The guideline provides an overview on principles, means and arrangements for effective communication and outreach fit for the purposes of NQFs / ACQF, and their evolution; and details on the objectives, target audiences, key messages and the communication approach. Information, communication and outreach need to be seen as integral parts of NQF / ACQF governance. The benefits of the NQF (and ACQF) will only truly materialise when all stakeholders, end-users, institutions have access to open and reliable information on the existing and new qualifications, credentials, learning pathways, recognition of learning, and on their value for employment, active life, further personal and professional development, for labour mobility, investment and economic and social development. But the limited visibility and understanding of NQFs’ benefits and services among stakeholders and end-users is a problem that needs to be recognised and addressed in a systematic manner in many countries.
ACQF Guideline 8: Communication and outreach in the context of qualifications frameworks and ACQF
This guideline on communication and outreach in the context of NQFs / ACQF emphasises the need for qualifications frameworks and systems (national, regional) to engage with stakeholders and end-users to fulfill their promise towards individuals, economic actors and society. The main target users of the communication guideline are: a) Members or stakeholders of steering groups/ implementation groups for the ACQF; b) National Referencing Committees/ National Coordination Points and policy advisers involved in education and training; c) NQF/ NQS authorities, implementers and practitioners of NQFs and NQSs; d) Education and training institutions and individuals interested in the ACQF and its benefits- learners, teachers, trainers, career counsellors, persons involved in supporting mobility for lifelong learning.