DUOQUAL Knowledge Base: Introduction on dually-oriented qualifications in Europe

DQ Base

Introduction

Dually oriented Qualifications
Introduction

The DUOQUAL Knowledge Base takes up the issue highlighted in the action programme LEONARDO of how to increase the attractiveness and status of initial vocational education and training. One approach initiated in a number of countries is to provide the option for trainees or students of vocational courses to acquire qualifications for university access alongside their vocational qualifications. This is based on varying degrees of combination or integration of general and vocational education. The resulting qualifications provide a dual orientation towards employment and higher education (dually oriented qualifications or dual qualifications or double qualifications).
    The Partnership of two successive projects, INTEQUAL (1995-97) and DUOQUAL (1997-2000), has
carried out an in-depth analysis of dually oriented qualifications in 13 European countries. In the DQ Knowledge Base the major results of the comparative investigation are presented, based on the INTEQUAL Report I and II (seven countries) and on the national case studies prepared within DUOQUAL (six more countries). Further insight into selected issues of dually oriented qualifications is provided in the topic studies which were prepared in small teams of partners within both projects. Based on the collaborative investigation, all partners have drawn up national conclusions presented in both English and the home language. The DUOQUAL Knowledge Base also puts forward lessons of mutual learning acquired in the partnership. The major results of the two projects are summed up in key messages for individual target groups: policy makers, practitioners and researchers.
    Interim reflections on the partnership work have been provided by Pekka Kämäräinen/ CEDEFOP, who has accompanied both INTEQUAL and DUOQUAL. The two projects have been carried out in collaboration with the related LEONARDO projects POST-16 STRATEGIES/ SPES-NET (Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyväskylä), which focus on strategies for reforming initial vocational education and training in Europe.
    The DUOQUAL Knowledge Base was completed in autumn 2000. Its links and references are continuously maintained as part of the WIFO web site.

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