The process of developing systemic solutions regarding formulating and assessing transversal key competences (TKC) within the vocational and education (VET) qualifications is challenging task. In many EU countries it is still in the early phase and a number of issues remain to be solved. It is particularly challenging for countries in which VET systems are based on the state external summative exams. The process of designing systemic solutions regarding formulation and assessment of TKC can be supported by learning from international and policy instrument choice theories. Such analyses can expand knowledge about potential policy choices and help decision makers to find the most appropriate solutions. They can also provide necessary knowledge to key stakeholders – VET schools, employers, trade unions and others to increase the level and efficiency of their commitment to modernization of VET qualifications. Also EU VET policy and relevant strategies stress the importance and demand for such analyses.
We recognize the issues related to developing, assessing and validating TKC in the VET systems based on external state exams as not sufficiently studied and requiring more in-depth approach than we have so far.
The TRACK-VET project objective is therefore to provide evidence based support to national governments, EU agencies and key stakeholders in designing policies regarding development, assessment and validation of TKC. It provides systematized knowledge on the policies, practices and techniques regarding TKC applied in different EU countries in which external system of examination is in place. Each analyzed country case will include a description regarding defining TKC in the VET curricula, assessment methods, techniques, solutions and current debate on further development of TKC in the national system.
Basing on the analysis of the national practices, discussions with stakeholders and associated partners the project will provide model solutions regarding developing and accessing TKC, including recommendations for EU, national level policy makers and relevant national agencies.
The project is implemented in partnership of Warsaw School of Economics (Poland) – SGH, Austrian Institute for Research on Vocational Training (Austria) – Oeibf, Fafo Institute for Labour and Social Research (Norway) – Fafo, French Centre for Research on Qualifications (France) – Cereq, National Institute for Certified Educational Measurements (Slovakia) – NUCEM, Matej Bel University Banska Bystrica (Slovakia) – UMB and National Centre for Education (Latvia) – VISC.
Warsaw School of Economics is the lead partner of the TRACK-VET project.
The TRACK-VET project was being funded by the Erasmus+ programme (2017-2020).