SUBJECT: THE “NATIONAL DIGITAL QUALIFICATION PROGRAM” DRAFT UP FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION
As a nationally represented employers’ organization, BIA supports the development and future implementation of the National Program "Digital Qualification". We fully share the idea that this program will contribute to strengthening the link between education, research, employers, and the various institutions in the educational system, including those at the European level, in the field of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The program, however, identifies a very narrow range of stakeholders as beneficiaries. In contrast, the text of the program states that the expected results include the participation of business representatives. As per the program: “Attracted business representatives as teachers and leading practical classes for students in higher education. Business representatives are involved as teachers (incl. practical training) in the school education system. ” But, at the same time, the business is not specified as a beneficiary.
“А platform for cooperation and a network (of teachers, coaches, and business representatives) for sharing experience, for managing the whole process, incl. and issuing qualification certificates to trainees" are set as indicators for the implementation of the program and an indicative parameter.
The general impression of the program is that the business will partake in all activities, processes, evaluation parameters, and expected results. On the other hand, it is not specified or regulated what exactly the participation of business organizations will be, and in particular, the nationally represented employers' organizations. Other training organizations also have thorough experience in conducting adult training and professional development in lifelong learning.
One of the criteria for assessing the quality of vocational training provided by vocational training centers, according to the requirements of the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET), is the number of trained teachers in vocational training centers (VTC). So this activity is directly related to VET and the training of teaching staff that VET uses to train adults – both employed and unemployed. As it is well known, the quality of the staff has a direct relationship with the economy, production, development of the business environment and the prosperity of society.
Based on the findings, BIA has the following proposals:
- Vocational training centers and non-governmental organizations that have experience in conducting the pieces of training specified in the program should be included as beneficiaries and should be directly involved in the program. One of the possibilities is the registration of those wishing to take part in the training based on pre-regulated criteria. Relevant industry certificates could also be criteria for admittance in the program - for example, if someone is going to teach the MS Office package, then he/she need to have a certificate from Microsoft;
- Representatives of business and non-governmental organizations should be involved in the development of methodological materials and curricula. They could also bring helpful insight for the development of innovative approaches and modern learning platforms;
- The nationally represented employers' organizations should be included in the quality control of the pieces of training. We pay special attention to the important European approach to ensuring the quality of qualifications.
As a nationally represented employers’ organization, BIA is prepared to cooperate and take part in the implementation of the Digital Qualification Program.
