The effects of European recommendations on the validation of lifelong learning: A quality assurance model for VET in Spain

Abstract

Validation is an effective procedure for recognising the skills and knowledge acquired by individuals. However, the validation mechanisms in each country are not always easy to understand, especially due to a lack of information/data. The aim of this paper is to design a management system based on processes for the accreditation of professional competences acquired by work experience in Spain, considering European regulations. This is carried out through a contextualization of both regulatory frameworks through a bibliographic review, as well as the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the surveys that groups of experts involved in these tasks/procedures completed in Spain. All this has made it possible to design a model for the validation of learning acquired through professional experience as well as non-formal and informal channels in Europe and Spain, which facilitates the process of accreditation of competences.