an important role to play in facilitating discussions and in shaping results which are in Malta’s national interest as well as a positive learning experience for the other members of the cluster. Meeting of Directors General for Vocational Education and Training and the Conference New Tools for VET: ECVET and EQARF organised by the Czech Presidency – Prague, 18-20 May 2009The purpose of the DG-VET meeting was to discuss the state-of-play of the Copenhagen process on new initiatives for VET and in particular the launching of the ECVET and EQARF tools for vocational training. The meeting also delved into some of the key indicators of the Bordeaux Communiqué (2008) with a view to establishing the main targets for the Bruges Ministerial Conference for VET Ministers (2010).

The DG-VET meeting was attended by Mr Paul A Attard, Advisor Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and Dr James Calleja Chief Executive MQC. Dr James Calleja also participated in the ECVET/EQARF Conference.

The DG-VET Meeting and the Conference on New Tools for VET served to lay out and discuss, the development of a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training and in particular on issues related to the two new tools for VET: a credit and a

The presentation on a brief outline on how stakeholders were involved in the design, development, implementation and monitoring of the Malta Qualifications Framework, and possible topics for discussion was very well received.


quality assurance system as well as other key issues such as learner mobility, new skills for new jobs and the adult learning action plan. The DG-VET meeting in particular, delved into how VET can respond to the current economic crisis as well as the future priorities for the Copenhagen Process within the strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training. The Recommendations on the establishment of ECVET (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training) and EQARF (European Quality Assurance Reference Framework) were discussed in the DG-VET meeting as well as in the Conference. Further issues were also presented and discussed in the DG-VET meeting particularly the role of the EQF in a globalised world as well as the importance of research into forms of individual career development and continuing vocational training (CVT).

Peer Learning Activity session held at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)

Group photo of the Peer Learning Activity

The Impact of Common Quality Assurance Framework ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity – Malta, 26-27 May 2009Quality assurance in VET is a major theme. This Peer Learning Activity (PLA) was hosted by MQC and its target was to exchange experiences on the impact of the Common Quality Assurance Framework. In part this was achieved, by looking at the forceful way in which quality assurance has been taken up in Malta and by listening to the examples of all participants. But in most ways, this PLA was about the next phase in quality assurance, through EQARF.

The PLA also analyzed the impact of the Common Quality Assurance Framework on Malta’s education and training and how such an experience can be transferred to a European level. The PLA aimed to be relevant to all who wish to familiarize themselves with its relevant indicators.

The agenda included a number of speakers. In addition to general comments on the European quality assurance process, Dr. James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC described the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) for Lifelong Learning and explained the referencing process of the MQF to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA). Mr Reginald Abela, the Executive Chairman of the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS), followed up the general discussion on the state of play with his view on the state of play of quality assurance in VET in Malta. In terms of the EQARF: he focussed on indicator 9: industry


driven qualifications, and its application for Malta’s crucial tourism sector. He explained how ITS is active on three fronts namely: ITS programmes whereby knowledge, skills and competences are outlined for each module and level-rated with the Malta Qualifications Framework; research centre and publications to provoke thought and discussion.

The clearest example of the relation between an indicator and the practice of VET was brought out in the visit to the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), as presented by Mr. Anthony Saliba, Deputy Principal MCAST. The training of teachers and trainers was the chosen means of improving the quality of VET as provided by the college. Mr. Joseph Cutajar, Senior Manager, Training Division, Employment and Training and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager, Standards and Qualifications, MQC also gave presentations. The PLA was chaired by Mr Peter Noordhoek, ENQA VET PLA Expert. 16th Joint Meeting of the ENIC and NARIC Networks Cyprus, 14-16 June 2009This meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja A/Head Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre and Chief Executive MQC. The meeting served its objective of providing an opportunity to network with delegates from different NARICs and ENICs. The meeting was chaired by Francoise Profit (French NARIC-ENIC) President of ENIC-NARIC Network and Mr Ruard Wallis de Vries of the European Commission DGEAC. The meeting was opened by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education who spoke about the tools of the Bologna Process and how these could help Member States increase mobility in higher education. In a Europe which is continuously moving towards a market economy, it is vital that human capital finds recognition structures that support mobility across countries. Such mobility will facilitate competitiveness and development.

Three reports were presented by UNESCO, the Commission and the Council of Europe. All reports highlight the various activities organized by the three organizations to promote a more streamlined recognition process that takes into account the need for transparency, adequate information and a recognition statement that captures the learning process on the basis of learning outcomes and not volume or preconceived structures.

Being the first meeting attended by MQC it also served to be introduced to the network and to become acquainted with the good practices in other member countries. In the past Malta’s criteria for recognition were too rigid, bureaucratic and often worked against the principles of Lisbon Convention itself particularly on issues related to flexibility, modes of recognition and transparency. MQRIC must work on all three issues, but particularly on transforming this process into a transparent process in which clients are given every detail of how the process was conducted, by whom, on what criteria and procedures. This will be MQRIC’s challenge for the weeks and months to come.

Final Meeting of the ENQA-VET Making VET More Attractive Thematic Group – Stockholm, 15 – 16 June 2009This meeting was attended by Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager, Standards and Qualifications MQC. This meeting was instrumental to highlight what are the priorities at national and European level and to discuss the first draft of the final report. The key guidelines on Making VET More Attractive focus on the involvement of stakeholders, visibility of VET leading to well-paid jobs and a career path, flexibility and the recognition of formal and non-formal learning and Quality Assurance.

The meeting included two workshops. The discussion of the workshops focused on quality management in VET and on Key Guidelines for Policy Makers which the report will emphasise as the key messages coming from the Thematic Group. The conclusion of the final report mentions the following key headings which were individually discussed

Peer Learning Activity session held at MQC


during this meeting - IVET that leads to a qualification for an occupation/job; IVET that opens further learning options; learning modes that appeal to the target groups; learning input that guarantees quality and relevance; an attractive image of VET and relevant IVET information and quality guidance.

Directive 2005/36 EC Group of Coordinators and Meeting of the Contact Points - Recognition of Professional Qualifications - Brussels 22-23 June 2009The two-day meeting was held for EU member states representatives. The meeting on the first day was targeted at the group of coordinators for the recognition of professional qualifications. The meeting on the second day was targeted at the Contact Points. Representatives from the EEA countries and Switzerland were invited to the meeting as observers. The respective contact points were questioned about the feasibility of providing for the Website updated lists of documents required at national/regional level for the recognition of professional qualifications. The following regulated professions will be covered in the first stage: the seven sectoral professions, teachers, physiotherapists, engineers and professions in the construction sector. The participants also discussed the setting up of a single access point for professional and academic recognition of qualifications.

The meeting allowed space for a forum of the contact points who were invited to report on the problems encountered in the implementation of the code of conduct as well as to share best practices. Furthermore the meeting included a number of presentations by DG Markt such as one on statistics for the provision of services. The bridging programme for polish nurses and midwives which was discussed in the previous committee meeting held in March 2009 was also brought up during this meeting. The discussion was followed by Poland’s request to shorten the bridging studies for Polish nurses and midwives. Ms Josephine Sultana, MQRIC Officer, attended this meeting on behalf of MQRIC. MQC participates in the Euro-Med Seminar for Bologna Experts – Malta, 22 – 23 June 2009MQC attended the Euro-Med Seminar for Bologna Experts. This two day seminar was organized by the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) with the support of the European Commission The theme of the seminar was ‘Moving Bologna beyond 2010 – identifying regional targets’. Amongst the speakers were Mr Mauro Pace-Parascandolo the National Coordinator, EUPA welcomed the national and international participants Dr James Calleja Chief Executive of MQC and BFUG coordinator presented the objectives of the Conference and Prof Alfred Vella, Pro-Rector Academic Affairs University of Malta

Group photo of Thematic Group


highlighted the key challenges for a University in a Small State. Dr James Calleja also chaired during the conference.

The conference also included a number of foreign speakers including Mr Loukas Zahilas Senior Expert from CEDEFOP spoke about bridging the institutional divide between the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), Ms Sophie Chassaigne from the University de Pau et des Pays de L’Adour, France spoke about the Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning and Mr Sebastaio Feyo de Azevado from the Directorate General Higher Education in Portugal focused on the issues of compatability between the EQF and the EHEA. These issues were also discussed during workshops which focused on the Bologna and Euro-Med co-operation; the role of the Diploma Supplement in transparency and transferability and the role of credits. The Hon. Dolores Cristina Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport delivered the closing address to the conference. Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications and Mr Richard Curmi Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation also attended the conference.

Participants of the Euro-Med Seminar

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon Dolores

Cristina with the Euro-Med Seminar Participants


EQF 4th Meeting of the Advisory Group – Brussels, 10-11 September 2009The purpose of this meeting was to update member States on the state-of-play of the EQF process, to invite Ireland and Malta to present their Referencing Report and to exchange views on the key challenges and ideas of cooperation related to the referencing of national qualifications levels to the EQF. The meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC.

During this meeting Dr Calleja delivered a presentation in which he highlighted the various stages of the Referencing Report which started as early as 2005 with the Legal Notice 347, the launching of the Malta Qualifications Framework, the active participation at local and national levels on issues related to the referencing process ending with an overview of the ten basic principles upon which the Referencing process is based. Particular mention was also made to Malta’s adherence to the EU Standards and Criteria for the Referencing Process and in particular the reviews by international experts from Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and the European Training Foundation. In the presentation, reference was made to the connection between the referencing process and the key European processes (Lisbon, Bologna and Copenhagen), the tools that determine quality in education and training, the structures and process for setting up a framework for qualifications and the ten basic principles upon which the Referencing Report rests in order to show its comparability and compatibility with the EQF structure. Furthermore, Dr Calleja highlighted the process by which the Referencing Report responds to the Criteria and procedures for referencing national qualifications to the EQF. VQTS II 4th Partners’ Meeting – Slovenia, 23 – 24 September 2009The purpose of the meeting was to present the VQTS II Project and its results within a broader European context as it addresses the European tools which emerged following the Lisbon Strategy. The meeting also incorporated a workshop, by means of this workshop feedback was gathered from social partners on the practical aspects of the project results. The meeting was attended by Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications MQC, Mr John Sciberras Director Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute (MCAST), Mr Joseph Farrugia Malta Employers’ Association (MEA) and Mr Godfrey Kenely Evaluator of the Project on behalf of Outlook Co-op. During the meeting Ms Luomi Messerer, the project co-ordinator explained that the primary objective of the VQTS II project is to promote transparency of qualifications, Trans-national co-operation and enhance permeability between VET and HE in the context of the European tools. These are the EQF, ECVET, ECTS, NARIC, ESG, EQARF, Europass Certificate and Diploma Supplements which aim at enhancing mobility and lifelong learning. Mobility depends on institutional partnerships documented in a Memorandum of Understanding. Thus when a student studies in country A and moves to country B credits are transferred and become an integrated part of a qualification as per the principle of accumulation and transfer of credit.

Conference on The Development of Competencies in the World of Work and Education (DECOWE) - Ljubljana, 24-25 September 2009The objective of this international Conference was to bring together 300 people coming from different walks of life including: representatives of the European Commission, OECD, researchers, students, policy makers, education and training providers and social partners and to exchange experiences. In addition, it focused on how well students are prepared for the world of work particularly during the time of the global crisis. The Conference was attended by Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications MQC and Mr John Sciberras Director Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute (MCAST).

Thus when a student studies in country A and moves to country B credits are transferred and become an integrated part of a qualification as per the principle of accumulation and transfer of credit.


There were five parallel workshops with presentations and discussions on the following topics:A. Transition from HE to Labour Market and Early Career B. HE and the supply of CompetenciesC. Development of Competencies at Work D. Qualification Systems: Methodology E. EC Tools: Permeability between VET and HE, new challenges of VET

Ms Doris Mangion delivered a presentation on the Referencing Methodology of Qualifications Frameworks: Malta as a Case Study. The presentation was very well-received. Ms Mangion spoke about the EQF Referencing Criteria and how MQC satisfies these criteria. She gave a brief overview about the European tools including the ECTS and ESG in the Bologna Process, the ECVET and EQARF for the Copenhagen Process, the Diploma and Certificate Supplements, the Europass CV and the EQF which MQC perceives as the bridge which links the national frameworks of Europe and beyond through the EQF. These developments necessitated reform at a national level such as the setting up of the DQSE, DES, DLL, NCHE, MQC and each institutions has its strategies leading to national targets and developments towards achieving Excellence in Education by 2015. Ms Mangion concluded by discussing the Malta Qualifications Framework.

