On 1 December 2024, the Educational Research Institute (IBE) and the Polish Craft Association (ZRP) met to strengthen cooperation.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Agnieszka Harasim, Director of the Chamber of Crafts of Mazovia, Kurpie and Podlasie, and by Lech Boguta, Head of Department at the Ministry of Education, who oversees actions related to the qualifications system. It was the first meeting between IBE and ZRP representatives after a long break.
Work on increasing the number of craft qualifications in the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS)
The purpose of the meeting was to establish working cooperation to accelerate the inclusion of craft-awarded qualifications in the integrated system. In Poland, qualifications awarded by the crafts sector are a distinct and important segment of national qualifications. Chambers of crafts award both qualifications from vocational education and their own “independent” qualifications. School-based qualifications established by the Minister of Education through regulation are already included in the IQS. In contrast, qualifications created by crafts “for their own needs” can be included in the IQS after undergoing the required procedure. So far, only 23 such qualifications have been included, representing a small portion of the total. In this context, the discussion focused on encouraging the inclusion of a greater number of craft qualifications in the IQS.
The meeting was also an opportunity to present the potential of the Integrated Qualifications Register (IQR) and its related tools. Participants received information about the electronic reporting system (IQR e-reports), the NIWUS application supporting qualification descriptions, and the Kompas tool that facilitates qualification searches. The discussion also covered issues related to information about craft qualifications already included in the Register, including the need of regular updates, and matters concerning chambers’ reporting obligations.
The meeting was held in a positive atmosphere, with both sides declaring mutual support, information exchange, and openness to cooperation. This will undoubtedly make it easier for both parties to fulfil their respective tasks.
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