Institutional and Cultural Determinants of National VET Systems : Problems arising with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on cultural patterns determining national VET systems and policies around the world. Within established typologies VET systems are normally distinguished by referring to institutions and steering mechanisms. However, behind these, cultural patterns underlie both the practice and the theory as well as the policy of VET in various countries. Specific problems arise when it comes to "harmonising" VET systems "through the backdoor". One of the current supranational instruments in this context is the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The paper picks up "matching problems" related to the philosophy of this framework by referring to the German, the French and the British VET system respectively. As we here refer to "dual systems", "school-based systems" and "industry-led systems" respectively, the pre-conditions for transforming European policy into national policies are very different. One major aspect here is the institutional framework, including forms and practices of non-state intervention into the VET system and the responsibility of non-state institutions. In Germany, the chamber system represents a cultural construction which, at first sight at least, seems incompatible with many European ideas accompanying the present "Lisbon-Brugge-Copenhagen Process" which demands the opening-up of education and VET in the context of concepts such as the "Learning Economy" or "Lifelong Learning". VET systems with a strong focus on initial training hereby obviously face the most serious challenges. Solutions may lie in a "nation-specific" strategy which encourages and enables change without dumping the benefits and the functionality of the established system.