REFERNET Technical Meeting Developing CEDEFOP Documentary Tools & Valorising the Networks Assets – Thessaloniki, 24-25 September 2009Twenty two European countries, including Malta were represented during this Refernet meeting. Ms Carmen Dalli, Manager Finance and Administration participated in this technical meeting as the only representative from Malta and from MQC as a ReferNet partner.

The main objective of this meeting was to discuss how to enrich the depository of the CEDEFOP library by improving not only the amount and content of the documentation but also and above all, its quality. A need is now being felt for CEDEFOP to develop its own ‘Collection Development Policy’ with special emphasis on its bibliographical database VET-Bib, alignment with ReferNet reports, and adaptation of the citation guidelines, proper use of metadata and precise indexation with the European Training Thesaurus (ETT).

The quality objective of CEDEFOP’s Library and Documentation remains primarily its commitment towards collecting evidence-based facts on VET policy in order to be the reference point for VET information in Europe. ReferNet, the network established to carry out this task, is currently in the process of revamping the software used for all its e-documentation, in alignment with the revamped Cedefop’s website and new corporate image.

By participating in these meetings, Malta will now be in a position to contribute to, and make use of, ReferNet’s central database - VET-Bib - which is an important depository of bibliographies of documentation, related in particular to the present situation, the latest developments and research in the relevant fields, and to matters of, vocational training structure in all partner European countries. Maltese will also now feature as one of the 23 languages to be used in the new version of the ETT, which will be launched on the website next year. Ms Dalli was appointed as the person to represent Malta on the Thesaurus Working Group, which was re-established during this technical meeting after an absence of 5 years.

CEDEFOP European Conference on Qualifications for Lifelong Learning and Employability, Thessaloniki, 5-6 October 2009The aims of this conference were to identify current and future trends as regards the changing functions and roles of qualifications; to gather further evidence on the character and direction of these changes, especially focusing on developments; to formulate key messages that can usefully support policy developments and lifelong learning strategies at national and European


levels and finally to discuss the overall implications of these changes for future (post 2010) research and European policy cooperation. The meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC.

The CEDEFOP conference served to lie out and discuss a strategic framework for European cooperation on issues related to qualifications in the context of lifelong learning and employability. The Conference delved into three main areas: • Qualificationsandstakeholders• Qualificationsascurrenciesandexpressionsofvalue• Qualificationsandlifelonglearners

There were three Parallel working groups and two plenary sessions. Dr James Calleja was invited to contribute to the second plenary session.

Group Photo of the Seventh Plenary Meeting

The Seventh Plenary Meeting of the European Network of Reference and Expertise in VET (REFERNET) - Thessaloniki 8-9 October 2009The seventh annual meeting was dedicated to the Refernet 2009 and 2010 work plans. The approach adopted was a thematic approach: every activity session included an assessment of what had been achieved, a discussion on the work ahead and a reflection on change or continuity. The Conference allowed feedback from Refernet members and CEDEFOP in order to enhance future cooperation. The Meeting also included the election of the new core group members during parallel regional sessions. In the presentation of the Refernet 2010 work plan the emphasis was put on agreement on the Refernet template which will also be used for the preparation of the national VET policy reports. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss the curricular implications of learning outcomes approaches in VET, a new research field of CEDEFOP. The meeting was attended by Ms Carmen Dalli, Finance and Administration Manager, MQC and Ms Valerie Attard, Communications Manager, MQC.

Director General for Vocational Education and TrainingSweden, 10-13 October 2009The purpose of the DG-VET meeting was to discuss the state-of-play of the Copenhagen process on current and new initiatives for VET and in particular the future of the Copenhagen Process and recent developments in VET at European level with a view to establishing the main targets for the Bruges Ministerial Conference for VET Ministers (2010). The meeting


was attended by Mr Paul Attard, Policy Advisor, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and Dr James Calleja Chief Executive, MQC. The meeting was organised by the Swedish Presidency.

The DG-VET Meeting served to discuss a number of issues related to vocational education and training and in particular VET and the labour market; quality assurance, teacher training, the future of the Copenhagen Process, the implementation of ECVET and EQARF, progress made under the Adult Learning Action Plan, the VET symposium on Creativity and Innovation, and the state-of-play of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning. The Meeting also had two parallel sessions: the first session focused on quality assurance in work-based learning; apprenticeships and designing of VET systems that are responsive to labour market needs. The second session was entirely dedicated to teacher training with three separate workshops on partnerships between schools and companies, VET teachers as change agents and the professionalization of VET trainers and teachers.

Fifth Peer Learning Activity – The Involvement of Stakeholders in the Design, Development Implementation and Monitoring of the National Qualifications Framework – Malta, 22-23 October 2009 The Fifth Peer Learning Activity (PLA) on the theme of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF) organised by the Cluster on Recognition of Learning Outcomes took place in Valletta. The PLA was hosted by MQC together with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. It brought together 45 representatives from 22 countries. Many experts from national administrations came accompanied by employers’ or employees’ representatives. National delegates, representatives of the European Commission, CEDEFOP, the European Training Foundation and external experts to the Commission also participated in the PLA.

The PLA was organised by the Cluster on Recognition of Learning Outcomes (RLO Cluster) in the context of the Education and Training 2010 work programme. The RLO Cluster brings together interested countries around the theme of recognition of learning outcomes, particularly, in relation to validation of non-formal and informal learning and

Conference Participants during the Peer Learning Activity


the development of NQFs. PLAs are one of the tools that enable cluster members to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges about topics of importance to participating countries with the objective to inform policy-making at national level about developments in other countries.

The PLA was addressed by Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick, Chairman MQC and Dr James Calleja Chief Executive, MQC. Dr Christopher Bezzina, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport was also invited to address the PLA. Amongst the speakers were Ms Helga Ellul, President, Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI), Mr Reginald Abela, Executive Chairman, Institute of Tourism Studies and Mr Joseph Cutajar, Senior Manager, Employment and Training Corporation. A number of other local and foreign speakers formed part of the plenary panels and chaired the workshops. ENQA-VET Peer Learning Activity on European Social Partners on Quality Development in VET – Berlin, 28-30 October 2009The Peer Learning Activity discussed how the economic crisis led to quality development in Further and Higher Education in VET. The meeting was attended by Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications.

The first session on the agenda focused on Crisis and Measures: The Development of labour markets and the need for quality measures in further education in VET, this was presented by Mr Dirk Hierschel. The next item focused on Quality Development and Quality Assurance in Further Education in VET in the context of EQARF. This was presented by Mr Peter Noordhoek. Ms Tina Bertzeletou, CEDEFOP spoke about Qualification needs in European SMEs.

The agenda also covered the 2008 PLA results. The PLA concluded with a discussion on improving CVET - quality development and improving CVET - quality assurance, implementing the EQARF and the involvement of social partners.

The Panel of Local and Foreign Speakers

International Participants during the Peer Learning Activity

A workshop session during the Peer Learning Activity


NQF Inclusive First Partners’ Meeting – Maribor, Slovenia 9-10 November 2009 The aim of this first project meeting was for the partners to present their research results on the actual status of the NQF’s, the EQF, the transferable results of the Happy Farm project and also about focusing training programmes on learning outcomes. The aim of the Happy Farm project, was to increase the chances of employability for persons with disability, disadvantaged groups, the unemployed elderly and the unemployed youth without formal education, among others. The project’s objective was to provide the tools for developing a social enterprise offering recreational and educational services that would be beneficial for society.

Another objective of this meeting was to guarantee the successful exchange and cooperation between the partners. All partners delivered a detailed presentation about their organisation. The objectives of the project and the work packages were described in detail by Ms. Marion Bock, the project coordinator. The meeting also produced interesting discussions about the desired outcomes of the project. The meeting was held over two days and included information related to proposed dissemination material, organisational issues, presentations related to the EQF, and also to devising learning outcomes.

A representative of the Austrian National Agency organised workshops about the administrative regulations. Mr Richard Curmi Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation attended the meeting on behalf of MQC. Mr John Bartolo from the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology also attended this meeting. During this meeting the partners agreed that the second partners’ meeting will be held in Malta between the 28th and 30th April 2010.

INLearning Second Partners’ MeetingCelje, Slovenia, 11-15 November 2009 The second partners’ meeting of the INLearning project was hosted by the International School for Business Studies in Celje, Slovenia. Prior to this meeting, the partners were requested to prepare a report on the situation of the validation of informal and non-formal learning in the respective countries. The report was then compiled by the partners from Estonia. The partners were also requested to hold 4 stakeholders meetings and prepare a report on the occupational standards for the sectors being considered for this project and discuss outcomes and problems encountered during this second project meeting. Furthermore, the partners were asked to send an internal monitoring report (one of four; questionnaire prepared by ACPART, Romania).

Such reports will be compiled by partner 5 – ACPART. A progress report (one of three prepared by MQC, Malta) was also requested from all partners. This report will be compiled

Project Partners during the First Partners’ Meeting

INLearning Project Leaders addressing a Press Conference in Slovenia


by MQC. The partners were also requested to prepare a 12 minute presentation on the work accomplished so far. As Turkey was missing from the first meeting held in Malta, it was agreed that the representative from ERDD would deliver a presentation including information about the organisation. The two day meeting included presentations from the partners and presentations followed by discussions on occupational standards, the project’s tool – the lifepass portfolio pen drive, the work packages, dissemination material, the project’s web portal and the responsibilities of each partner. A press conference was organised by the hosts in order to promote the INLearning project.

Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation and Mr Alan Cauchi attended the meeting on behalf of MQC. The other partners who attended were from 3s (Austria), O.E.E.K (Greece), ACPART (Romania), ISSBS (Slovenia), EQA (Estonia), ERDD (Turkey), ANQ (Portugal) and UP FM (Slovenia). The next meeting will be held in Chieti, Italy on the 27th and 28th May 2010.

VQTS II Leonardo Da Vinci Project Final Partners’ Meeting Prague 12-13 November 2009 The objective of this meeting was to evaluate what was achieved through the VQTS II Project, to reflect on how to improve and disseminate the results and possibly implement the results through another Leonardo da Vinci Project. MQC is one of the partners of the project and assisted the project co-ordinator in Workpackage 1 which was the project management. Therefore MQC issued a call for quotations to sub-contract the services of Mr Godfrey Kenely as the evaluator of the workshop which was held in Slovenia on the 23rd September and the evaluator of the VQTS II Project.

The meeting was attended by Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, MQC, Ms Carmen Dalli Manager Administration and Finance MQC, Ms Beatrice Mizzi, MQC, Mr John Sciberras, Director Institute of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MCAST and Mr Godfrey Kenely, Managing Director Outlook Co-op. During the meeting the project co-ordinator Ms Karin Luomi-Messerer, representing 3s gave an overview of the status quo of the Project. A number of project partners were also present in the meeting. The meeting incorporated a discussion in two separate workshops on the Organisational Profile which aims to facilitate mobility through institutional co-operation between VET providers from different countries.

INLearning Project Partners during the Second Partners’ Meeting

Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager MQC addressing the Project Partners


Diskors tal-ftu˙ mill-Onor Lawrence Gonzi, Prim Ministru, tal-Konferenza organizzata mill-Kunsill Malti g˙al Kwalifiki dwar l-G˙arfien tal-˙iliet Miksuba mill-Edukazzjoni Informali u Mhux Formali - San Ìiljan – It-Tlieta, 15 ta’ Diçembru 2009

Sur Chairman,Mistiedna Distinti,Sinjuri,

Ilkoll naqblu li l-edukazzjoni hi s-sisien ta’ kull soçjetà u hi ç-çavetta biex kull bniedem jil˙aq il-potenzjal tieg˙u. Dan jg˙odd ferm aktar g˙al pajjiΩ Ωg˙ir b˙al Malta li jiddependi fuq ir-riΩorsa umana. Il-Gvern jemmen bis-s˙i˙ fil-kapaçitajiet u l-potenzjal tal-Maltin u g˙alhekk l-edukazzjoni hija wa˙da mill-pilastri ewlenin tal-politika u l-viΩjoni tag˙na. ViΩjoni li tibni fuq il-kapaçitajiet tan-nies.

