17 October 2003

The National Qualifictions Authority of Ireland, in association with the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment launched the publication of a national framework of qualifications.

The launch of the National Framework of Qualifications is an important event. The Framework brings about significant changes in the systems and structures of education and training in Ireland. It is the single entity - nationally and internationally accepted - through which all learning achievements may be measured and related to each other in a coherent way. The framework also defines the relationship between all education and training awards. The result is a more transparent and understandable qualifications system, enabling and encouraging learners to achieve awards for lerning on a lifelong basis.

The Authority has published a report, prepared by Cynthia Deane, Options Consulting, on the employment perspective and the development of the national framework of qualifications. This concerns two focus group meetings of persons who deal directly with issues concerning qualifications and awards in the workplace. Participants shared their experiences and expertise in identifying the issues and benefits that will flow from the establishment of the national framework of qualifications and the key issues for the Authority and the awards bodies in the next stages of implementing and communicating the framework. (Please click here for further information)