This scheme provides an opportunity to connect higher education and vocational training. Occupation-specific vocational training has long focused on offering levels 1, 2 and 3 of the National Catalogue of Professional Qualifications (CNCP, for its initials in Spanish), which are the levels available in this catalogue. However, the reality of the labour market suggests that in many cases, given the characteristics of the skills required, lifelong vocational training should reach levels 4 and 5 of the CNCP, which correspond to levels 2 and 3 of the Catalan Higher Education Qualifications Framework. For this reason, we need to cross the frontier between high-level vocational training and higher education, which leads us to the design of short learning programmes (SLPs).
In this pilot programme, SLPs are defined as having the following characteristics:
- At level 2 or 3 under the Catalan Higher Education Qualifications Framework, and at level 4 or 5 in the National Catalogue of Professional Qualifications.
- Credit load: between 5 and 60 ECTS credits.
- ECTS credits earned are recognisable in official qualifications.
- Provider: Catalan universities.
- In line with labour market needs.
- Target public: non-traditional students.
The methodology for designing SLPs and assessing said design follows the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and takes into account the specific requirements established by the Catalan Public Employment Service.
In 2020 the pilot project focused on the need to improve the workforce's ICT skills. AQU Catalunya has assessed the design of seven programmes in this field, and nine universities have shown interest in offering at least two SLPs.
Short learning programmes | Universities |
---|
| UAB | UdG | UdL | UOC | UPC | UPF | URL | URV | UVic |
Java Back End Web Developer | x | | | | | x | x | | |
Open Source Back End Web Developer | x | | | | | | x | | x |
Front End Developer | x | | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Android Mobile Developer | x | | x | x | x | | x | x | x |
Consultor CRM | x | x | | | x | | | | |
Cloud Deployer | x | | | x | x | x | x | | |
Data Scientist | x | x | | x | | x | x | | |
TOTAL | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
This experience has made it possible to reflect on the strengths and areas for improvement in SLP assessment. Among the strengths, it should be noted that AQU Catalunya has been a useful tool for meeting a societal need. External assessment guarantees the recognition of SLPs in higher education institutions. It also ensures quality and builds trust in this type of credential. However, the programmes are limited in type and deal exclusively with the Government's strategic needs. Given the workload associated with the external assessment of the programmes and their short lifespan (as they need to adapt very quickly to market needs), it seems reasonable to look for another external quality assurance strategy and to focus more on internal quality assurance systems.