Kien g˙alhekk ta’ pjaçir g˙alija li nilqa’ l-istedina tal-Kunsill Malti g˙all-Kwalifiki biex nifta˙ din il-Konferenza. Konferenza li tixhed mhux biss il-viΩjoni li g˙andna g˙all-edukazzjoni Ìewwa pajjiΩna imma li turi biç-çar iç-çentralità tal-edukazzjoni fl-istrate©ija nazzjonali. Huwa ta’ sodisfazzjon g˙alija li nara l-imsie˙ba soçjali preΩenti biex jiddiskutu u jfasslu qafas biex pajjiΩna jibda jag˙raf b’mod formali t-tag˙lim miksub minn attivitajiet informali u mhux formali.

Dan in˙oss huwa pass ie˙or importanti fl-istorja tal-edukazzzjoni f’pajjiΩna. Pass ie˙or fejn l-edukazzjoni qed tkompli t˙ares lejn il-kapaçitajiet u l-bΩonnijiet tal-istudenti b’mod separat u individwali. Pass li qieg˙ed jikkumplimenta l-investiment qawwi li qed isir fl-istruttura formali f’kull livell u forma. Is-sena d-die˙la se nkunu qed ninvestu 270 miljun ewro fis-sistema edukattiva ta’ pajjiΩna. Dan l-investiment qed isir biex f’pajjiΩna jkollna aktar ˙addiema ta’ ˙ila u b’hekk inkomplu n©ibu investiment lejn pajjiΩna kif g˙amilna x-xahar li g˙adda bl-iffirmar tal-ftehim mal-SRT li se jo˙loq 350 impjieg ©did ie˙or fil-qasam tal-manutenzjoni tal-ajruplani.

Fis-snin li g˙addew komplejna nsa˙˙u l-iskejjel tag˙na bil-bini ta’ skola kull sena, bl-a˙˙ar wa˙da tinfeta˙ ©img˙a ilu ©ewwa Pembroke. Investejna fit-teknolo©ija b’aktar minn 10,000 computer fl-iskejjel tag˙na g˙all-uΩu mit-tfal u l-g˙alliema. Ûviluppi simili se˙˙ew fl-istituzzjonijiet og˙la tal-edukazzjoni bit-tis˙i˙ tal-MCAST li qed jilqa’ ‘l fuq minn 10,000 student b’korsijiet li qed iwasslu g˙al degrees. Investiment qawwi fl-infrastruttura ©ewwa l-Università speçjalment fl-oqsma tal-informatika, ix-xjenza u r-riçerka kif ukoll investiment fl-Istitut g˙all-Istudji Turistiçi. Ûvilupp ie˙or importanti u sinifikanti kien il-qbil fuq livell Ewropew li l-kwalifiki ma˙ru©a mill-istituzzjonijiet Maltin jaqblu mal-qafas Ewropew tal-kwalifiki, li jfisser li t-tag˙lim offrut Malta se jkollu rikonoxximent u viΩibilità aktar wiesg˙a.

Madankollu, nemmen li l-edukazzjoni ma ssirx biss f’ambjent formali. Huwa fatt mag˙ruf minn kul˙add kemm hawn talenti, inizjattivi u attivitajiet Maltin barra s-sistema edukattiva ta’ livell g˙oli. BiΩΩejjed wie˙ed iΩur l-istituzzjonijiet soçjali, reli©juΩi, kulturali u tant g˙aqdiet o˙ra biex jinteba˙ x’funzjoni edukattiva g˙andhom u kemm hawn talent.

Il-Gvern immexxi minni jemmen bis-s˙i˙ li dan it-tag˙lim li jse˙˙ f’ambjenti informali u mhux formali huwa ingredjent importanti fl-iΩvilupp tal-persuna. L-edukazzjoni li wie˙ed jikseb f’dan l-ambjent hi parti mill-proçess ta’ tag˙lim tul il-˙ajja u li jkompli jsa˙˙a˙ il-˙iliet u l-potenzjal tal-persuna. Irridu wkoll li din it-tip ta’ edukazzjoni ting˙ata g˙arfien formali biex b’hekk anke l-g˙aqdiet mhux governattivi jiksbu g˙arfien og˙la g˙al ˙idmithom filwaqt li l-g˙erf u l-˙iliet li wie˙ed jikseb fil-volontarjat jissarraf f’rikonoxximent li jista’ jwassal g˙at-tag˙lim formali.

Kien b’dan il-˙sieb li l-Gvern, permezz tal-Ministeru tal-Edukazzjoni u l-Kunsill Malti g˙all-Kwalifiki rriforma l-iSchool Leaving Certificate. Mis-sena d-die˙la, f’dan iç-çertifikat se jibdew jitniΩΩlu l-attivitajiet mhux formali u informali li t-tfal tag˙na jiksbu permezz ta’ attivitajiet fil-parroçça, fl-attivitajiet sportivi, soçjali u kulturali fost l-o˙rajn. Dan il-pass mhux biss se jkun qed jirrikonoxxi t-tag˙lim minn dawn l-attivitajiet imma wkoll se jkun qed jinkora©©ixxi aktar lit-tfal tag˙na biex ikunu attivi fis-soçjetà tag˙na.

Din il-Konferenza u l-proçess li se jibda flimkien mar-riforma tal-iSchool Leaving Certificate se jwasslu g˙al Ωvilupp ta’ kultura fejn it-tag˙lim kollu se jkun rikonoxxut.

Sinjuri, Dan tassew huwa pass ie˙or importanti fil-mixja tag˙na lejn it-titjib u l-eççellenza fl-edukazzjoni. Mixja li mhux biss se tkun qed

tpo©©i l-˙iliet u t-talenti ta’ kull individwu fiç-çentru imma se tkun qed issa˙˙a˙ is-sistema edukattiva biex tixpruna l-iΩvilupp ta’ pajjiΩna.Din ir-riforma se tkun g˙odda o˙ra biex tkompli ssa˙˙a˙ pajjiΩna biex jilqa’ g˙all-isfidi u ja˙taf l-opportunitajiet li l-globalizzazzjoni

se tkompli ©©ib mag˙ha. Il-˙iliet u l-kapaçitajiet tal-˙addiema Maltin se jkomplu jkunu fattur importanti fl-attrazzjoni ta’ investiment barrani lejn pajjiΩna Din ir-riforma se tkompli ssa˙˙a˙ dawn il-˙iliet bir-rikonoxximent tal-g˙arfien informali u mhux formali.

G˙alhekk nitlob lil kull min se jipparteçipa fil-konsultazzjoni speçjalment l-imsie˙ba soçjali biex jag˙tu l-kontribut tag˙hom biex din ir-riforma tkun tabil˙aqq xprun g˙all-iΩvilupp s˙i˙ tal-persuna u ingredjent importanti fit-tag˙lim tul il-˙ajja.

Grazzi.


Address by the Hon Dolores Cristina, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, at the Launching of The Referencing Report of the Malta Qualifications Framework “Towards a Qualified Country” – Valletta – 4th November 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very proud to preside over the launching of the Referencing Report particularly when I am aware that Malta is only the second country, after Ireland, to present this report to the Commission and to receive favourable reviews from other Member States.

Being small has disadvantages but it also has the advantage of managing change in a more efficient and effective way. Of course this must be coupled by the foresight and the energy of an organization and a small team of people such as those at MQC who sit in the driving seat of this process. Credit also goes to key stakeholders such as employers and trade unions, public and private training institutions who contribute, in no small measure, to formulate the vision and to set in motion the mechanisms to implement it.

The Referencing Report brings to an end the first phase of a long process of innovation and change in our culture of learning, assessment, certification and recognition – in other words the life-cycle of qualifications. On the other hand the end of this process is the beginning of a longer process of further consultation among all stakeholders and implementation.

Malta, like many other countries is undergoing changes in its educational system. This Referencing Report will serve to ensure that the process of qualifications is governed by transparency, quality assurance, progression, relevancy to the labour market and mobility. The process which started with the Lisbon Strategy ‘for more and better jobs’ found in the Bologna and Copenhagen processes and the European tools that emerged from such initiatives, the ideal structure for dialogue and cooperation among the diverse systems of education in Europe.

Malta has been an active player in both processes from the beginning. From this platform, I wish to thank all those who have had an active role to play in transforming European policies and initiatives into national tools at all levels of our education and training sector as well as in higher education and adult learning. In particular I wish to thank our guest speakers from DGEAC (Directorate General for Education and Culture) and CEDEFOP (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training) who have come over to endorse our work and support the work of our institutions.

The growth in our education sector is evident from the number of students who are now opting to continue studying after the end of compulsory education. The student population at the general post-secondary level and vocational education increased consistently. The student population at the University of Malta increased too and the total number of graduates from the University of Malta in 2008 was 2,684.

These figures are not simply indicators of change and trust in our education system, but also a positive response to government’s policies in education, in particular the growth in vocational training, the reforms in higher education and the huge expansion of adult learning through public and private provision. When such growth occurs at such a rapid pace, then structures would be needed to ensure quality and standards in education.

My government has taken this task very seriously. Over the last few years no less than four institutions have been created to set and monitor standards in compulsory education, vocational training, higher education and lifelong learning. The Directorate for Standards and Quality in Education, the Malta Qualifications Council, the National Commission for Higher Education and the Directorate for Lifelong Learning all have their obligation to


ensure that our learning systems produce skills and competences that match our economic and social needs. More than ever before, we are vigilant over such processes because we cannot afford to prepare people for a world which does not exist. Education is in itself a reality test for individuals who face a competitive, dynamic and innovative labour market.

To this effect, special emphasis is being put on the need to ensure that all learners achieve key competences by the end of their compulsory schooling. No one, I dare say, will survive in the labour market of tomorrow without basic skills such as digital competences, a good base of mathematics, science and technology, languages including the mother tongue and a foreign language. Such skills also require transversal competences to support them such as the skill to learn on your own, to have an entrepreneurial mindset in your activities, to appreciate the culture and social fabric of your society and that of other cultures and finally to have a strong sense of civic rights and obligations.

Our goal is to help all individuals succeed in what they are capable of learning and doing. Only a few weeks ago, I launched a product of the Malta Qualifications Framework – the new School Leaving Certificate – which I consider to be an off-spring of innovation and reform at European and national levels. The new document will capture, for the first time in the history of our compulsory schooling, formal, informal and non-formal learning. We want every young person to be valued for what he or she knows and is capable of doing. We will support this assertion by providing learning opportunities in secondary education which are of a vocational nature. We will stress the importance of non-formal activities in schools and out-of-school and that these are credited as part of a student’s programme during these first formative years of one’s life. We will encourage more and more students to engage themselves in cultural and social activities outside school hours and we will credit them for such initiatives. All learning will be valued, but more importantly all learning will be credited and will form part of the final assessment at the end of secondary education.

I expect similar innovation happening in vocational education and training. The Referencing Report refers to the European tools such as the European Credit system for Vocational Training (ECVET), the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework and the Certificate Supplement as indicators of change and these will be part of our vocational training so that internal and external mobility becomes a reality. Vocational training in Malta has made significant strides in the last few years. The students’ population has grown consistently; government has committed itself to build a state-of-the-art Vocational College; VET teacher training is now part of the continuous professional development of teachers; more and more employers are engaging themselves directly with vocational qualifications; professional degree structures have been introduced last September and international industries in aviation and pharmaceutical and others are expanding investment and training in Malta.

These positive signs in vocational education must be coupled with those in higher education. Here both the public and the private sectors are expanding their provision with a very fast pace in response to increasing demands. The University of Malta has responded very well to the Bologna Process: the ECTS (European Credit and Transfer System) has been introduced in 2003 in practically all Faculties; the Diploma Supplement is already being given free-of-charge to students who complete their studies; a learning outcomes approach has been introduced on a voluntary basis across all Faculties and an Academic Programmes Quality and Resources Unit (APQRU) has been set up to monitor quality and standards in the Universities’ programmes and teaching staff. Our University has also invested heavily in its new infrastructure, notably a new building for the Faculty of Information and Communications Technology and innovation in the purchasing of materials and supplies to keep abreast with developments.

