Detailed roadmap for the eqf referencing of the nqf in fyrom

Next steps

In July 2015 the consortium for implementation of the IPA Twinning project (2015-2017) Further Improvement of the System for Development and Implementation of the National Qualifications Framework was selected. Project activities will start in mid-January 2016. The overall objective of the project is to support the process of further improvement of the system for development and implementation of MQF in line with the EQF. The specific objective of the project is strengthening of the national capacities for effective and efficient functioning of the National Qualifications Framework. Main actions foreseen:

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  Overview of the relevant legislation regarding the NQF
  
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  Strengthening the institutional capacities of the NQF national system
  
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  Further improvement of the qualifications as starting point for establishment of the NQF
  
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  Improvement of qualifications standards based on further development of standards/curricula.
  

Important projects are the implementation phase, others will start in 2016. The results of the projects will contribute to meeting important challenges presented in Chapter 8:

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  The on-going Skills Development and Innovation Support project is financed with the World Bank loan. One component of the project is the Modernization of Secondary Technical Vocational Education and Training with two sub-components: (i) Quality and labor market relevance of TVET through development of curricula and programmes based on occupational standards, assessment of the secondary TVET school network, development of a training programme for teachers and other staff, development of training materials and provision of equipment for school-based practical training and (ii) Improvement of the school-industry collaboration trough school grants. The process of establishment of a Skills Observatory will contribute to strengthening and linking the labor market and education information systems. The Observatory will make available to the public, policy-makers and stakeholders information on the performance (e.g. students placed in practical training at firms, job placements after graduation) and resources available (e.g. courses, companies providing internship and practical training opportunities, infrastructure, training) in VET schools, higher education institutions, as well as general labor market information on employment opportunities and wages in different occupations and sectors.
  

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  In 2016 the implementation of the IPA project Enhancing Lifelong Learning through Modernizing the Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education Systems will start. It aims at development of new standards of occupations and standards of qualifications, reforming curricula, improvement of adult education, practical work, cooperation between stakeholders and teachers in 2-year and 3-year VET, supply of teaching equipment for vocational training, supply of software to the schools and to support the modernization of the system for post-secondary education, including the analysis and updating the legislation on post-secondary education according to labor market needs.
  

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  Support to the modernization of the system for post-secondary education 
  

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  Project in support to the introduction of ECVET
  

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  In 2016 an IPA project Cooperation between Higher Education Institutions, Private Sector and Relevant Public Bodies will start. The main goal of the project is straightening the cooperation between the higher education institutions and the business community trough practical work of the students in companies.
  

4 National Qualifications Framework

The Republic of Macedonia develops the MQF as an instrument for communication between the stakeholders and for reforming the education and training system. A major objective of the MQF is transparency of qualifications and flexibility of paths to qualifications. The MQF makes lifelong learning visible and encourages people to engage in learning. As a consequence, eventually the MQF supports the development of a knowledge and skills based society, human resource development for growth and competitive economy, increased social inclusion, harmonised social development, promotion and facilitation of lifelong learning and mobility of citizens during the acquisition of qualifications and employment.

4.1. Principles

The MQF is based on the following principles:

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  Learning outcomes are expressed through knowledge and understanding, skills and competence;
  
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  Classification of qualifications at levels and sub-levels;
  
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  Transferability of credits;
  
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  Comparability with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF);
  
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  Quality assurance in the process of development of qualifications and acquisition of qualifications;
  
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  Providing conditions for equal access to education throughout the whole life for the acquisition and recognition of qualifications;
  
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  Strengthening the competitiveness of the Macedonian economy that is based on human potentials and
  
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  Building a system for validation of non-formal and informal learning.
  

4.2. Objectives and functions

The MQF has the following objectives:

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  To clearly define learning outcomes,
  
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  To establish a system for valuing different qualifications within the overall system of qualifications,
  
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  To encourage and promote learning throughout the whole life (lifelong learning),
  
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  To demonstrate the clear links between different parts of the education and training system,
  
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  To indicate the transfer and progression (horizontally and vertically) throughout and within all types of education and training (formal, non-formal and informal),
  
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  To enable international comparability of qualifications,
  
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  To promote the importance of key competences for lifelong learning and professional competence,
  
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  To ensure the mobility of participants in the process of education and training, and inclusion in the labour market, at the national and international level,
  
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  To create a single system for quality assurance,
  
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  To balance the quality of service providers,
  
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  To ensure the cooperation of all stakeholders,
  
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  To ensure harmonisation with economic, social and cultural needs of the country and
  
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  To be part of the developments within the European Qualifications Framework.
  

The MQF coordinates and integrates all stakeholders by taking into consideration the needs of the labour market, the society and the individuals. It enables transparency and recognition of the qualifications acquired in the Republic of Macedonia and abroad.