New credit transfer system good news for Scotland (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

New credit transfer system good news for Scotland

December 18, 2008 12:00 AM

A new EU system that made it easier for people to get formal recognition of knowledge, skills and qualifications gained in another member country would increase levels of human capital and be good for jobs in Scotland, according to Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP Elspeth Attwooll.

She was commenting after today's vote on a report on the planned European Credit System for Vocational and Educational Training (ECVET) that took place today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The report was backed with 561 votes for 16 against and 10 abstentions.

Elspeth said: widely understood and transferable

"A lack of recognition of vocational training and levels of language skills has often put Scots at a competitive disadvantage in the enlarged EU job market.

The ECVET system validates and recognises learning outcomes, allowing learners to build upon their achievements when they move between vocational training systems across member state borders.

In the current economic circumstances we must do all we can to help people widen employment opportunities."

END

Notes:

• The scheme is voluntary and does not seek to replace existing national schemes, but rather to facilitate transfer between them.

• The report is available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A6-2008-0424&language=EN&mode=XML