In adult education, the new Directorate for Lifelong Learning is working with the Malta Qualifications Council to re-structure the qualification and certification system of all its courses within the Schools for Drama, Art and Music. It has also restructured its course in adult education and will soon be level-rating such courses in order to add value to learning.

I am also aware that a number of institutions in the private sector are working closely with MQC to level-rate its qualifications, to ensure mutual recognition of all foreign courses and to establish guidelines for quality assurance, assessment and certification procedures.


These important changes are very challenging and require a strong commitment by all stakeholders to engage in an open dialogue with the competent agencies so that through cooperation, all learning will carry a recognized value at national and European levels and relevancy within our labour market.

The Referencing Report links qualifications to the labour market needs. This is no coincidence. Cooperation between the labour and education sectors is needed in many aspects of this process. If VET qualifications are to be demand-driven, then occupational standards should set the guidelines for VET qualifications. If we are to validate informal and non-formal learning, then Sector Skills Councils are a necessary structure in which experts in the sector will determine standards, qualifications, training, assessment procedures and competences. The employment sector has a pivotal role to play in education and I will do my utmost to instigate that such structures are built across as many sectors as possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A document such as the Referencing Report serves as a catalyst for change.

In our process to level-rate all qualifications we will be safeguarding quality assurance, underpinning the necessity to design qualifications based on learning outcomes and occupational standards. We will be avoiding dead-ends in our qualifications system. On the contrary, we will be aiming for progression, parity of esteem between VET and General Education, mobility, the validation of informal and non-formal learning. We will be aiming for clear standards and criteria in the provision of education and training and most importantly we will be stressing that qualifications must address personal as well as professional development in a lifelong learning context.

I am confident that all stakeholders, particularly employers and representatives of workers, parents and students will be pulling their weight to sustain our qualifications framework, address new issues that will emerge from time to time to restructure qualifications, invent new ones and transform the level descriptors of our framework into meaningful qualifications.

I augur that this Report will serve as a platform for continuous reform in our educational system, for dialogue and cooperation with all stakeholders and with our counterparts in other countries.

Reform in education must go hand-in-hand with economic, social and cultural development. In a labour market which evolves at such a rapid pace, education must keep itself vigilant so that the knowledge, skills and competences that it transmits at all levels and to all ages, helps all individuals to succeed. The success of our nation largely depends upon our education system. This Referencing Report has built an important bridge with the rest of the Member States of the European Union.

In crossing this bridge, let us therefore dare to bring change where it is needed and reinforce tradition where this has yielded dividends.

Thank you.


Launch of EQARF and ECVET – Moving From Principles to Implementation – Brussels, 17-18 November 2009The purpose of the EQARF-ECVET conference was to translate the Recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council on the establishment of ECVET adopted in June 2009 as a major step towards the concrete development of instruments and principles which were planned in the context of the Copenhagen Process for vocational education and training. EQARF is a common reference instrument articulated around a four phase cycle which is supported by quality descriptors, criteria and indicators. The scope of this conference was to translate these tools into reality involving all stakeholders. The conference was attended by Mr Paul Attard, Advisor MEDC and President Board of Governors MCAST and Dr James Calleja Chief Executive, MQC.

The conference brought together stakeholders in VET to agree on the implementation of the ECVET-EQARF tools. The conference focused on examining the most concrete and efficient ways for competent institutions, VET providers and all stakeholders to closely cooperate in implementing this new tool. Organised in workshop sessions, the conference gave the opportunity to all participants to get a deeper insight of the different aspects dealt within the EQARF and ECVET recommendations. Participants were thus enabled, according to their own interest, to discuss these aspects in view of developments in quality assurance and credit system for VET.

ENQA-VET General Assembly – Vienna, 26-27 November 2009 ENQA-VET’s fourth and final General Assembly, held in Vienna, was hosted by the Austrian Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture together with the Austrian Quality Reference Point (ARQA-VET). The General Assembly was attended by Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation.

There were four parallel workshops, all including a representation of countries and social partners. All workshops were invited to reflect on the ways in which outcomes from the thematic groups and other activities of ENQA-VET could be used in order to develop national approaches in implementing EQARF. Following the discussions and the approval of the progress report and the self-evaluation report, the General Assembly agreed on future strategy, topics, priorities and principles to be established for development. The priorities which were laid down were the following – • Enhancestakeholderinvolvement–includingproviders,learnersandemployers• Enhance communication, which should be a two way process, i.e. it should be an

inclusive and incremental process.

Group photo of the VQTS II Project Partners


• PromotepeerreviewatEUlevelandensurethatsomecentralised/EUcoordinationisput in place.

• ImprovevisibilityofQAandtheEQARFamongallstakeholdersinvolved,atbothEUand National level.

• FocusonQAofexaminationandcertificationoflearners.• Support the further development of QANRPs, for both the EU and National

implementation process. • Ensuretransparencyofperformance,atsystemandproviderlevel. Steering Committee 2 – Building Bridges Between EQF and EHEA – HEQ-Bridges – Malta, 26-27 November 2009This steering committee meeting was hosted by MQC and was attended by the Project Partners. The meeting was chaired by Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager, Standards and Qualifications, MQC. Mr Sorin Zaharia from ACPART gave a brief presentation of the overall progress of the project. Then the individual Work Packages were discussed. The work packages focus on a comparative assessment of national HEQFs, a comparative assessment of methodologies and Learning Outcomes, the European Journal of Qualifications and study cases in sectors – Air Transport and Mechatronics.

ENQA-Vet Final Conference – Sweden, 3-4 December 2009 The ENQA-VET (European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training) Final Conference provided an important platform for policymakers and VET providers to reflect on the challenges faced by VET systems today which are testing the capacity of quality management approaches and European policies to influence and support policymaking and implementation in the difficult contexts in which countries and systems find themselves. This reflection took place against the background of the significant work undertaken by ENQA-VET and the European Commission in developing tools and instruments to support VET Systems in improving their quality. The Conference was jointly hosted by ENQA-VET and Skolverket (the Swedish National Agency for Education) and an Associated Event of the Swedish European Presidency. The Conference was attended by Ms Carmen Dalli Manager Finance and Administration and Ms Valerie Attard Manager Communications from MQC, Mr Emmanuel Zahra, Malta College of Arts,

HEQ-Bridges Project Leader address the Project Partners

Group Photo of the HEQ-Bridges Pronject Partners


Science and Technology and Dr Maria Sciriha, Policy Coordinator Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

This was the final conference of the ENQA-VET work programme 2008-2009. The conference took place at a time when all are concerned with ensuring that vocational education and training is high quality and responds to two major sets of challenges – the need to ensure the individual’s personal and professional development in a context of lifelong learning; the needs of employees and employers in the current economic situation.

The conference included a number of different fora for asking questions and exchanging views; key note addresses, providing national European and international perspectives; case studies showing concrete examples of how companies and VET systems are addressing skills needs; an ENQA-VET trade fair offering an opportunity for discussion in informal groupings with experts and specialists in key areas of strategic importance for improving the quality of VET, and panel discussions with learners, policymakers and VET providers. Eighth Meeting of the Cluster on Recognition of Learning Outcomes and Peer Learning Activity on Describing and Defining Qualifications and Qualification Levels through Learning OutcomesBrussels, 3-4 December 2009The purpose of this meeting was to give an overview of the Peer Learning Activities and the Joint Seminar which took place since the last cluster meeting in May 2009, and to discuss the European and National priorities which the cluster can focus on in 2010 and 2011. The primary objective of the Peer Learning Activity was the mutual learning on how learning outcomes are defined and used to describe qualifications and qualification levels. This PLA was characterised by the development of the German NQF and its role as a Quality Assurance tool.

The meeting was attended by Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager, Standards and Qualifications MQC. During this meeting Ms Mangion presented the key outcomes of the PLA which was held in Malta on the 22nd and 23rd October 2009. From this PLA it was clear that Ireland’s and Malta’s approach on how level descriptors are described in terms of detail, the characteristics and the continuity across all levels has been accepted and is being adopted by most of the other Member States.

Restructuring Forum – Brussels, 6-8 December 2009 The Restructuring Forum was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation MQC participated in this Forum. One of the objectives of this forum was to present, promote and discuss a study on 19 sectors that include emerging and future skills needs up to 2020. The aim of such studies is to look at different aspects, among which, the relevance of the training provided presently to the jobs that will be created in ten years’ time.

A second objective of the forum was to discuss how to reinforce and promote stronger collaboration at European level in the field of skills anticipation, focusing on the sectoral approach. The forum was held on two days. Common challenges, the differences and the relative position of the different sectors under review in relation with competences and skills requirements were highlighted on the first day of the meeting. The stakeholders also discussed and debated on the role of skills needs, anticipation in employment, education and training policy making and practices – how and by whom this should be done.

A second objective of the Commission’s Restructuring Forum was to discuss how to reinforce and promote stronger collaboration at European level in the field of skills anticipation, focusing on the sectoral approach.


Six parallel workshops were held on Day One. These workshops offered the opportunity for participants to listen to presentations of good practices for specific sectors. The outcomes of all workshops were presented on Day Two, along with the results of the feasibility study on the establishment of sectoral councils on employment and skills at European level, followed by the Canadian experience of skills councils. A second roundtable discussion dealing with the topic on strengthening cooperation and exchange at the European level in skills anticipation was also held at the end of the second day of the forum.

Group of Coordinators for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Brussels, 10-11 December 2009This meeting was attended by Dr James Calleja Chief Executive of MQC. The following were the main items on the agenda which were discussed – • ReviewofthecurrentconsultationprocessofMemberStatestoenternewdiplomainto

Annex V of the Directive • Discussions on appropriateness of an MRA on Mexican diplomas in architecture-

technical convergence aspects • Update of Annex II to Directive 2005/36/EC – Austrian request for profession of

health care and social–education • CodeofConduct• Discussiononconformityofdocumentsrequestedfrommigrantsforphysiotherapists

and doctors • EvaluationofDirective2005/36/EC• DatabaseofRegulatedProfessions

The meeting was adjourned to March 2010.

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Mutual Recognition of Qualifications – 3rd Designated Authorities’ Conference – Malta, 10 December 2008The 3rd Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Designated Authorities’ Conference was held at the Radisson, SAS BayPoint Resort, St Julians on the 10th December 2008. The half-day Conference was organised by MQC. The aims of the Conference were to facilitate and promote the uniform application of Act 451 and related regulations; to co-ordinate the activities of the designated authorities and to ensure the timely dissemination of information on matters governed by the act and regulations. Over 40 participants attended this Conference, which is convened by law. These included representatives of various unions, authorities, directorates, boards and councils.

The conference was chaired by Dr James Calleja, the Mutual Recognition Coordinator who also spoke about the Qualifications Framework and its impact on Designated Authorities. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Hon. Dolores Cristina also addressed the audience present. The Minister spoke about the value of qualification recognition and how this will enhance the quality of qualifications as well as increase transparency in the process by which certification is awarded. The Minister also spoke about the need that arose to integrate the Malta Qualifications Council, the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) and the office of the Mutual Recognition Coordinator.

Dr Stephen Zammit, Legal Officer MQC spoke about the interaction of Directives 36/2005 and 123/2006 for Designated Authorities. These are the Qualifications and Services Directives. Mr Noel Bartolo and Mr Mark Xerri from the Commerce Division, Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment spoke about the IMI (Internal Market Information System) as a tool of Communication between public administrations at a national, regional and local level. Mr Bartolo spoke about the Professional Qualifications Pilot Project which included four professions; accountants, doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists. It will be extended to support another seven professions namely architects, dentists, nurses, midwives, radiographers, secondary school teachers and veterinary surgeons.

The Conference concluded with a discussion on the need for cooperation between the office of the Mutual Recognition Coordinator and the various Designated Authorities. There were also a number of questions from the floor.

