Hungary's national qualifications framework recognizes EWF's European Welding Practitioner's

PORTO SALVO, Portugal - Aug. 7, 2018 - PRLog -- EWF's unique harmonized qualification system for European Welding Practitioner has been recognized as equivalent to Hungary's national qualifications framework level 4, paving the way for Hungarian welding practitioners to see their competences recognized throughout the countries that use EWF's Qualification Framework. Welding qualifications, as is the case with many activities, have evolved over the years, as National, European and even International bodies responded to changing business requirements. But, as companies and production processes become increasingly global, it is fundamental to have a harmonized approach covering all aspects within manufacturing to ensure the results coming from any given location have the same quality level and that workforce performance and technical prowess is also harmonized.

That is the rationale behind the launch of the MAKE-IT project, that aimed at redefining the "European Welding Practitioner" professional profile, addressing the market need for qualified people in welding technology and with competences not only in the "old" processes but also in the "new", advanced ones.

MAKE IT addresses the Manufacturing & Engineering sector and aims to develop a European sector-oriented qualification system, through the exchange among EU partners of an innovative training curriculum. This comprehensive partnership comprises regulatory authorities for education and training, organization who deliver the qualifications and, lastly, the sector organizations. A significant milestone of that vision has now been reached, ensuring that skills and qualifications can be easily recognized across borders. This achievement was made possible by the strong engagement of the Hungarian Association of Welding Technology and Material Testing (MHtE), as well as of MATRAI Welding Ltd., welding training and education centre for certification and qualification, and the Heves County Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HKIK).

According to Prof Luísa Coutinho, EWF's Executive Director, "we are very pleased to achieve this important milestone, which highlights the benefits that have led to the adoption of our unique qualification system by the industry and our partners in Hungary. We welcome the decision from the Hungarian Government and look forward to continue working with them in addressing their workforce qualification needs".

One key aspect of MAKE IT project, and of today's announcement, is that activities and results are in complete accordance with the Sector Skills Alliance. The Alliance aims at bridging the gap between job offers and job seekers, in this particular project, for the Welding sector, which has broad application in several key industries within the EU (such as construction, naval, automotive, aerospace, railways and Oil & Gas). Participating entities cover the most relevant organizations in the field, from Belgium, Portugal, Hungary, Norway and Spain.

Bringing learning methods in line with industry requirements

The main aim of MAKE IT (http://makeitproject.eu/) was to develop a European sector-oriented qualification system into the Learning Outcomes approach and to establish a European harmonized scheme for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the Welding sector that is in sync with current industrial trends, including flexibility and quickening pace of change brought by digitization. This facilitates recognition and certification of the respective LOs by:

·        Implementing the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) principles;

·        Integrating innovative approaches to teaching and learning;

·        Improving the European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) on the welding sector.

This change is also in line with the most recent education trends, focused on lifelong learning and more flexible education schemes. As Alvin Toffler has brilliantly foreseen on his book Powershift from 1990, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn". This new learning outcomes approach addresses just that by shifting the focus from a uniquely input-centred model into one that also embraces an output-centred model of qualification.

About the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting

EWF is a pioneer in implementing a harmonised qualification and certification system for joining professionals. Through European projects, EWF has been innovating in training methodologies, and involved in the development of new technologies and uses for joining. Through its member organisations, EWF has established a firm link to the local industry, providing knowledge and training as well as participating in research initiatives that address the most pressing questions and challenges in the field of joining technologies.

http://makeitproject.eu/