MQC hosts European Training Foundation study visit

Earlier this month, the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) hosted a European Training Foundation (ETF)-sponsored study visit for six high officials from Kosovo, an ETF partner country aspiring to become an independent state and eventually join the European Union.

The aim of the study visit was to develop awareness and understanding of national qualifications frameworks in the EU and in particular review examples of qualifications laws from the host country and identify reference legislation for their own country.

Malta and Estonia were the two examples chosen for good practice in the design of a national qualifications framework. During their stay in Malta, the Kosovar delegation met Education Minister Louis Galea, who spoke to them about the importance of leadership in educational reform and Malta's commitment to increase the participation rate of our population in education and training.

Dr Galea said that reform requires good planning and consultation, specific timeframes and the right persons to lead the process.

Referring to Malta's achievements in vocational education and training, he said enormous progress had been achieved so far but we still had a long way to go to achieve excellence in all sectors. However, the vision is now clear and many structures are in place to achieve quality education from pre-primary to higher education.

Other meetings were held with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Frans Borg, the director-general and other directors at the Education Division. The delegation held other meetings at the University of Malta, MCAST, ITS, the Chamber of Commerce, MATSEC and the Malta Restoration Centre.

Council members of the MQC briefed the delegation on various aspects of the Maltese economy, the structure and assessment system of the University of Malta, the examinations system of MATSEC as well as the Qualifications and Recognition Information Centre's (QRIC) system of recognition of certification.

The acting chief executive of the MQC, Dr James Calleja, co-ordinated the study visit and discussions on the design and implementation of a national qualifications framework.

The council is launching the proposed National Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning later this month.

Malta's proposed NQF is based on the European Qualifications Framework which was adopted by the Commission on September 5 and the European Parliament by an overwhelming majority (535 votes to 18, with 10 abstentions) on September 29.

In his report, Thomas Mann (EPP-ED Germany) said that "with the help of the EQF, many barriers should be removed and employees and employers will be able to make better use of their skills. Mobility between member states and various systems of education should be made easier."