VET Toward Ecvet

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which
reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information
contained therein.
Erasmus+| KA2 Strategic Partnerships
VET in the tourism sector
State of the art
VET TOWARDS ECVET
Project n. 2015-1-FR01-KA202-015007
Intellectual Output - 01
State of the art of VET in the tourism sector
1. Introduction about the VET systems in the countries of the partnership:
France, Germany, Italy,Portugal andUnited Kingdom
2. Overview of vocational training inFrance, Germany, Italy, Portugal and United Kingdom
Professional Field:
- Seller in touristic areas
- Hotel receptionist
Countries: FRANCE
GERMANY
ITALY
PORTUGAL
UNITED KINGDOM

contained therein.
1. Introduction about the VET systems in the countries of the partnership:
France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and United Kingdom:
1.1. EDUCATION SYSTEMS:
FRANCE

contained therein.
GERMANY

contained therein.
ITALY

contained therein.
PORTUGAL

contained therein.
UNITED KINGDOM

contained therein.
1.2 VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEMS:
FRANCE

contained therein.
GERMANY
ITALY

contained therein.
UNITED KINGDOM
1.2.1COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND PROFESSIONAL
/ VOCATIONAL TRAININGS:
Lower Secondary Vocational* Upper Secondary Vocational** Post-Secondary Vocational Non Tertiary
Access
/Age
Length Qualification Access
/Age
Length Qualification Access
/Age
Length Qualification
Germany 15 3 years Dual: Level3 15 and 16 3 years Level 3 19 3 Level 4
England na na na 16 2 years Level 3 na na na
France na na na 15 3 years Level 3 na na Na
Italy na na na 15 2 - 3 years Level 4 18 or + 1 year Level 5
Portugal 13 1 and 2 years Level 2 15 2 and 3 years Level 4 18 or + 1 Level 5
Source:Eurydice 2012
(1) na -not applicable,i.e.,doesn’thave this educationalroute.
(2) Qualification levels correspond toISCED (CITE).
(3) VocationalEducationin the Lower Secondaryin Germany consists ofthedualeducation thatdevelops between15 and17 years conferring in the end
qualification level 3
(5) The vocational education in basiceducation in Portugal refers to dualcertification courses andbasic vocational introduced in2012, although for this
route is stillunclear thequalificationpredictedfor this this training.
(6) Virtually allcountries underreview haveentranceexamination at the end ofvocational/professionalcourses for progressionto HigherEducation, with
the exception of Portugal.
* In Portugal corresponds tothe3rdcycleofbasic Education
** In Portugalcorresponds to secondary education

contained therein.
1.3NATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK DESCRIPTORS:
FRANCE

contained therein.
1.3VOCATIONAL TRAINING ADMINISTRATION AND COORDENATION IN EACH
COUNTRY:
FRANCE
The Ministry of Education is responsible for education policy as pursued through vocational training
in schools and through apprenticeships. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has a parallel
responsibility for vocational training in agriculture. The Ministry of the Economy, Industry and
Employment is in charge of continuing vocational training for young people and adult job-seekers
and for the vocational training of employees in the private sector (it can thus make rules and
regulations and set training fees, etc.). Other ministries, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sport, are
in charge of training and vocational diplomas in the areas for which they are responsible.
With a view to coordinating vocational training policies and measures, regional employment and
vocational training coordination committees (Comitésregionaux de l’emploiet de la formation
professionnelle or CCREFPs) have been established. These committees – made up of regional
representatives of the Government as well as representatives of the regions, trade unions and
employers’ organizations, and regional chambers of agriculture, commerce, industry and trades – are
tasked with promoting cooperation among the different agencies involved in vocational training.
They ensure better coordination of vocational training and employment policies at national level.
Specifically their functions include policy analysis, research, monitoring and evaluation.
The National Employment Agency (ANPE) and the National Union for Employment in Industry and
Commerce (UNEDIC) merged in 2008 and created a new structure, “PôleEmploi”. This body is
responsible for registering and advising unemployed people and paying out their benefits.
GERMANY
In Germany, the state’s functions are shared out between the Federal Government and the 16 Länder.
The Constitution (Grundgesetz) provides that competence for school education lies with the Länder
Ministries of Education and Cultural Affairs. Therefore the Länder are also responsible for public-
sector schools and education, and hence for vocational schools, themajority of which come under the
responsibility of the Land and a local authority. All legislation on schools, including that on vocational

