The Malta Qualifications Council has been awarded a second European Qualifications Framework (EQF) pilot project worth over €260,000. The project focuses on the validation of informal and non-formal learning and its referencing to the EQF.
The project aims to develop a tool to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion among people who do not possess any formal qualifications within their national framework and the EQF and are at risk of being unemployed.
The 24-month project, which is due to start in the first quarter of 2009, aims to promote social inclusion through the development of a methodology framework for the validation of informal and non-formal learning through the use of a 'Lifepass,' applicable across different sectors and which may be used throughout Europe.
This general methodological tool is to be tried and tested in various jobs in seven different sectors including printing, agribusiness, construction, transport, security, child care, and hospitality. The process involves identifying occupational standards in terms of knowledge, skills and competences for a number of jobs in each sector and which need to be assessed for validation.