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive and Mutual Recognition Coordinator

addressing the conference

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport

the Hon. Dolores Cristina, addressing the Conference

Conference Participants

2. Stakeholders’ Involvement


MQC participates in Europe Close to You FairValletta, 20 – 24 January 2009MQC participated in the Europe Close to You Fair from the 20th – 24th January 2009. The fair was held in Freedom Square, Valletta. MQC set up a stand with various publications and information on MQC’s activities, particularly MQRIC (Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre). The stand, which was manned by MQRIC personnel also contained information on MQC’s various EU projects. Information leaflets printed in English and Maltese specifically for this fair were distributed to the general public who were also able to obtain MQRIC application forms for the recognition of qualifications.

National Workshop VQTS II – St. Julians, 3 February 2009MQC hosted the VQTS II (Vocational Qualification Transfer System) National Workshop on the 3rd February, at the Council’s premises in St Lucia. VQTS II is a Leonardo da Vinci Project based on the results of the Leonardo da Vinci project ‘VQTS’. The core results of the VQTS project and the Competence Matrix were transferred to another Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector (electronic/electrical engineering) and to other countries and languages. The VQTS II project focused on transferring and further elaborating of methods and procedures for the development of a Competence Matrix by using the ideas and principles in the VQTS project. MQC was a partner in this project. The half-day National Workshop was chaired by Dr James Calleja Chief Executive, MQC. Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, MQC was responsible for organising the National Workshop. The Workshop was attended by experts from the field of VET, as well as from the field of Higher Education (HE). These were Mr Vince Maione, Deputy Director MCAST and Mr John Sciberras, Director MCAST and Dr Ing. Edward Gatt and Dr Ing. Cyrill Spiteri Staines from the University of Malta. The principal aim of the workshop was to discuss the Austrian and German Competence Matrices for the sector of electronics/electrical engineering. The experts discussed the development of competence profiles based on the Competence Matrices, as well as gave proposals to concrete procedures to enhance permeability and progression between VET and HE. Overlapping areas of competence profiles of VET and HE programmes were also identified.

Similar national workshops were hosted by the project’s other partners, as well as by the project coordinator, 3s research laboratory in Vienna, in their respective countries. The three year Leonardo da Vinci project ended in September 2009.

National Careers Convention – Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, 1–3 April 2009 MQC was invited to participate in the National Careers Convention which was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Mr Richard Curmi and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Managers MQC, delivered presentations on the National Qualifications Framework and on the functions and services of MQC. The audience was composed of Secondary School Children from Private and Public Schools. The Convention was organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

National Colloquium on The Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning – Floriana, 4 June 2009 The meeting commenced with a speech by the Chairman of MQC Mr. Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick and a power point presentation by Dr. James Calleja, Chief Executive of MQC.

The focus of the first presentation was namely on the levels of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF), which the validation of informal and non-formal learning will be assessed against; the fundamental principles, indicators and process of VINFL (validation of informal and non-formal learning); the benefits of validation for the individual, employer, and society; and the common European principles and methods of assessment of VINFL.

So far, the focus was on the MQF and the referencing with the European Qualifications Framework. MQC will now be focussing on the European guidelines for VINFL and adopting these to the local context.

MQC Stand at the Europe Close to You Fair

Local Experts in the field of VET and HE during the National Workshop


During his presentation, Dr. Calleja talked about the four fundamental principles of VINFL, namely the individual’s entitlements, the obligations of the stakeholders, fairness and transparency, credibility and legitimacy of the validation process. The ten indicators of the VINFL were also refered to and five of these were dealt with in detail. These were: • thefocusontheindividual;• competences-basedoccupationalstandards;• level-ratingtotheNationalQualificationsFramework(NQF)stakeholderscommitment;

and the • visibilityoftheprocess

The process of validation was also explained and examples of the benefits of VINFL were given. The presentation also focused on the three main objectives of VINFL - making visible the invisible learning outside the formal education, recognition of the diversity of learning situations and also the importance of credibility and authenticity of learning outside the formal.

The purposes of validation include mobility, active citizenship and the attainment of a knowledge-based society, where no one should be labeled as not capable of personal and social actualisation just because he/she does not possess formal qualifications. The methods of assessment were also discussed including the importance given to interviews, observation, the portfolio method and tests and examinations.

Finally, Dr. Calleja, talked about an LDV (Leonardo da Vinci) project – Validating Learning for an Inclusive Society (INLearning), awarded, after a Call for Applications, by the Commission to MQC. This pilot project (having nine other European partners), will include the validation of knowledge, skills and competences acquired by individuals in seven different sectors. Malta will be focusing on Printing and Agribusiness.

Dr. Calleja concluded his presentation by indicating various points for discussion. These included: • costsincurred;• validationbeingcreditbased;• validationandlevelrating;• VINFL–aformalprocess;• Theprofileofpractitioners;• MQC’sRole.

Following Dr. Calleja’s presentation, Mr. Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation delivered a presentation on the analysis of the questionnaires that were sent to the participants prior to the colloquium. The questionnaire included twelve questions, namely enquiring about opinions and perceptions on the subject of validation. The answers from the questionnaire clearly indicated that the majority of those who filled it are in favour of a formal system for VINFL and would definitely value qualifications based

Participants during the National Colloquium

Dr James Calleja, Cheif Executive addessing the audience


on VINFL. An overview of the benefits of VINFL for the individual (as indicated by those answering the questionnaire), was given.

This activity built on two other activities held in June and September 2008 in which Minister Cristina gave the political direction that government wishes to embark upon in order to maximise the potential of every individual. The process will continue through more meetings with specific sectors and pilot validation processes with constituted bodies who can award individuals for their capacity to learn outside formal education. Different sectors will be tapped so that a new culture will be inculcated within our society in which all learning will be valued against labour market demands and standards. For the validation system to be a success, there is a need for informed decisions and hence the need of consultation with all stakeholders involved.

MQC attends Business Breakfast to launch a Series of New Qualifications for the Maltese Financial Services Sector – Malta 19 June 2009 The Institute of Finacial Services (IFS Malta) organised a seminar to launch a series of new qualifications for the expanding Maltese financial services sector. Amongst the speakers were Dr Christopher Bezzina Permanent Secretary of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport who spoke about the “re-engineering” of the education system in Malta, one aspect of which is the launching of the Malta Qualifications Framework in 2007. Mr Joseph Abdill a spoke about the financial services sector as a success story as a sector and as the demand for qualifications by people already employed in the sector is constantly increasing. Prof. Maurice Grech, Principal Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology confirmed that MCAST’s qualifications including the one offered in collaboration with IFS (Malta) are demand-driven as they respond to the needs of and constant dialogue with industry. The seminar also included an ETC presentation on EU Funding for Training Programmes. There were also live links through video-conferencing with representatives of the IFS UK who confirmed that the qualifications are demand-driven.

Amongst the new qualifications are the certificate for customer service professionals, diploma for financial advisers, the applied diploma in retail financial services, the ap-plied diploma in corporate banking and the foundation degree in financial markets and managment. IFS and MQC started the procedure to reference all qualifications offered by IFS to the MQF and a formal agreement on these levels shall be formalised through a protocol in 2010. Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications and Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation attended the seminar on behalf of MQC.

MQC participates in EQUILIFISE Seminar – St. Julians, 22 June 2009MQC participated in the EQUILIFISE Seminar which was organized by the Institute of Financial Services (IFS Malta) . The European Qualification Assurance League in Financial Services (EQUILIFISE) project is a Leonardo da Vinci EU project co-ordinated by the European Banking and Financial Services Training Association (EBTN). The objectives of the project were to create a methodology for assigning EQF levels, disseminate within FSS in Europe and in other countries, develop and pilot an assurance methodology and system for monitoring, reviewing and endorsing the EQF levels and monitor that the EQF levels assigned to banking and financial qualifications are reliable and consistent throughout

The Hon Evarist Bartolo addressing the Panel of Speakers


Europe. The project also identified European Banking and Financial Services Sector qualifications and their characteristics in the Partner countries and share experiences on assigning EQF levels to BFSS in the Partner countries. The Malta Qualifications Council is one of the partners in the consortium responsible for the 2010-2012 “Financial Services EQF Translator” (FIRST) Project which is a follow-up of the Equilifise Project. Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, MQC was invited to address the audience present. Ms Mangion spoke about the EQF and the Malta Qualifications Framework. Prof. Mario Spatafora the Equilifise Project Co-ordinator and President of EBTN spoke about the Equilifise Project.

Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager during her presentation

Ms Jane Nind MQRIC Senior Clerk at the MQC stand

The Minister of Education,Culture, Youth and Sports the Hon. Dolores Cristina visiting the MQC stand

MQC Participates in the Education Pavilion during the International Trade Fair - Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta’ Qali, 25 June - 5 July 2009MQC was invited to participate in the Education Pavilion during the International Trade Fair at the MFCC grounds in Ta’ Qali. The Education Pavilion was set up by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Department of Information. Other exhibitors within this Pavillion included the Institute for Tourism Studies and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology. The Prime Minister the Hon. Lawrence Gonzi and the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina visited the Education Pavillion and MQC’s stand on two separate visits. The media was also invited to attend these events.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina visits MQC - 15 July 2009Minister Cristina was invited to a presentation of the Referencing of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)


and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area QF/EHEA) at MQC’s premises at St Lucia. The Minister met MQC Council Members as well as the Staff Members. Minister Cristina spoke about the added value that this Report will have on building a new culture of qualifications in Malta. She said that MQC’s initiative to align our Framework of Qualifications to that of the European Qualifications Framework will facilitate recognition, mobility and transparency in the award of qualifications. She added that such a Report will also encourage more learners to engage in lifelong learning programmes, employers to have a clearer picture of the skills and competences of their workers and training providers to quality assure their qualifications bringing such awards (where applicable) in line with international and European standards as well as the recognition of informal and non-formal learning.

Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick Chairman of the Council addressed the audience present with an introductory speech, this was followed by an evaluation of the Report by Minister Cristina and a presentation by Dr James Calleja Chief Executive of MQC, of the second draft of the Referencing Report. The Referencing Report outlines the Referencing Process of

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport together with MQC Staff and Council Members

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport addressing MQC staff and Council Members


the Malta Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area in accordance with the criteria and procedures agreed by the EQF Advisory Group and the Bologna Follow-Up Group. The report provides a conceptual and institutional background that led to the setting up of a European Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area and how these two overarching Frameworks can be referenced to the Malta Qualifications Framework which is also based on an eight-level system. The Referencing Report was co-authored by Dr James Calleja and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications of the MQC.

Meeting at MQC with Life Long Learning Officials – 27 August 2009 This meeting was held at MQC premises and was attended by Mr Mario Azzopardi, Director, Directorate for Lifelong Learning, Ms Monica Bugeja, School of Music, Mr Joe Micallef, School of Art, Mr Albert Genovese Service Manager Life Long Learning Evening Courses, Mr Victor Galea, Mr Desmond Zammit Marmara, Mr Carmen Bonello, Mr Mario Azzopardi Director Malta Drama Centre, Mr Joe Frendo and Mr Joe Attard School of Art (Gozo). Also present in the meeting was Dr James Calleja Chief Executive, MQC and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation. Dr Calleja emphasised that qualifications must be officially recognized and level rated by 2010. He also explained how the national Frameworks have to be referenced to the EQF. Dr Calleja further explained about the certification supplement which these various institutions will be using.

Level-Rating of Drama Examinations - Valletta, 24 September 2009 MQC level-rated the Trinity Guidehall Examinations in Speech and Drama. The qualifications are represented in Malta by Masquerade. The qualifications are recognized as part of the Malta Qualifications Framework and equate with other qualifications in Malta and Europe. Masquerade is the first private school in Malta to be accredited in studies related to drama and performance. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive MQC was a key speaker highlighting the need for quality in all forms of learning and underlying the Minister of Education’s initiative to legislate an accreditation and quality assurance system. The presentation ceremony was held at the Manoel Theatre, in Valletta. The Hon. Clyde

Mr Abela Fitzpatrick Chairman and Dr Calleja Chief Executive with the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport

Dr James Calleja addressing the Drama Students


Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport presented the Trinity certificates to the drama students during this event. Through its affiliation with Trinity Guidehall, Masquerade students have access to a curriculum and accreditation that is recognized in over 50 countries worldwide including Malta. With this accreditation a fellowship Diploma in Performance is recognized as Level 7 which is comparable to a Masters Level. Mr Anthony Bezzina, Masquerade Principal spoke about the Trinity Guidehall syllabus which follows clear guidelines in a wide range of programmes including speech and drama, musical theatre and communication skills.