contained therein.
schools, is Land legislation. The Ministers of Education and Culture of the Länder cooperate in a
Standing Conference (KMK) to ensure a certain measure of uniformity and comparability, especially
in school and higher education policies. Decisions of the KMK are recommendations and only become
legally binding when passed by individual Länder parliaments. The Länder have committees for
vocational training, with equal representation of employers, employees and the highest Länder
authorities. They advise the Länder governments on vocational training issues in schools. In contrast,
the Federal Government is responsible for in-company, non-school VET. The Federal Government
designs the content of training for the occupations (in the dual system) it has recognized unless
training is school-based. The nationally binding recognition of the training occupations ensures that
the basic principles agreed with industry and the Federal States (Länder) are taken into account and
that training for a recognized occupation is only provided in accordance with the training regulations
adopted by the Federal Government. The Federal Government’s responsibilities are not limited to
implementing what was jointly agreed. It also takes measures to promote dual training. In addition
the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is responsible for general policy issues of
vocational education and training. These include for example the Vocational Training Act
(Berufsbildungsgesetz, BBiG), the drawing up of the Annual Report on Vocational Education and
Training, the legal supervision and funding of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and
Training (BundesinstitutfürBerufsbildung, BIBB) and the implementation of programmes to improve
vocational training.
The core institution at the national level for consensus building between all parties involved in VET is
the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).The BIBB is recognised as a centre
of excellence for vocational research and for the progressive development of VET in Germany. BIBB
works to identify future challenges in VET , stimulate innovation in national and international
vocational systems, and develop new, practice oriented solutions for both initial and continuing
vocational education and training. The BIBB has taken part in the methodological preparation and
evaluation of the European Continuing Vocational Training Surveys (CVTS) being conducted in
enterprises and has thus beeninvolved in providing and analysing key data on in-company continuing
vocational training for German and international vocational training research.
Owing to this division of responsibilities, a procedure has been developed for the field of vocational
training that ensures close coordination and cooperation between the Federal Government and the
Länder, with the involvement of the social partners.

contained therein.
Once the full-time compulsory schooling (general education) has been completed, students from any
pathway (including students who have acquired university entrance certificates) may enter
vocational training (full-time vocational schools or apprenticeships) for two, three or four years.
In the area of VET, the Vocational Education and Training Act (BBiG) is of crucial importance. The Law
of 1 April 2005 reforming vocational education and training comprehensively amended and
combined the 1969 Vocational Education and Training Act and the 1981 Aid for Vocational Trainees
Act. The aim of the reform was to safeguard and improve youth training opportunities and high-
quality vocational training for all young people, irrespective of their social or regional origin.
ITALY
As far as Social Partners are concerned, the Framework Law 845/78 gave social partners a major role
to play in the vocational training system, recognizing them as partners of the Regions for the planning
of training, as well as potential providers of training schemes. There are three levels of responsibility
for VET in Italy: at national level, the institutional framework is defined, at regional level, a direct
intervention in the process of defining, planning and provision of VET strategies is implemented, and
at enterprise level, training activities and the elaboration of training plans are defined. Roles at all
levels are advisory.
The ‘Department for the Education and Training System’ of the Ministry of Education, University and
Research (MIUR) is responsible for the generalorganisation of the school system, for defining
educational and training objectives and the legal and economic status of school staff.
Regional three-year vocational training courses are offered by the relevant training agencies.
For three-year vocational training courses, the Institute for the Development of ProfessionalTraining
for Workers (Istituto per lo sviluppodellaformazioneprofessionaledeilavoratori,ISFOL) is the
reference body for research and monitoring, policy and guidance to theRegions.
The Regions have a joint legislative role along with the State on issues related toeducation.
Conversely, they are solely responsible for the planning, managementand provision of vocational
education and training through recognised institutions.Through the State/Regions Conference, the
Regions work closely with the Ministry ofEducation and the Ministry of Labour, which define the
minimum national standardsfor the education system and the vocational education and training
system.

