Possibilities for enhancing permeability from VET to HE by using the VQTS model

Recognising prior learning in order to enhance permeability between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) is included in European-wide educational policies and is high on the official agenda in many European countries. The introduction of accreditation of prior learning (APL) is seen as an attempt to create new paths in education and training and a more flexible transition between VET and HE, to reduce redundancies on the interface between VET and HE and to shorten the duration of learning in HE. In this paper, some examples of accreditation of vocational learning outcomes in HE in Austria will be presented before introducing an instrument, the Vocational Qualification Transfer System (VQTS) model. The paper offers an outline of how this approach can also be used in the context of APL to enhance permeability from VET to HE and explores how the VQTS model can be applied to make the overlapping areas of the competence profiles of VET and HE qualifications visible, to develop solutions for how to overcome problems on the interface between VET and HE and to establish new forms of partnerships between VET and (practice oriented) HE providers. The results of this process can not only be used to recognise learning outcomes on an individual basis but also to promote sustainable advancement from VET to HE by establishing new partnerships between VET and HE providers.

Available papers from this conference are indexed from TD/TNC 94.551 to TD/TNC 94.577. Show less