National Qualifications Frameworks 

and Competency-Based Training

National Qualifications Frameworks

National Qualification Frameworks (NQFs) facilitate lifelong learning, help enterprises and employment agencies match skills demand with supply, and guide individuals in the choice of their careers. The 88th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2000) asked the ILO to:

• develop a database on best practices in developing NQFs,

• conduct a general study on the comparability of different national qualification frameworks based on the database;

• undertake research into recognition of prior learning.

A conceptual framework for this undertaking is being developed at present that will subsequently be submitted to an informal experts meeting.

Competency-Based Training (CBT)

In the global economy human competence is becoming a major competitive factor. Competence comprises knowledge, practical and social skills which can be effectively used in a given social and economic context. As employment patterns and skill demand undergo rapid changes in the global economy, competency-based training has become a major topic of international Vocational Education and Training (VET) discussions and fora.

Under the competency approach a trainee learns certain defined competencies to pre-determined performance standards and is assessed on the basis of the demonstrated ability to perform in a given workplace or employment situation rather than on a specific training course undertaken. In this respect, "Regional Models Industry Competency Standards" are developed under an ongoing APSDEP/ILO project that will produce model industry competency standards (MICS) for several industry sectors, as well as a manual and guidelines on how to develop and establish Competency-based Standards.

ILO's approach to competency-based training delivery

In the context of vocational education and training (VET) system reforms, many countries are introducing competency-based training following a modular delivery approach. Salient features of competency-based modular training are flexible delivery, cost-effective skills upgrading for existing workers, training and retraining of youth, adults and unemployed, and emphasis on employability to ensure that training matches the skill requirements of the economy including Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in urban and rural areas. It also provides opportunities for lifelong learning.

The ILO has over the last three decades gained substantial experience in the area of modular training through the development and application of a training methodology known as Modules of Employable Skills (MES).

The design and further development of a wide range of well-known MES training materials, action oriented tools and instruments, integration of information and communication technology for application and adaptation by member countries is one of the priorities set for the period 2001-2003. These activities are meant to support the technical cooperation programmes promoted and executed by the ILO in the field of skills development.

The main expected outcomes of the TPE Unit's work related to NQFs and CBT are:

• A Policy Handbook identifying training strategies and setting guidelines for reorienting training towards the competency approach and lifelong learning (2002);

• ILO's approach to competency-based modular training.

• A comprehensive Web-site connecting the International Network of Modular Training Providers promoted by the ILO.

• An increased number of the ILO technical co-operation projects and advisory services in the introduction of competency-based modular training to training and retraining of the workforce.