Mechanisms for comparing and harmonisingqualifications in vocational education in thecontext of European integration

- Petrenko, L.M. (orcid.org/0000-0002-7604-7273) (2025) Mechanisms for comparing and harmonisingqualifications in vocational education in thecontext of European integration Educational Dimension (13). pp. 217-238. ISSN ISSN/2708-4612

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Abstract

This systematic conceptual review examines mechanisms for compar-ing and harmonising qualifications in vocational education within the context ofEuropean integration, with particular attention to Ukraine’s post-war recovery andintegration trajectory. Drawing on analysis of scholarly literature (2021–2025),foundational research, and European regulatory instruments, the study developsa four-category classification of harmonisation mechanisms: framework mecha-nisms (European Qualifications Framework, National Qualifications Frameworks),instrumental mechanisms (Europass, ECVET, ESCO, digital credentials), proceduralmechanisms (recognition procedures, ENIC-NARIC networks), and methodologicalapproaches (learning outcomes analysis, stakeholder consultation). The analysisidentifies three European harmonisation models – the general recognition system,automatic recognition for sectoral professions, and temporary mobility provisions –and documents persistent barriers to effective qualification recognition, includingstructural differences in qualification architectures, procedural complexity, andemployer scepticism toward foreign credentials. Theoretical interpretation throughneo-institutional, human capital, policy transfer, and varieties of capitalism per-spectives reveals that framework-level alignment, while necessary, is insufficient formeaningful harmonisation; substantive implementation requires attention to insti-tutional context, stakeholder engagement, and labour market realities. For Ukraine,the findings indicate that effective integration requires prioritising sectoral align-ment in strategic domains, investing in recognition infrastructure, and maintainingcontextual sensitivity in adapting European frameworks. The study contributesto scholarship by providing a systematic mechanism classification, demonstratingthe value of theoretical integration, engaging critically with qualification frameworkdebates, and offering evidence-based recommendations for countries navigatingpost-conflict qualification system integration.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	qualifications, vocational education, European integration, qualificationframeworks, harmonisation, recognition, labour mobility, European QualificationsFramework, Ukraine
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 304 Social questions. Social practice. Cultural practice. Way of life (Lebensweise) Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 377 Specialized instruction. Vocational, technical, professional training. Vocational colleges, institutes. Polytechnics Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 378 Higher education. Universities. Academic study
Divisions:	Institute of Pedagogical Education and Education for the Adults > Department of Theory and Practice of Pedagogical Education
Depositing User:	професор Лариса Михайлівна Петренко
Date Deposited:	02 Feb 2026 14:20
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2026 14:20
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/748310

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