MQC, in collaboration with NCHE, participates in KSU Freshers’ Week - University Campus, 30 September - 7 October 2009 MQC was invited by the National Commission of Higher Education to participate in the KSU Fresher’s Week. MQC joined the NCHE and distributed various printed material on MQC and the MQRIC office. A number of visits were paid to this stand amongst which were the visits by the President of Malta H.E. Dr. George Abela, the Prime Minister of Malta the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina and Dr Simon Busuttil, MEP.

The Prime Minister the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi at the NCHE/MQC stand on Campus

NCHE/MQC Publications and Promotional materials

Left: Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive during his presentation

Right: Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager during his presentation

Gozo Regional Committee Meeting – Xewkija, Gozo, 2 October 2009 MQC was invited the address the Gozo Regional Committee. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive of MQC, Mr Richard Curmi and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Managers MQC delivered presentations on the functions and services MQC offers, as well as information on the Malta Qualifications Framework and on the validation of informal and non-formal learning. Around 20 participants attended this meeting. The presentations were followed by questions from the floor. Amongst the members of the Gozo Regional Committee are representatives from MCAST, the Gozo Drama Centre, Local Councils and various Gozitan Primary School Representatives. This meeting was held at the NGO centre in Xewkija, Gozo.


Launch of the School Leaving Certificate – St Margerita Boys Secondary School Bormla, 14 October 2009 During the launch of the new School Leaving Certificate the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina announced that the new certificate does not only highlight academic skills but other competences, giving importance to attendance and other aspects of school life. This is a significant change given that the education system is known to be heavily exams-oriented. Minister Cristina said that with the importance the certificate gives to values and extra curriculum activities the certificate issued at the end of the secondary school should serve as an incentive for students to develop their personality. During the obligatory school years students will be assessed on their personal qualities, such as leadership, punctuality, organisation, communication, teamwork, altruism and others. The certificate will have a Europe-wide recognition. After five years of secondary school students will end up with a record not just of examination results but also of teachers assessments, while informal education, covering activities both in and out of school will feature on the certificate.

Minister Cristina highlighted the importance of recognising the educational values of these activities and giving them due consideration in the school-leaving certificate. The aim of this change is to be able to meet the targets of the Lisbon Agenda whereby 85 per cent of secondary students continue their studies. The new certificate is being adopted in every school starting from Form III students and below. The certificate was the fruit of work and collaboration between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education, the Malta Qualifications Council a number of Church and Independent schools. During the launch of the School Leaving Certificate Dr Calleja also presented an outline of the work carried out by MQC which led to the new certificate. Dr. Grace Grima, Director General, Directorat Quality and Standards in Education explained each section of the transcript and the certificate. She encouraged feedback from those present who were givien a printed copy of the newly designed transcript and certificate. There was an audio-visual presentation of short-filmed interviews to stakeholders including social partners on the impact of this certificate on students and employers. The audience was made up of a number of officials from the education department, students and heads of schools.

MEP Dr. Simon Busuttil visits MQC – 29 October 2009 Dr. Simon Busuttil MEP visited the Malta Qualifications Council. During his visit Dr Busuttil was shown round the premises by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive. Dr Busuttil was also shown the various publications issued by the Council. The visit ended with a meeting during which Dr Calleja briefed Dr Busuttil about the work carried out by the Council especially the work carried out by the MQRIC office.

The audience during the Launch of the School Leaving Certificate

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive during the Launch of the School Leaving Certificate

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive presenting the Referencing Report to MEP Dr Simon Busutill

The audience during the Launch of the School Leaving Certificate


MQC participates in GWU Conference – Workers Memorial Building, Valletta, 7 November 2009The Youth Section of the General Workers’ Union organised a half-day seminar on the Recognition of Qualifications on Saturday 7th November at the Workers Memorial Building. The seminar was addressed by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina, the Opposition Spokesman for Education the Hon. Evarist Bartolo, the CEO of the National Commission for Higher Education Mr Jacques Sciberras and the CEO of MQC Dr James Calleja. In her address, the Hon. Cristina stressed upon the importance of quality in the recognition of qualifications and announced the setting up of a Malta Quality Assurance and Qualifications Authority to ensure that all institutions and programmes respond to nationally established processes and criteria of quality assurance across all public and private Further and Higher Education institutions.

The Hon. Bartolo delved into the need to ensure that quality assurance in Malta cuts across all institutions so that learners are guaranteed recognised and quality assured qualifications. He emphasised that although quality assurance is not an easy process, government should do its utmost to monitor the provision of further and higher education by private institutions especially of institutions which may provide qualifications which are not up to the standards established by public institutions. Both Mr Jacques Sciberras and Dr James Calleja spoke about the processes that lead to quality assurance and recognition respectively. They gave a detailed account of the role of the NCHE and the MQC respectively and how these two institutions are collaborating together with the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education to filter all qualifications before any award of a licence to open tuition centres.

The seminar was also addressed by the Secretary General of the General Workers Union Mr Tony Zarb who spoke about the need to safeguard young people from falling victims of unrecognised qualifications and learning processes particularly within the private sector. A discussion followed after each presentation in which young people asked questions about the processes needed to ensure quality and standards in all qualifications.

The Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport

the Hon. Dolores Cristina and the Hon. Evarist Bartolo

during the conference

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive during the GWU Conference


MQC participates in the Science and Technology FestivalUniversity Campus – 23 – 29 November 2009 MQC participated in the Science and Technology Festival which was held on University Campus. The festival consisted of a variety of activities that were spread over Campus. The Festival was organized by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and was part-financed by the European Social Fund. The ESF project focused on a Science Popularisation Campaign i.e. encouraging people to be more interested and knowledgeable about Science and Techology. MQC set up a stand during this festival with information on its two ESF projects – VQPACK and Skills+ which focus on a number of sectoral areas including technology. MQC also distributed various promotional material on the services offered by MQRIC. During the festival a number of school visits were organized. The festival also targeted sixth-form and University students. The festival was also open to the general public.

Information Forum - Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI) - Valletta, 25 November 2009 This information forum was organised by the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI) at their premises in Valletta. Ms Maria Bartolo Galea, Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) was invited to deliver a presentation on the ETC, Prof. Maurice Grech gave a presentation on the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications delivered a presentation on MQC. Ms Mangion’s presentation centred on the National Qualifications Framework.

The audience consisted of Education Committee members, Human Resource Committee members and representatives from the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology and the Employment and Training Corporation.

European Banking Training Network (EBTN) Meeting, St. Julians, 25 – 28 November 2009The European Banking Training Network (EBTN) is a non-profit organisation made up of the main bank training organisations in Europe. This EBTN Meeting was organised for EBTN Board Directors at the Portomaso Hotel, St Julians. Dr James Calleja was invited to address the audience. The meeting also consisted of a workshop on the European Qualifications Framework. This workshop was led by Dr Calleja. The meeting also included

MQC PosterMQC Stand during the Science and Technology Festival

The Prime Minister the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi

at the MQC Stand

The Information Forum at the MCCEI premises


a roundtable discussion. The Hon. Dolores Cristina opened the seminar held on the third day of this meeting. The meeting ended with an EBTN Board of Directors Meeting. TTNET Malta Information Meeting - The EQF and the MQF – Tools for Transparency – Institute of Tourism Studies, St. Julians 1 December 2009TTNetmalta held an information meeting in connection with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) following the official launching of the Report entitled Referencing of the MQF to the EQF and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA). The information meeting was organised in line with TTNet’s mission to provide continuing professional development opportunities to trainers and teachers engaged in providing vocational education and training.

Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications, MQC was invited to address this meeting. Ms Mangion delivered a two-hour presentation on the function and services of MQC and the Referencing of the NQF with the EQF and the QF/EHEA. The session was followed with a number of questions from the floor. The audience was made up of vocational teachers and trainers, training consultants, personnel working in public and private training institutions and in the Human Resources area.

Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager addressing Trainers and Teachers


VINFL National Conference – St. Julians, 15 December 2009 One of the objectives of MQC is to establish a national system for the documentation and validation of informal and non-formal learning. The Council aims to introduce a national system whereby all knowledge, skills and competences are recognised. This will ensure that people are re-introduced to learning. In order to accomplish this, the Council has embarked on a number of projects with different sectors of stakeholders to establish a system which will allow all individuals the right to document all their informal and non-formal learning and thus have their learning validated. The priority areas for establishing such a system include the establishment of sector skills units, the setting up of occupational standards and the development of methods and tools for the assessment and recognition of informal and non-formal learning.

One of the aims of establishing and developing such criteria, is to ensure that employers have the correct skills to support their business success and development, training institutions devise programmes that are demand-driven and individuals possess competences for employability. MQC therefore aspires to establish a strong foundation, where the contribution of all available educational influence is acknowledged and through the acquisition, renewal and upgrading of knowledge, skills and competences the individual’s self-fulfilment is enhanced. In a nutshell, this explains the title of the conference – retooling for the future.

The Conference speakers hailed from a wide spectrum and incorporated representatives from the public and private spheres. The opening session included an address from the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi Prime Minister of Malta, as well as an introduction by the Chairman of the Council Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick and of the Chief Executive of the Council Dr James Calleja. The set-up of the conference incorporated two roundtable discussions to allow as much interaction and discussion as possible. The first roundtable discussion incorporated social partners’ viewpoints and those of voluntary organisations. Amongst the speakers were representatives from the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), the Malta Employers Association (MEA), il-Kunsill Nazzjonali Persuni b’DiΩabilità (KNPD), Azzjoni Kattolika (ZAK), the Confederation of

The Prime Minister the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi opening the conference Conference participants from the public and private sphere


Malta Trade Unions (CMTU), the Malta Printing Industry Association (MPIA) and a number of Unions. The second roundtable discussion brought together a number of private and public stakeholders.

The over two hundred conference participants came from various walks of life and included participants from the educational sector, public and private training providers, local council representatives, NGO’s, student representatives and voluntary organisation representatives to name but a few. In fact, the conference also aimed to foster an opportunity for networking.

The Hon. Evarist Bartolo Shadow Minister on Education visits MQC – 21 December 2009 The Hon. Evarist Bartolo was shown round the MQC premises. Hon. Bartolo was also presented with a copy of the Referencing Report and was briefed about the services and functions of MQC and the MQRIC office. Also present in this meeting were Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick, Chairman MQC, Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC, Ms Doris Mangion and Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Managers MQC and Ms Carmen Dalli and Ms Valerie Attard, Managers MQC.

Dr James Calleja briefed the Hon. Bartolo about the setting up of the Sector Skills Councils. He also mentioned the implementation of the Referencing Report. Mr Richard Curmi briefed the Hon. Bartolo about the National VINFL Conference and the work carried out so far in connection with the Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning.

The Hon Evarist Bartolo Shadow Minister on Education during the

meeting with MQC’s Chairman and Management

The Hon Evarist Bartolo with MQC staff members


Series of meetings with stakeholders from the printing, agribusiness and care sectorsMQC held monthly meetings with the Printing Federation, the Institute of Agri-business, Malta, College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Environmental Landscape Consortium. The aim of such meetings was to establish occupational standards for the sectors considered. Initially ten different occupations were to be considered. However, for the printing sector all different occupations were considered and eventually occupational standards for this sector were devised.

Meetings were also held with the Hair and Beauty Federation and the Care Sector (FSWS and Care Malta) so as to establish occupational standards for these sectors. MQC also held a number of meetings with ZAK in order to validate leadership skills of the young people attending the organisation.

Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager Assessment and Accreditation organised and carried out the necessary follow-up of all these meetings.

Series of Meetings at MQC with Tourist Guides The Malta Union of Tourist Guides (MUTG) informed the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) that in the light of new developments in the sector, MUTG wishes to discuss the re-structuring of the Certificate in Tourist Guiding (MQF Level 3) offered by the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS). In MUTG’s opinion, the certificate at level 3 of the Malta Qualifications Framework needs to be replaced by a higher qualification.

