Annual survey reveals wide adoption of EQAVET framework in vocational education and training The 2022 survey conducted by the EQAVET National Reference Points (NRPs) has provided valuable insights into the implementation of the EQAVET Framework © Canva The survey aimed to gather information on the long-term trends related to the implementation of EQAVET across various countries, covering EU27 countries, including separate responses from Belgium-fr and Belgium-nl, four EFTA countries (Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland), and seven EU candidate countries or potential candidate countries (Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo). The survey received a total of 34 responses. Key findings from the survey include: Adoption of EQAVET The survey reveals that the EQAVET Framework continues to be widely adopted in national quality assurance (QA) systems. Out of the 28 countries surveyed, 24 use the EQAVET quality cycle, 19 use EQAVET indicative descriptors, and 21 use EQAVET indicators in their QA systems. The use of the EQAVET Framework has remained stable since 2018, indicating a slowdown in the rate of expansion after a period of rapid growth between 2013 and 2018. Expansion of QA Systems While the overall use of EQAVET has not changed significantly, there has been an increase in the coverage of national QA systems in the EU27 countries. Some countries have extended their systems to include not only initial vocational education and training (IVET) but also associated work-based learning. Additionally, more countries now have a common QA approach at the provider level. Stakeholder Involvement Stakeholder involvement in QA systems is relatively common, with providers and employers being the most frequently engaged stakeholders. However, higher education institutions are less commonly involved Quality Standards and Accreditation Most countries have established quality standards and procedures for accrediting providers in vocational education and training (VET). The use of quality standards and provider accreditation has remained consistent since 2018. However, the number of countries with external review systems has declined. National Reference Points (NRPs) Most countries have established NRPs for EQAVET implementation, with agencies funded by ministries being the most common hosts for NRPs. NRPs have various responsibilities, including networking for QA and reporting, describing national QA arrangements, and leading developments for implementing and enhancing the EQAVET Framework. Usage of EQAVET Indicative Descriptors and Indicators EQAVET indicative descriptors are predominantly used in the planning and implementation stages rather than in review and evaluation. Their usage is more prevalent in initial vocational education and training (IVET) than in continuing vocational education and training (CVET). However, there is significant variation in their use across countries and indicators. Some indicators, such as education standards and assessment standards, are widely used, while others have lower adoption rates. Changes in EQAVET Indicator Usage The overall use of EQAVET indicators has remained consistent between 2018 and 2022. However, indicators related to the relevance of QA systems for VET providers and investment in teacher and trainer training have seen a decrease in usage, while indicators related to placement rates in VET programs and occupation outcomes after training have increased. Overall, the survey indicates continued support and utilisation of the EQAVET framework in the EU27 countries and beyond. While there is variation in the adoption of indicative descriptors and indicators, the use of EQAVET remains more widespread in IVET than in CVET, although the gap is narrowing. Further exploration is needed to understand the application of EQAVET in other VET sectors, such as adult learning and private training. Dive into the findings of the 2022 EQAVET survey to gain insights into the current state of vocational education and training QA systems.