Milestone In Reform Of Education & Training Qualifications Announced
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland announced today (17 October) the publication of a national framework of qualifications. The framework will bring an increased clarity to the meaning of each type of qualification allowing qualifications to be compared easily.
The document The National Framework of Qualifications – An Overview was launched today at a conference in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms. Mary Harney, T.D.. The conference was attended by over 300 participants including representatives from a wide range of education and training institutions and awarding bodies. There were also many representatives present from learner groups, trade unions, the world of business, Government Departments, State bodies and the community and voluntary sector.
Seán Ó Foghlú, Chief Executive of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, giving an overview of the Framework, pointed out that the need for the framework arises in the main from the national objective of moving towards a ‘lifelong learning society’, in which learners will avail of learning opportunities at various stages throughout their lives.
“The Framework embodies a vision for the recognition of learning,” he said “The vision is based on an understanding of learning as a lifelong process. It involves the recognition of all learning activity throughout life within a personal, civic, social or employment related perspective. This is a radical development. It introduces a new approach to the meaning of an award, based on learning outcomes – what a person with an award knows, can do and understands”.
The framework includes the awards of the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the universities, the State Examinations Commission (Department of Education and Science) and the Dublin Institute of Technology. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the two awards Councils were established in 2001 under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999.
Related documents published today by the Authority were three technical papers, setting out
- the key decisions that define the National Framework of Qualifications
- the policies underpinning the Framework
- policies, actions and procedures for access, transfer and progression for learners.
Mr. Ó Foghlú added
"Today marks the end of the first developmental phase and the start of the implementation phase. We have been engaged with a wide range of stakeholders in learning in a lengthy process of consultation and policy development over the past 18 months. Many thanks are due to all of those who have helped in the development of the framework to date. Continuing co-operation and considerable effort will need to be invested in implementation."
