SECTORAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT AND PERSPECTIVES FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

Qualification frameworks are regarded as one of the key tools in standardizing and harmonizing professional qualifications at different levels and for different sectors of the economy, enabling comparison of qualifications obtained in different countries. This paper reviews a typo­logy of qualifications frameworks, characterizes pan-European sectoral qualifications frame­works and explores European public policy on sectoral qualifications frameworks. The research is based on a neo-institutional approach. Findings indicate that qualification frameworks cover different geographic levels and subject areas. Sectoral frameworks of qualifications are designed to help in harmonizing the knowledge, skills and competences necessary for effective professional activity, as well as in creating a transparent system of recognition of qualifications. Sectoral ones can be implemented at different levels – from national to transnational, and relate to both broad and narrow fields. Research demonstrated that the framework development process is based on the broad involvement of various stakeholders from education and the labor market. Such work includes: audit or functional analysis of existing qualifications, professional standards and education standards, summarization and updating of information on qualifications in demand on the labor market, step-by-step design of the framework of qualifications with filling according to different levels of qualifications and different descriptors; approval of the branch/sectoral framework of qualifications by the authorized body; if necessary – referencing, comparison with the European Qualifications Framework or other frameworks. The undertaken analysis of the European, in particular, Polish experience, where the elaboration of sectoral frameworks is institutionalized within the public policy and practice (20 sectoral sectoral frameworks were placed into Integrated System of Qualifications), has shown that the role of industry stakeholders consists in the elaboration of decisions and recommendations formulated in the framework, as well as in the implementation of this framework in practice. In conclusion, there is no clear policy in Ukraine for sectoral qualifications frameworks so far. In the future, the mechanisms for the development of such a framework should be legally determined, in particular, the institutional responsibility of various stakeholders, including the National Qualifications Agency.