This proposition brought about a series of meetings. Following the meeting which was held on 29th July, MUTG sent a letter to the Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Minister Dolores Cristina and Parliamentary Secretary Dr Mario De Marco. Hon. Minister Cristina appointed Dr James Calleja to chair (on behalf of MEDC) an Ad hoc Committee to discuss the issue. The other members of the Committee were Mr Frank Farrugia Director MTA, Ms Cynthia Misokova Assistant Director OPM and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager MQC. The Ad hoc Committee acted as an intermediary between MUTG and ITS, and met the representatives of each institution separately with the objective that a agreement would be achieved on the future of the training course leading to the warranting of Tourist Guides.

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager during a meeting with Tourist Guides


The MQC, as the National Coordination point for the EQF, organised a series of Information Meetings. The first phase of meetings commenced in May 2008 and ran up to January 2009. The purpose of these meetings was to promote the significance of the EQF to mobility, transparency, transferability and quality assurance.

The meetings served to illustrate the developments of the EQF in the context of the Malta Qualifications Framework. MQC aims at facilitating Malta’s European commitments towards the EQF. By 2010 all EU Member States must relate their national qualifications levels, by using a learning outcomes approach, to the EQF, By 2012 EU Member States should ensure that the necessary steps are taken so that reference to the EQF will be introduced into individual qualification documents such as transcripts, certificates and diplomas.

Each participant was given an Information Pack containing various MQC publications including the 4th Policy Document in the series Valuing All Learning as well as the National Qualifications Framework. The Information Pack also included information on the European Qualifications Framework.

3. EQF / NQF Referencing Consultation Process

Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager addressing the Counsellors and

Guidance Teachers

Meeting for Counsellors and Guidance Teachers – 3 December 2008 Over 30 Counsellors and Guidance Teachers attended this half-day seminar. This seminar was the fourth organised specifically for Counsellors and Guidance Teachers from the Public and Private Sector, as well as from Church Schools. The seminar was hosted in the Conference Room at the MQC premises in St. Lucia. The seminar was addressed by Dr James Calleja, CEO of the MQC and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications of the MQC who spoke about the European Qualifications Framework. Mr Joe Cutajar Senior Manager Training Division ETC, spoke about ETC’s perspective on the impact of the NQF on the unemployed. The seminar also included ample space for questions and answers.

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive addressing the Counsellors and Guidance Teachers


Meeting for Employers, Trade Union Activists and Students’ Organisations – 10 December 2008 This two-hour meeting targeted employers, trade union activists and students organisations. The meeting was addressed by Dr James Calleja, CEO of the MQC. Around 10 participants attended this information session.

Meeting for Teachers and Lecturers – 21 January 2009 This two-hour meeting targeted teachers and lecturers from primary school teachers right up to University lecturers. The meeting was addressed by Dr James Calleja, CEO of the MQC and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications of the MQC. Around 10 participants attended this session.

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive addressing Employers, Trade Union Activists and Students

Teachers and Lecturers during the Information Meeting

Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager addressing Teachers and Lecturers

EQF/MQF Information Seminar at Bighi Centre for Restoration(Heritage Malta) – 5 May 2009 Dr Martina Caruana, Director of the Institute for the Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage (ICMCH) within Heritage Malta invited Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications MQC to present an Information Seminar on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) at Bighi. This initiative forms part of a wider internal plan within Heritage Malta, that is, Training Needs Analysis of its human resources.


The audience was composed of executive and managerial personal employed within Heritage Malta and who are responsible for the assessment and training of their subordinates. ICMCH is one of the VET providers in Malta which offers qualifications in collaboration with the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the University of Malta.

Dr James Calleja explained the Malta Qualifications Framework within a broader perspective encompassing the developments leading to and the objectives of the EQF. This was followed by the principles on how the MQF was referenced to the EQF. Ms Mangion gave an overview of the key elements constituting qualifications based on the learning outcomes system and how the level descriptors are used to determine the level of difficulty of locally-designed qualifications.

The audience was particularly interested in the value being given to short courses following an assessment in terms of the credit accumulation and transfer system and the fact that qualifications are given a level which has an international currency.

Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive addressing HND Students at the

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

Information Seminar on the Vocational Qualification and Transfer System (VQTS) Project within the EQF/MQF Context - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (MCAST), 14 May 2009 MQC, in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (MCAST), organised an information seminar as part of the dissemination of the Vocational Qualification Transfer System (VQTS II) Project. MQC is one of the partners in the Leonardo da Vinci Project on electrical and electronics qualifications and their permeability between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE). Around 50 students in their final year of the Higher National Diploma (HND) actively participated in the seminar. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive of MQC explained the importance of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and it underlying principles particularly the transparency of qualifications which facilitate Life Long Learning and mobility of students and workers. Dr Calleja also explained that there is one Higher Education Area in the Malta Qualifications Framework with academic and professional degrees enjoying the same parity of esteem. Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications introduced the VQTS project and highlighted that Leonardo da Vinci projects promote cross-institutional co-operation for the benefit of knowledge transfer and primarily for a student-centred education based on quality.

This was one of the results of the VQTS project whereby partners from across Europe agreed on a template of a Memorandum of Understanding and a Competence Matrix. Mr John Sciberras, Director of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (MCAST)


went into the technical details of the Competence Matrix designed and developed by the project in which the Institute was the national expert providing technical expertise.

The Competence Matrix was tested by the technical experts indirectly involved in the project and in workshops in all the partner countries composed of VET and HE representatives. This seminar was very well received by the students who familiarised themselves with the MQF and with the co-operation among members of networks such as the VQTS Project.

Launching of the Referencing Report – Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta, 4 November 2009 MQC has linked the Malta Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA). MQC is currently leading the way to align the Malta Qualifications Frameworks to these two frameworks and obtain full transparency of qualifications at European level. The work carried out by the Council has been documented into a Referencing Report that was launched on the 4th November 2009 by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Hon. Dolores Cristina. The report was drawn up in accordance to the criteria and procedures agreed by the EQF Advisory Group and the Bologna Follow-Up Group. The Report was co-authored by Dr James Calleja Chief Executive of the Council and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications at MQC.

Around 80 guests from various private and public education and training institutions and stakeholders representing industry and social partners attended the launch of the Referencing Report which was held at the new premises of the European Commission’s Representation Office at St Paul’s Street, Valletta. The launch of the Report was hosted by the Malta Qualifications Council, in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Commission representation office in Malta. A number of distinguished foreign speakers were invited to Malta specifically for this event. Amongst these speakers were Mr Carlo Scatoli and Ms Anita Kremo from the European Commission, Mr Jens Bjornavold from CEDEFOP and Mr Sean O’Reilly from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. The latter also participated in a panel discussion together with Dr Grace Grima, Director General, Directorate Quality and Standards in Education, Prof. Maurice Grech, Principal Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Ms Veronica Grech, Registrar, University of Malta and Mr Laurence Mizzi, Malta Employers’ Association (MEA). The panel of Local and Foreign Speakers during the Launch of the Referencing Report

The guests during the Launch of the Referencing Report

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon Dolores Cristina during the Launch of the Referencing Report


Mutual Recognition of Qualifications – 4th Designated Authorities’ Conference – Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta, 4 November 2009MQC hosted the Annual Designated Authorities’ Conference at the new premises of the European Commission’s Representation Office at St Paul’s Street, Valletta. The half-day conference was attended by over 40 participants and the theme of this year’s conference was ‘The Essential Framework and Its Impact on the Recognition of Qualifications’. A number of foreign speakers including Mr Jens Bjornavold from CEDEFOP and Mr Sean O’Reilly from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland were invited to Malta for the launch of the Referencing Report of the Malta Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA) and were also invited to address this Conference.

A number of local speakers were also invited to address the audience present. These included Ms Helga Ellul President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the Chairman of the Malta Qualifications Council Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick, the Mutual Recognition Coordinator Dr James Calleja who chaired the Conference and Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager MQC. Dr James Calleja also holds the post of Chief Executive of the Malta Qualifications Council.

The hosting of this conference was made possible with the help of the European Commission providing the venue and financial support for the event.

The Annual Designated Authorities’ Conference


Publications and Promotional Material

MQRIC Information LeafletThis A4 Information Leaflet outlines the service provided by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Centre and provides information to prospective applications to acquire a Recognition Certificate. The leaflet was first distributed in January 2009 during the Europe Close to You Fair as well as during numerous conferences and exhibitions held during 2009. The information on this leaflet is in both English and Maltese.

MQC Information Leaflet This A5 Information Leaflet contains the Malta Qualifications

Framework as well as a brief description of MQC and the services it offers. The leaflet was distributed to various

stakeholders during a number of exhibitions held during 2009.

MQC’s Information Leaflet on Informal and Non-Formal LearningThis information leaflet outlines the difference between Informal and Non-Formal learning. The leaflet was produced as part of the campaign to launch the Validation Process of Informal and Non-Formal Learning.

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INLearning Publication and Promotional MaterialA number of publications were produced as direct results of the INLearning project. Amongst these printed material are an information leaflet, an A3 poster, bookmarks and stickers.

Pop-Up BannersDuring 2009 a number of pop-up

banners were designed and printed. These banners were used during a

number of exhibitions and conferences during 2008/2009. MQC produced 2

banners on the ESF projects specifically for the Science and Technology Festival,

a pop-up banner on the Referencing Report which was first used during the launch of the Referencing Report and

a pop-up banner on the validation of all forms of learning which was used for the

National Conference on the Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning

in December 2009. It is envisaged that these pop-up Banners will also be used

in other activities in 2010.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Boards A number of PVC boards were prepared for the Europe Close to you Fair which

was held n January 2009. The boards were also used in the Education Pavilion during

the International Fair held at the MFCC grounds in July 2009. The boards contain

information on the function and services of MQC, information on MQRIC and on the

International projects.

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Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning (VINFL) brochures This brochure was prepared for the VINFL conference which was held in December 2009. The brochure includes a roadmap for VINFL as well as information on the Validation Process. The benefits of the VINFL are listed according to the particular group that benefit from the VINFL. The information in the leaflet is in both English and Maltese.

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Referencing of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA)The Report officially establishes the referencing of the Malta Qualifications Framework to the EQF and the QF/EHEA in accordance with the criteria and procedures agreed by the EQF Advisory Group and the Bologna Follow-Up Group. The rationale behind referencing qualifications to a framework(s) is to give qualifications more value in terms of quality, transferability, progression and transparency. The political commitment of the Ministers responsible for Education to establish a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by 2010 and to refer national qualifications to the European Qualifications Framework by 2012 seeks to give this value to qualifications. The eight-level EQF is the benchmark with which all the NQFs will relate to, thus creating a comprehensive network of transparent qualifications in a knowledge-society which is characterised by mobility, competitiveness and innovation.

The Report details the level descriptors of the Malta Qualifications Framework and how these are referenced to the European Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area. It also outlines Malta’s position vis-à-vis a credit

system that cuts across the whole Framework of Qualifications as well as a comparative analysis of our Framework of Qualifications with those in other countries within and outside the European Union. National and international experts wrote very positive reviews on the methodology and content of the Report.

The Report was first presented by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive during the EQF–Advisory Group meeting which was held in Brussels on the 10-11 September 2009 and circulated in soft copy to all stakeholders in Malta particularly to the public and private education and training institutions and social partners for further consultation. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Dolores Cristina was presented with this Report on the 15th of July 2009 during her visit to MQC. The Report was formally launched on the 4th November 2009.

The Referencing Report was co-authored by Dr James Calleja and Ms Doris Mangion Senior Manager Standards and Qualifications of the MQC. This publication is available in both hard copies and on CD.

The Essential Framework – A quick glance at the Level Descriptors of the Malta Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning 2009This Handbook gathers together the most important results of the previous publication - Referencing of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA). The Handbook contains the Malta Qualifications Framework and the Level Descriptors for Levels 1 to 8. It also contains brief information on the credit system, the level rating of foreign qualifications offered in Malta and of locally designed qualifications as well as information on the NARIC-ENIC networks. The Handbook concludes with a table which compares the MQF to current European and International Qualifications Frameworks.