contained therein.
Education and training issues within the jurisdiction of the Regions are handled byspecific education
offices (Assessorati).
PORTUGAL
The education and training system in Portugal is centrally administered with reference to the
definition of major policy lines and curricular, teaching and financial guidelines. The Autonomous
Regions of the Azores and Madeira have some independence in this area but are subject to the key
national guidelines.
The major actors in the administration of the education and training system include three Ministers:
Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science, Technology
and Higher Education. Their intervention is made predominantly by three Directorates: Directorate-
General for Employment and Industrial Relations, Directorate-General for Innovation and Curricular
Development and Directorate-General for Higher Education. Additionally, the National Qualifications
Agency and Institute for Employment and Vocational Training performs an important role in
Portuguese VET system.
In general, the VET providers include public, technological and professional schools; universities and
other tertiary institutions; training centers of direct management and training professional centers of
participated management (both related to the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training);
nonpublic operators).
Additionally, the Comprehensive Law on the education system institutionalizes the social partners’
participation in vocational education and training. The partners are involved in the general definition
of policies and in their pursuance within advisory and social coordination bodies: Economic and
Social Council, the National Vocational Training Council and the National Education Council.
UNITED KINGDOM
In Northern Ireland: the Department for Employment and Learning is responsible for developing and
implementing policies relating to further education and training programmes.
 The Northern Ireland Executive and its departments have acknowledged the critical importance of
a skills based economy, through the Economic Strategy for Northern Ireland (2012), the Skills
Strategy, ‘Success through Excellence – Transforming Futures’ (2011) and the Innovation Strategy

contained therein.
(2014), all pointing to the growing need for higher level skills, with a focus on the subjects of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
 In June 2014 ‘Securing Our Success’, the new Northern Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships was
published. It aims to help provide the skills needed to rebalance and rebuild the Northern Ireland
economy by the provision of apprenticeships from skills level 3 to skills level 8. Universities, further
education colleges and other approved providers which meet the required quality standards, will be
able to deliver the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship.
 In June 2015, ‘Generating Our Success’, a new youth training strategy for 16-24 year olds focussing
on the provision of level 2 training was published. Young people will follow either an employed or
non-employed route to achieve a baccalaureate style qualification that will prepare them for work or
for further study or training. The importance of work-based learning for this group of learners is
strongly recognised and, like the apprenticeships strategy, a driving role for employers and other
social partners is formalised through the creation of a strategic advisory forum and sectoral
partnerships.
 Following the successful implementation of the ‘FE Means Business’ strategy from 2004 onwards, a
consultation was launched in July 2015 for a new strategy for the further education in Northern
Ireland. This strategy aims to build upon the previous strategy by further promoting the importance of
the further education sector to the economic success of Northern Ireland across the full range of
activities delivered by the sector.

