Talking to people and providing them with information
Public debates, the work of indust
ry groups and expert seminars are not the only tools of building understanding and forming the foundation for cooperation with the various stakeholders of qualifications frameworks. IBE experts also participate in key HR-industry educational events and meetings , as well as conferences organized by various communities. Organizing seminars for career and school counselors and regional conferences are also important elements in promoting the concept of frameworks. The “European-style Qualifications” Project’s information and promotional campaign is a multifaceted undertaking, carried out through national and international cooperation, contests, films and animations, mailings and newsletters, media publications and Internet activities.
Thus far, nearly 300 Polish press articles have been published, close to 2,500 persons have participated in regional, national and international conferences, the Internet ad was hit 80 million times – this is a quick summary of the most important achievements of the “European-style Qualifications” Project’s promotional campaign.
As part of the work with national and international stakeholders and partners, 16 regional conferences were held, as well as 7 national and 4 international ones. They were attended by 2,330 persons. 43,700 persons heard about the Polish Qualifications Framework during 16 events - conferences and fairs targeted to representatives of the education, labor market and HR communities. Over 15,000 persons received informational materials on the Polish Qualifications Framework.
Cooperation with the international community involved in qualifications framework development resulted in 20 visits to 8 countries (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, France, Turkey, the Netherlands). The National Qualifications System was presented at 30 international events (conferences, debates, seminars, study visits). Additionally, 8 meetings were held with international experts to work on developing the Polish referencing report. A publication entitled “European inspirations for the Polish Qualifications Framework” was also written.
As a result of breakfasts, press conferences and press releases, we were able to interest journalists in the concept of qualifications frameworks, both on national and regional levels. Reports on the project appeared in 270 print articles, and project experts were invited to speak during 18 radio and television broadcasts.
An important strategy in promoting the new qualifications system is holding contests, targeted to various groups, to promote the new approach to qualifications and lifelong learning. "Edu-creation" was a contest for students, "Words of competence" – for print or internet journalists, while "Qualifications on air" was for radio journalists and journalism students. A master's thesis competition on lifelong learning was organized for students and "Outcomes are what count" was a contest on the best training programs described by using the language of learning outcomes held for companies and training institutions. 60,000 persons were reached with information about these contest through press ads, Internet campaigns, mailings and social network site activities.
The " European-style Qualifications " Project is also promoted and regularly updated on the Internet at www.kwalifikacje.edu.pl, while a YouTube channel offers films and animations on the new qualifications system. The site is connected to the National Qualifications Framework (KRK) Library, providing nearly 500 Polish and foreign-language publications on the Polish Qualifications Framework and national qualifications systems. Electronic promotional activities also include mailings and newsletters providing information to 12,000 people, including representatives of higher education institutions, career centers, training firms, employment agencies, labor offices, company HR departments and non-governmental organizations.
Communication and feedback with the project’s target groups are also encouraged through the most popular social network service - Facebook.
