EQUAL-CLASS
The EQUAL-CLASS project studied qualifications in the field of mechatronics, electrical engineering/electronics that can be obtained in higher non-university VET institutions or comparable institutions in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Lithuania, and Portugal.
The qualifications were examined from three different perspectives: curricula, students and graduates. Additionally, the project investigates to what extent professional experience gained following the completion of a relevant qualification, and the recognition of non-formal/informal learning, enables individuals to achieve another – higher – qualification level in relation to the EQF/NQF (European Qualifications Framework/National Qualifications Framework).
The main outcomes of the project are:
Comparison of qualifications
in the field of mechatronics, electrical engineering/electronics regarding their learning outcomes in the NQFs/EQF based on the methodology developed by the ZOOM project.
Further elaborated ZOOM methodology
for objective and unambiguous description of qualifications with regard to their NQF/EQF classification.
Implementation of ‘Remote Laboratories’
i.e. online laboratories to remotely conduct real experiments, in order to assess students’ ‘real life’ skills and competences.
Click here to learn more about how RemoteLabs work.
Alumni survey
and comparison of graduates’ occupations and positions in the labour market.
Validation of non-formal and informal learning
research on taking relevant professional experience into account through validation and recognition of non-formal/informal learning (competences).
NEW: The EQUAL-CLASS project results have already been published. Click here to visit our 'Results' page.
The project poster below provides a comprehensive overview of the different perspectives of qualifications studied in the EQUAL-CLASS project (click on the poster to view it in full size or to download the poster).
Click here to download the EQUAL-CLASS project leaflet.
Target groups
EQUAL-CLASS studies engineering qualifications provided at higher non-university VET or comparable institutions. Target groups include national authorities responsible for qualifications in the field of mechatronics, electrical engineering/electronics, qualifications experts, EQF/NQF experts, teachers, students, professional associations, and education policy makers.