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission
cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
2. Overview of vocational training in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and United Kingdom
Professional Field: SELLER IN TOURISTICAREAS
COUNTRY FRANCE GERMANY ITALY PORTUGAL UNITED KINGDOM
TYPE OF
CERTIFICATION
Tourism and leisure
agent
Tourism and leisure
agent (Dual VET)
1-Touristic Marketing
and Welcoming Services
Operator
2-Expert in Promotion
and Touristic Marketing
1-Travel Agencies and
Transport Technician
2-Information and Tourist
Entertainment Technician”
3-Tourism Technician
There are several qualifications available in
the field of tourism (Hospitality) including:
- Entry Level Preparation for Travel &
Tourism
- Level 1 Introduction to Travel & Tourism
- Level 2 Award/Certificate/Extended
Certificate/Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- Level 2 Award in Principles of Customer
Service in the Hospitality, Leisure Travel and
Tourism Industry
- Level 3 Award/Certificate/Extended
Certificate/Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Hospitality &
Tourism Management
- Qualifications aimed at Management level
include:
-Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management
-Level 5 Diploma in Hospitality Management
-Level 6 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality
Management
-Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality
& Tourism
-BTECs/NVQs/HNCs/HNDs in Tourism are
also available at the various levels.

Seller in touristic areas(Cont.)
NUMBER OF
VET
SCHOOLSWITH
THIS
TRAINING
OFFER
AFPA, AFEC, INFA...
a large number of
Vet organizations
propose this
certification in
France.
27 1-In Piedmont: 8
2-In Piedmont: No
active courses in the
year 2014-15
In Italy : there are 12
VET Centres active in the
field of innovation
technology to promote
cultural and touristic
services: almost 4 Vet
centres activated in the
year 2014-15 the course
: EXPERT IN
PROMOTION AND
TOURISTIC MARKETING
1-4 schools, 3 of them are
Escolas de Hotelaria e
Turismo (Hotel and
Tourism Schools)
2-17 schools: 4 in Lisbon,
3 in Algarve, 6 in the
centre, 4 in the North
3- more than 200 schools
In Northern Ireland there are approximately
180 secondary schools and colleges with a
high percentage of these offering VET courses
in the Tourism sector up to Level 3 (the
Learning Communities ensure that all
students can access their preferred course
even if this means travelling to another school
or college for lessons). The 6 Further &
Higher Education (FHE) Regional Colleges
(including North West Regional College
(NWRC), Northern Regional College (NRC),
Belfast Met, Southern Regional College (SRC),
South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and
South Western Regional College (SWRC)) all
offer courses, at the various levels and awards
throughout their campuses.
There are between 15-20 private training
organisations who also deliver up to L2
qualifications and apprenticeship (up to Level
3 & 4) courses in hospitality & tourism.
There are a number of distance learning
courses available throughout the UK.
Those already working in the industry can
undertake higher level courses aimed at

Management positions.
TRAINING
DURATION
6 months in VET
schools.
3 years 1- 3 years (basic
vocational training)
2-1960 hours - 2 years
(post-secondary
vocational training)
1-Technological training – 1.250hrs
Dual Certification Referential:
-Adult Education and modular training – from
1.530 to 1.610hrs (depending on the secondary
level at the entrance) 210 hrs of work-related
training included
-Learning courses – 2.625to 4.125 hrs (in which
1.500 hrs can be work-related training)
-Professional Courses – from 3.350 to 3.590 hrs
(from 600 to 840 hrs of work-related training
included)
Duration: 1, 2 or 3 years
2-Technological training – 1.325hrs
-Adult Educationand modulartraining – from
1.545to 1.620 hrs (depending on the secondary
level at the entrance) 210 hrs of work-related
training included
-Learning courses – 2.700– 4.200 hrs (in which
1.500hrs can bework-related training)
-Professional Courses – from 3.450to 3.690hrs
(from 600 to 840hrs of work-related training)
Duration: 1, 2 or 3 years
3- Professional Courses +than 3.100hrs
Duration: 3 years
Courses will generally last 1- 2
years

