The upcoming accreditation of the Armenian VET institutions was discussed today at the National Centre for Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation (ANQA) during the meeting of the directors of the VET institutions and ANQA representatives.
The ANQA direcor Ruben Topchyan, the Head of Institutional and Program Accreditation division Anusahvan Makaryan, specialist of the same division Lilit Pipoyan and Stakeholders' relations manager Lilit Zakaryan were presenting at the meeting with the directors of VET providers.
Stressing the importance of effective dialogue between the educational institutions and employers, importance of providing quality education to students, Mr. Topchyan mentioned that the quality assurance is the best way to achieve these results step by step. He emphasized that the autonomy and accountability of intuitions will be increased as an outcome of quality assurance processes.
R. Topchyan introduced the implemented work with VET providers conducted by the ANQA so far. The specialists have been trained, the internal quality assurance system was established in 12 multidisciplinary colleges with the ANQA support. The institutional pilot accreditation have been launched at the above-mentioned institutions. Furthermore, the relevant specialist are being trained from other VET institutions as well.
The legislative framework of the field has been introduced by Mr Makaryan. Further the experience of the QA system establishment in VET sector, achievements and challenges were discussed.
The directors of VET institutions voiced their concerns particularly on the deadlines of applying for accreditation though they highlighted the importance of quality assurance processes.
The parties agreed to continue cooperation and take steps to establish internal quality assurance system and to create quality culture in VET institutions.