The Helsinki Communiqué outlines the priorities for European co-operation on VET
The ministers in charge of vocational education and training (VET) from 33 countries and European social partners chaired by Mr Antti Kalliomäki, Finland’s Minister for Education and Science, convened in Helsinki on Tuesday. The meeting adopted the Helsinki Communiqué, which sums up the challenges facing VET and outlines the priorities for the 'Copenhagen Process' on European cooperation in VET. aiming at improving the overall performance, quality and attractiveness of VET in Europe.
“The Copenhagen Process has successfully highlighted the significance of European vocational education and training in developing skills and competences, and in improving competitiveness. We must have a broad skills base to support a society based on competence and innovation,” says Kalliomäki.
The Communiqué's urges the need to develop common tools supporting the mobility of students and workers and improving transparency and recognition of vocational qualifications. It sets 2010 as the target year. These common tools include the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) improving the comparability of European qualifications and the European credit system for vocational education and training (ECVET), the testing of which will be the focus of the upcoming work. Another important tool is the EUROPASS, which is already in use and which will be further developed.
In addition, the Communiqué sets as a goal to lay a solid foundation for comparable statistics in VET by the next follow-up meeting of the process in 2008. “In future, special attention has to be paid to the development of statistical knowledge so that we can found our development activities on a reliable factual ground. More important than gathering new information is to systematically utilise the information already existing,” said Kalliomäki.
With the adoption of the Helsinki Communiqué, the Copenhagen Process is moving to an implementation phase. The Communiqué emphasises that it is crucial to the success of the process that all stakeholders take part in it. “We are now facing a new stage – putting the process into practice and involving the VET providers and institutions. Here we have a challenging task ahead of us,” said Kalliomäki.
“At this phase of the process, it is important for us to continue our successful co-operation. The Helsinki Communiqué prompts all participating countries and social partners to actively improve the performance, quality and attractiveness of vocational education and training,” added Kalliomäki.
“Vocational education and training systems in Europe are very varied. Despite this – or, in my opinion, because of this – we have succeeded well in promoting co-operation in vocational education and training. Diversity is also an asset,” concluded Kalliomäki.
Further information:
- Timo Lankinen, Government Counsellor, tel. +358 9 160 77391
- Tarja Riihimäki, Counsellor of Education; tel. +358 9 160 77348
- Mikko Nupponen, Counsellor of Education, tel. +358 9 160 77944
- Tiina Palomäki, Press Officer, tel. +358 9 160 77484, mobile +358 40 704 2545
- The meeting website: http://www.minedu.fi/vet2006