LEVELS OF
TRAINING
level V CAP/BEP in
France+ secondary
schools = EQF level
IV
Secondary level,
ISCED 3B, DQR/EFQ
level 4
1-EQF 3
2-EQF 5
Level 4
For Portuguese NFQ (national
framework of qualifications) and
EFQ
Entry Level – Level 7
OFFICIAL
CERTIFICATION
BODY
-Ministry of
National Education
-Ministry of
Employment.
Chambers of
industry and
commerce
1-Region through its
authorized VET agencies.
2- Region through its
authorized private
foundation managing the
course
-Ministry of Education
-Ministry of Labour,
Solidarity and Social
Security
-Institute of Employment
and Professional Training
main awarding bodies in the UK:
-City and Guilds
-Pearsons Edexcel
-OCR
-OCN
-There are also a number of
specialised/industry specific awarding bodies
who also qualifications including:
-Institute of Hospitality
-The Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality

JOBOPPORTUNITIES
Accordingto recent
figures, over80 million
tourists are welcomed
every year inFrance. 200
000 establishments
specializinginthe
restaurants, hotels, leisure
employ approximately
860.000employees. This
leads us to believethat the
professionof leisureagent
knows somedevelopment.
In fact, amusementparks,
regional parks withthe
houseof the park,
adjoining restaurants, and
range of proposed
excursions, holiday
villages, cruises,camping,
clubs of any kindcan be
one their recreational staff
officers.
Orthey are there to
welcome, inform, direct,
animate and, in fact, be of
serviceto visitors,tourists,
holidaymakers who have
chosenthese places and
-Travel and tourism
agencies
-Tourist
accommodations
-Tour and travel
companies
-Organizations of
tourism promotion
-Leisure facilities
1-Travelagencies;
Touristic
marketing
services; Tourist
information offices
2- Public
Institutions
responsible for
touristic marketing
and planning;
Big tour operators;
Private institutions
in the field of
touristic
marketing.
1-Travel agencies, tourist
offices, museums and
monuments, air, road
and maritime transport
companies, reception in
tourist units, commercial
promoter in hotels.
2- Travel agencies,
tourist offices, museums
and monuments,
reception in tourist units,
commercial promoter in
hotels.
3- Travel agencies and
tour operators , tourist
offices , museums and
monuments, hotels,
campsites, aparthotels,
rural and nature tourism,
tourist air, road and
maritime transport
companies, local
development
associations and tourist
The job possibilities after undertaking a
qualification in tourism are unlimited with
excellent progression opportunities. Jobs
include:
-Air cabin crew
-Airline customer service agent
-Airport information assistant
-Cruise ship steward
-Leisure centre attendants
-Leisure Centre Manager
-Events manager
-Theme park workers
-Leisure/Sports/Fitness/Health trainers –
more specialised training would be
required
-Hotel manager
-Hotel porter
-Hotel receptionist
-Hotel room attendant
-Housekeeper
-Museum staff
Resortrepresentative
- Tourist guide
- Tourist information centre assistant
- Tour manager
- Travel agent

their attractions. animation companies - Visitor Attraction General manager
Professional Field: HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
TYPE OF
CERTIFICATION
Specialist in
the hotel
Business
Specialist in the
hotel Business
(Dual VET)
Operator of
touristic
hospitality
Hotel Receptionist There are a number of specific qualification for Hotel Receptionist –
mainly Hospitality Supervision or Front Office Services. Learners can
also work towards qualifications in Business Administration, Travel&
Tourism, Hospitality and Customer Service and undertake specific units
in Front Office services/operations. Some of the courses available
include:
-Level 1 Certificate in GeneralHospitality
-Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality
Industry
-Level 1 Award in the Principles of Customer Service in Hospitality,
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
-Level 1 Award/Certificate in Business Administration
-Level 2 (NVQ) Diploma in Front of House Reception
-Level 1 & Level 2 BTEC Front Office
-Level 1 & Level 2 Customer Service
-Level 1 – Level 3 General Front Office Operations
-Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Business Administration
-Level 2 Certificate/Apprenticeship in Hospitality & Catering (Front of
House Reception)
-Level 3 Hospitality supervision
-Level 3 Award in Principles of Supervising Customer Service
Performance in Hospitality, Leisure, Traveland Tourism
-Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Reception and Front Office Services
-Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Business Administration
- Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Administration (Business
Professional)
-Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Business
-Level 4 Certificate/Diploma in Office and Administration Management

