ALVAR
in nutshell
Competence-based vocational qualifications in Finland
Main principles
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Qualifications are not dependent
on whether the competence has been acquired through work
experience, studies or other activities. |
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Demonstration of skills and evaluation of
skills. Vocational skills are demonstrated through competence
tests. Working life and professionals in education take
part in evaluation. |
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Co-operation between working life and educational
institutions. Representatives of workers, employers and
educational institutions are involved in all phases. |
Three levels in the competence tests
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vocational upper secondary qualifications |
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further vocational qualifications |
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specialist vocational qualifications |
The system of competence-based qualifications offers the adult
population in particular a flexible way to renew and maintain
their vocational skills. Obtaining a competence-based qualification
requires competence in the skills of the field. The skill requirements
have been set, in collaboration with the trade and industry,
on the basis of work modules in working life.
Compulsory training for competence-based qualifications is
provided especially by organizations specializing in adult education.
Qualification committees make the contracts for arranging competence
tests primarily with them.
The system of competence-based qualifications started in 1995.
In 2007, more than 65,000 persons took part in competence tests.
ALVAR - Quality Assurance in competence based tests
ALVAR pays attention to customer needs and makes the
co-operation of test organizers possible. ALVAR is also the
centre of know-how, development and services of the competence-based
vocational qualification process.
ALVAR provides competence tests that have standard level
or requirements and are comparable level
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gives training on organizing
of qualifications |
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provides information on competence-based
vocational qualification system |
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takes part in development of the system |
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provides other support to organizers and
qualification committees. |
ALVAR is also responsible for other projects concerning competence-based
vocational qualifications.
Benefits of competence tests produced by ALVAR
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facilitate organizing procedure,
savings in time |
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ensure the high quality and comparability
of competence-based vocational qualifications |
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enhance the credibility of competence-based
vocational qualifications in working life |
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are approved by the qualification committee |
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are economically better alternative than
production and management of own tests |
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increase the reliability of test situation:
same person does not act as trainer and planner of the competence
test |
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guidance on evaluation and the evaluation
form help the evaluator to take in to consideration all
the key tasks according to the requirements of competence-based
qualifications |
Experts produce the test
The competence tests are produced by experts in each field.
The experts are experienced workers, trainers in educational
institutions as well as employers (foremen or experts in technology).
Competence tests produced by ALVAR facilitate one’s work.
There are two kinds of tests
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Tests for working life. The tasks
in tests may vary depending of the site. |
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Tests with detailed guidance on organizing
procedure. |
Structure of competence tests
The package also includes:
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Instructions to test organizer
(educational institution) |
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Instructions to candidate |
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competence test / instructions to determine
the tasks to be performed in the test |
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instructions to evaluator |
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evaluation form / self evaluation form |
Training of evaluators
The training planned individually for each field facilitates
the work of test organizers. The goal is to guide the evaluators
into fair and reliable evaluation process. The training of evaluators
is required in the contract (signed with qualification committee)
for organizing competence tests.
The training is aimed for organizers or evaluators of qualifications.
They should also be interested in developing their own field.
Their work may e.g. be related to training of candidates for
competence-based qualifications, or the persons may be responsible
for on-the-site training procedures.
Training of test planners
The training provides information that helps to make the planning
process more efficient.
The training is aimed for persons that have comprehensive expertise
in their own field. They should also have willingness to develop
the system in practise. The persons that have accomplished the
training have the possibility to take part in planning nationwide
competence tests.
ALVAR works in collaboration with working life
The Association of Vocational Adult Education Centres
Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trade and Repairs
Confederation of Finnish Industries, EK
Federation of Special Service and Clerical Employees, ERTO
Commission for Local Authority Employers
The Trade union for the Public and Welfare Sectors
The Finnish Metalworkers’ Union
Finnish Forest Industries Federation
Trade Union of Education in Finland OAJ
Finnish National Board of Education
Service Union United PAM
Association of Support Service Industries
Wood and allied worker’s Union
The Finnish Construction Trade Union
Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT
Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions
The Finnish Real Estate Federation
Federation of Finnish Enterprises
Finnish Electrical Workers’ Union
Technology Industries of Finland
The Employers’ Association TIKLI
Ministry of Labour
Finnish Media Union
Federation of the Finnish Media Industry
AEL Centre for Technical Training
Mr. Seppo Hyppönen from the National Board of Education is
the chairman of the steering group.
For more information contact us:
Markku Kumpulainen
Development Manager
tel. +358-50 5001 712
 etunimi.sukunimi@alvar.fi
|
Tiina Honkarila
Secretary
tel. +358-44 7224 705
etunimi.sukunimi@alvar.fi |
Kaarnatie 4,
FIN-00410 Helsinki
tel. +358-9 5307 708
www.alvar.fi |
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