MQC Social Activities

Christmas Staff Meal December 2008

Staff Lunch - 13 August 2009

MQC meets ex-Chairman of MQC Mr Charles Mizzi 17 December 2009


MQC presented the ex-Chairman of MQC, Mr Charles Mizzi with a thank-you gift to show their appreciation for all the hard work and great dedication to the Council throughout his term as Chairman. All staff members were present on this occasion. Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive thanked and updated the ex-Chairman with the work the Council carried out in 2009. He also presented a copy of the Referencing Report to Mr Mizzi. Mr Mizzi was Chairman of the MQC Council since the Council was established in 2005. He was replaced in January 2009 by MQC’s present Chairman Mr Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick.

Christmas Staff Meal - 21 December 2009

Children’s Christmas Staff Party - 31 December 2009


6. New International Projects

1. FIRST – Financial Services EQF Translators – European Qualifications Framework for the Financial Services Sector in EUThe aim of this project is to enhance transparency and recognition of professional qualifications and certificates in banking and finance thus the mobility of professionals in the financial sector by defining practical and meaningful Translators for the Universal EQF Descriptors to be used by the financial services sector in the EU. This will be based on working processes and existing qualifications from the Financial Services Sector. MQC has been invited to participate in this Project as one of the International Project Partners. The Institute for Financial Services (IFS) in Malta will also be participating as a project partner. The project coordinator is from Poland and the other partners are from Luxemburg, Italy, Denmark, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Germany. The project will commence in 2010.

2. ProCoach– Applying EQF to golf coaches and EU sports qualficationsGolf is rapidly growing in Europe and the national PGAs in the established European golf markets have been working together on education policy for 18 years. There is increasing demand for professional golf coaches and increasing pressure on the PGAs of the Europe Education system. This project will use the education and certificate process for PGA professional golf coaches in Europe as a pilot to test the application of the EQF to professional sports associations in Europe. It will build on and use the expertise gained by the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment and others in previous EU-funded education and training projects in the sports sector. A wide-ranging, multi-sport partnership will deliver dissemination actions to spread project outputs beyond golf to other sports and other sectors. MQC has been invited to participate as a project partner. The coordinators are from the United Kingdom and France. The other Project Partners are from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic and Iceland. The project will commence in 2010.

3. NQF – SQF – Common Grounds for Referencing NQFs and SQFs to the EQFThe project is a mutual learning exercise on how to reference National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) and Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks (SQFs) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). MQC has been invited as a partner in the project and will be the leader of a Workpackage ‘Model of Collaboration between Sectoral/Public Stakeholders”. The Project will commence in 2010.

4. EQF Spread - Methodological proposals for the development of the Sectorial and National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF/SQF)The main aim of EQF-SPREAD project is to propose, from the point of view of the labour market-represented by Public administrations, social partners, training centres and companies, a methodology and a set of tools for the implementation and development of the EQF in the national and sectorial qualifications frameworks, considering: the experience from countries with a NQF already established, the learning outcomes in the 8 EQF qualification levels, the main occupations from the agricultural, industrial and services economic sectors, the VET and educational systems and the formal, non-formal and informal ways of learning. The project partners come from France, Bulgaria, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain (project coordinators) and the United Kingdom. The project will commence in 2010.

Coordinator Acronym Description

1. EBTN FIRST Financial Services

2. PGAsE ProCoach Golf

3. Mr Thiel NQF – SQF Common Grounds for Referencing NQFs and SQFs to the EQF

4. IFES (Spain) EQF Spread Continuation Foodfit


7. MQRIC Office

MQRIC’s (Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre) service grew tremendously during 2009. Whereas during the previous year MQRIC processed 2566 qualifications in 2009 the number grew to almost double that figure. 5025 requests for recognition were received with over 60% of these receiving a recognition statement within a reasonable timeframe. The Government scholarship schemes namely STEPS and MGSS contributed to such a large demand for MQRIC’s service.

The work within MQRIC requires research, continuous communication with the ENIC (Council of Europe/UNESCO) - NARIC (European Commission) networks and careful processing of the details describing credentials of qualifications at all levels of education from primary to higher education.

The offices of MQRIC are open to the General Public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and a regular flow of applicants come to MQC for assistance in filling in the application form and to present their certificates and submit their application form. A large number of applications for prospective qualifications are sent to the MQRIC and MQC generic email accounts.

In the fourth quarter of 2009 a new staff member joined the MQRIC office to bring up the number of MQRIC staff to three.

MQRIC Statistics 2009

Number of Applications Received 2324

Number of Qualification to Assess 4939

Left to Right: Ms Shirley Micallef, Ms Jane Nind and Ms Josephine Sultana MQRIC staff.


8. MQC’s participation in the Media


In this period under review MQC appeared in the printed media on over 80 occassions. This was either a result of a paid advert or by means of a Press Release.


Date Media Programme Presenter Topic MQC Staff

13-11-08 RTK L-Unjoni Ewropea Ms George Cremona MQC and International Ms Valerie Attard, u Int Projects Manager

24-03-09 RTK Ghalina Ilkoll Ms Sonia Young MQC, MQRIC, EQF Ms Doris Mangion, and MQF Senior Manager

21-07-09 TVM Ta’ Bundy Mr John Bundy MQC, MQRIC, EQF Dr James Calleja, and MQF Chief Executive

05-12-09 Favourite Channel Between the Mr Charlo Bonnici Referencing Report Dr James Calleja, Lines Mr Owen Bonnici Chief Executive

06-12-09 Education 22 Perspettiva Ms Joyce Grech Referencing Report Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager

19-12-09 RTK L-Unjoni Ewropea Mr George Cremona Referencing Report Ms Doris Mangion, u Int Senior Manager

27-12-09 Radju Malta Sehmna fl-Ewropa Ms Svetlana Curmi Referencing Report Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager

02-12-09 Education 22 Perspettiva Ms Joyce Grech National Conference Mr Richard Curmi, on VINFL Senior Manager

04-12-09 Radju Malta Sehmna fl-Ewropa Ms Svetlana Curmi VINFL, INLearning Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager

17-12-09 RTK L-Unjoni Ewropea Mr George Cremona VINFL, INLearning Mr Richard Curmi, u Int Senior Manager

List of MQC’s participation in Audio-Visual Media Programmes


Launch of INLearning website October 2009The INLearning website www.inlearning.eu was designed and launched as one of the project deliverables. The INLearning project aims to promote social inclusion through developing a methodology framework for the validation of informal and non-formal learning. The website was designed by JCM and is updated in house by MQC staff. The website is also hosted by JCM. The website will be maintained for the duration of the project which runs up to January 2011.

The design of the website is such to bring out the design of the INLearning logo. The website is easy to navigate through the menu displayed on the left hand side of the website. The website also contains a search facility and gives users the option of printing out the web-pages in a printer-friendly manner.

The website contains information on this EU project as well as on the project partners. It also features a partners’ login section in which information can be uploaded into a restricted area of the website. The main pages include the diary of events, a news section, publications and links.

Launch of MQC’s new website November 2009MQC launched a new website www.mqc.gov.mt The site was designed by Alert Communications Ltd whose main remit was to create a portal which empowered its users to easily access the information in the site.

Using the latest technologies for web design and the latest style trends the MQC site was given a fresh look. After various meetings with MQC staff Alert Communications came up with an uncluttered design which improves user experience. This was also achieved through the creation of easy-to-use menus, better use of space in the homepage and a number of navigational aides placed on the site making it easier for users to find and access information. The MQC website is powered by an advanced content management system – the Alert Web Publisher.

The homepage is now broken down into 5 main sections – the Malta Qualifications Framework, Standards and Qualifications, Accreditation and Validation, Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) and the Office of the Mutual Recognition Coordinator. The right hand side is dedicated to MQC’s news and events whilst the left hand side features the main menu which can be clicked to be broken down into the submenus.

Other new sections in the website include the pages of documents and publications, projects and promotional material. Any user who wishes to access an application form for the recognition of a prospective or a current qualification may also do so by direct access from the homepage. The website is hosted by MITA and is kept and updated in-house by MQC personnel.

9. MQC OnlineOnline


MQC has been awarded two European Social Fund (ESF) Projects - ESF 1.28 VQPACK and ESF 1.29 SKILLSPLUS.

ESF 1.28 VQPACK 2008 – 2011This European Social Fund project aims to establish a synergy between the training providers and the job suppliers. It will enhance the role of VET in Malta by making VET visible to learners in compulsory education.

The total amount of EU funding allocated for this project amounts to €383,087. The project outcomes are as follows - • SettingupofaConsultation Research Task Force for each qualifications field;• TheconductionofResearch Study;• Thesettingupofjoint expert groups for each qualification field of the nine sectors; • ThecompilationandpublicationofaVQcompetencematrices manual for vocational

qualifications currently offered by MCAST/ ITS/ Heritage Malta in nine work sectors, namely Art & Design, Community Services; Agribusiness; Building and Construction Engineering; Business & Commerce; Electrical & Electronics Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Tourism Studies; and Heritage Studies;

• TheformulationofanInformation Guide and 12 CD Career Path Pack related to the nine key areas on the process of programme design and accreditation of VET; and

• Theorganisationofpublic seminars for dissemination of information related to the competence matrix manual and the use of the information guide and 12 CD career Patch Pack.

ESF 1.29 SKILLSPLUS 2008 – 2011 This European Social Fund project maps skills in 9 defined key sectoral areas to match occupational standards leading to formal certification and quality assurance, in order to enhance employment. The 9 sectoral areas are Art & Design, Community Services, Agribusiness, Building and Construction Engineering, Business & Commerce, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Tourism Studies and Heritage Studies.

The total amount of EU funding allocated for this project amounts to €354,167. The project outcomes are as follows - • Settingupofaconsultationresearchtaskforce inordertoundertakethestudyand

propose the legal and management structure for the design of occupational standards and the validation of informal and non-formal learning.

• ResearchStudy in trends ineach specifickey sector.DesignandPublicationof the

Coordinator Acronym Description

1. MQC Skills+ Design, publication and promotion of Occupational Standards

2. MQC VQPack Design, publication and promotion of Competence Matrices of VET Qualifications

10. European Social Fund Projects


Occupational Standards in nine sectors/key areas. • ThesettingupofthenineSectoralSkillsUnitsinthenineworkrelatedsectorsinvolving

a number of experts within each identified vocational sector to define the competences which apply to job roles/occupations in the form of statements of performance, knowledge and the evidence required to confirm the competence.

• Research study for matching skills exercise within each of the nine key areas. Thepublication of a manual containing occupational standards.

• Thedesignofthedraftlegislationforthevalidationofinformalandnon-formallearning.• ProductionofnineDVDpacksoncareerpathsintheidentifiedsectors.

The Consultation Process, including both local and international experts, will facilitate the finalisation of the national occupational standards as a framework for the legislation of informal and non-formal learning.


Ms Maria Bartolo Galea, Senior Executive, Employment and Training Corporation (ETC)

Ms Margaret Buhagiar, Sales & Administration Manager, Salesian Press

Ms Jeanelle Catania, Assistant Project Manager, Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI)

Mr Joseph Farrugia, Director- General, Malta Employers’ Association (MEA)

Ms Veronica Grech, Registrar, University of Malta

Mr Karl Grech, Senior Executive, Malta Tourism Authority

Mr Godfrey Kenely, General Manager, Outlook Co-Op

Mr John Sciberras, Director Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (MCAST)

Dr Maria Sciriha, Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family

Ms Claire Seguna, Lecturer, Institute of Mechanical Engineering (MCAST)

Mr Emmanuel Zahra, Director, Institute of Mechanical Engineering (MCAST)

11. MQC’s Main Achievements in Numbers

International Activities 52

National Activities 24

Participation in National Fairs/Festivals 5

EQF/NQF Consultation Process Activities 9

Publications 7

Publicity Boards/Banners 7

New Websites 2

Current Projects 6

New International Projects 6

Participation on Radio/ TV programmes 9

Inclusion in Printed Media Approx 80

MQRIC Applications to Assess 4939

MQRIC Applications Assessed 2919

12. Officers who accompanied MQC Staff in International Activities abroad

Malta Qualifications Council - NCFHE Reports/Annual_Report_2009__1.pdfthat the Malta Qualifications...

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Transcript of Malta Qualifications Council - NCFHE Reports/Annual_Report_2009__1.pdfthat the Malta Qualifications...