-Generally higher level course (Level4) are in Hospitality Management.
Hotel Receptionist(Cont.)
NUMBER OF VET
SCHOOLS
WITHTHISTRAINING
OFFER
AFPA, AFEC, INFA…
a large number of
Vet organizations
propose this
certification in
France. It is also
proposed in Initial
training.
Approximately 48 Piedmont: 4 61 schools: 16 in Lisbon,
3 in Alentejo, 6 in
Algarve, 10 in the centre,
26 in the north
In Northern Ireland there are
approximately 180 secondary schools and
colleges with a high percentage of these
offering VET courses in the Business
Administration & Tourism sector – up to
Level 3 (the Learning Communities ensure
that all students can access their preferred
course even if this means travelling to
another school or college for lessons). The
6 Further & Higher Education (FHE)
Regional Colleges (including North West
Regional College (NWRC), Northern
Regional College (NRC), Belfast Met,
Southern Regional College (SRC), South
Eastern Regional College (SERC) and South
Western Regional College (SWRC)) all offer
courses, at the various levels and awards
throughout their campuses.
There are 22 Private training organisations
who also deliver up to L2 qualifications
and apprenticeship (up to Level 3 & 4)
courses in hospitality & tourism.
There are a number of distance learning

courses available throughout the UK.
TRAININGDURATION
6 months in VET
schools.
3 years 600 hours (200
internship in
companies)
Technological training – 1.125 hrs
 Adult Education and modular
training – from 1.345 to 1.420 hrs
(depending on the secondary level at
the entrance) 210 hrs of work-
related training included
 Learning courses – 1.900 – 3.400
hrs (in which 1.500 hrs can be work-
related training)
 Professional Courses – from 3.225
to 3.465 hrs (2.625 hrs theoretical +
from 600 to 840 hrs of work-related
training)
Courses generally last 1 -2 years
LEVELS OF
Everyone holds a
diploma level V CAP
Secondary level,
ISCED 3B, ECVET
EQF 5 Level 4
For Portuguese NFQ (national
Entry Level - Level 4 (Higher level
courses for Management Level are

TRAINING or BEP or equivalent level 4 framework of qualifications) and EFQ
(European framework of
qualifications)
available)
OFFICIAL
CERTIFICATION
BODY
-Ministry of National
Education
-Ministry of Employment.
Chambers of industry
and commerce
Region
through its
authorized
VET agencies.
-Ministry of Education
-Ministry of Labour, Solidarity
and Social Security
-Institute of Employment and
Professional Training
Main awarding bodies in the UK:
-City and Guilds
-Pearsons Edexcel
-OCR
-OCN
-There are also a large number of
specialised awarding bodies who offer
qualifications in Business
Administration.
JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
Young graduates rarely
remain unemployed. After2
or 3 years inoffice, they can
becomethe firstchief
receptionistor
reception(Managerial duties).
After a few years of
experience, they have access
The majority finds
work in hotels,in inns
and guesthouses.
In addition, some are
working in restaurants
and cafés,in catering
establishments,
in health clinics
-Hotel
receptions
-Tourist
information
offices
-Reception and Costumer
Service;
-Assistant in the
Communication and Public
Relations Department
-Hostess
-Reception and Costumer
Service in Hospitality
-Hotel Receptionist
-Front Office
-Head Receptionist
-Supervisor
-Front Desk Manager
-Duty Manager
-Hotel Manager
-Other departments within hotel

to management positions or
sales representative. Hosting
Manager functions oreven
higher schools arepossible,
providedyouhaveacquired
solidmanagementtrainingand
management.
Establishments
-Other touristic accommodation
services.
including Events, Accounts,
Reservations etc.
-Other Receptionist, Administration
and Customer Service positions.

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