Berufliche Tertiärbildung: Neue Perspektiven zur Höherqualifizierung für die Erwachsenenbildung

This article develops the potential for vocational training programmes at the tertiary level. The authors believe that such programmes would complement the (continuing) education landscape in Austria and ensure the attractiveness of VET at the secondary level, notably apprenticeship training and VET schools (Berufsbildende Mittlere Schulen - BMS in German).To this end, however, programmes must be created that take into account previous educational and professional expertise and provide adequate places of learning and learning environments. The article focuses on the possibilities for new perspectives on qualifications derived from the National Qualification Framework and its descriptors. It presents a model that describes the principle equivalence between general/higher education and vocational education and training by locating qualifications or qualification groups between the two poles "fields of study" and "fields of work". In conclusion, the article argues that tertiary vocational education be established according to international models.