EQF / NQF Classification Report of the qualification Master Motor Vehicle Engineer Germany Martin Diart (ZWH), Dr. Christian Sperle (ZDH), Joachim Syha (ZDK) January 2011
Masthead January 2011 Editorial: Name of Institution: Address Authors: Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH) Mohrenstr. 20/21, 10117 Berlin, Germany Martin Diart, Dr. Christian Sperle, Joachim Syha This description was produced within the pilot project ZOOM (www.zoom-eqf.eu), which focussed on identifying a transparent procedure to facilitate the classification of qualifications to the NQF/EQF. This report should form the basis for the classification of the Master craftsperson qualification. This description was produced within the framework of the project "Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector" (147848-LLP-2008-AT-KA1EQF, in short ZOOM ), which is funded by the European Commission. It reflects the views of the author(s) only. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 2
Table of Contents Introduction...4 1. Information about the Qualification... 5 2. Qualification Profile... 7 3. NQF-/EQF-level...8 5. Evaluation Methods... 10 6. Expert Consultation... 18 7. Statistical Indications... 19 Annexes...21 Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 3
Introduction This report comprises a description of the qualification Master craftsperson in motor vehicle technology. The information provided was collected in order to facilitate the classification of this qualification to the National/European Qualifications Framework (NQF/EQF) on the one hand, and, on the other, to make the classification more transparent. Following the recommendation of the European Commission on the EQF, the description of the learning outcomes (LOs) of the Master craftsperson qualification forms the basis for the classification. Besides a comprehensive LO description ( cf. Annex 1), this report provides further details on the Master craftsperson qualification in order to increase the understanding of this qualification and enable transnational comparison. The report provides, first, some basic information about the qualification ( cf. points 1 and 2) before the NQF-/EQF-level classification is given ( cf. point 3). ). This classification is primarily based on the learning outcomes. Moreover, it is supported by details provided on the evaluation process ( points 4 and 5), on the results of an expert consultation ( point 6) as well as on additional statistical indicators ( point 7). Only the consideration of all relevant information corroborates the classification of the master craftsperson qualification. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 4
1. Information about the Qualification TITLE OF THE QUALIFICATION Master Motor Vehicle Engineer (Kraftfahrzeugtechnikermeister/-in) FOCUS OF THE QUALIFICATION general education X vocational education/training TRAINING PROGRAMME attendance obligatory X non-obligatory Attendance of a preparatory course for the Master craftsperson examination is not compulsory in Germany. Some one hundred different continuing training institutions (e.g. the Master craftsperson schools of professional associations and chambers of skilled crafts) offer relevant preparatory courses however. These preparatory courses comprise four modules: LENGTH OF TRAINING PROGRAMME (if obligatory) 1. Occupation-related practice (Part I), 2. Occupation-related theory (Part II), 3. Business administration and Law (Part III), 4. Vocational and Work Pedagogy (Part IV) For the Master motor vehicle engineer, relevant framework curriculum recommendations have been issued concerning the duration of the four modules: 1. Part I 340h 2. Part II 520h 3. Part III 240h 4. Part IV 115h PLACE(S) OF LEARNING Preparatory Master craftsperson courses which are provided both on a part-time (for people in employment) and a full-time basis are as a rule offered by the training institutions of the chambers of skilled crafts or crafts-specific professional associations. An overview can be found at the internet portal www.zwh.de. ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EVALUATION PROCESS As a rule, the prerequisite for the candidate s admission to the Master craftsperson examination is that he/she has successfully completed a journeyperson examination in the occupation in which he/she wants to take the Master craftsperson examina- Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 5
tion. For the craft motor vehicle engineer this is the 3.5-year training programme for "motor vehicle mechatronics technician". Those who cannot prove any relevant professional qualification need to furnish evidence of several years of professional practice in the craft in which they want to take the Master craftsperson examination. USUAL AGE RANGE OF THE LEARNERS WHEN PARTICIPATING IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS ACCESS TO NEXT LEVEL OF EDUCATION/TRAINING The Master motor vehicle engineer qualification entitles holders to open and run their own motor vehicle business and to train apprentices. In addition, holders have the right to nationwide unrestricted higher education access in programmes with open admission. SECTORS/ WORKING AREAS Master motor vehicle engineers are active in motor vehicle service/maintenance or vehicle production. They can either run a business in the motor vehicle sector on a self-employed basis or work in an employment relationship. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 6
2. Qualification Profile The Master craftsperson training in the craft motor vehicle engineer combines occupationspecific and inter-occupational qualifications. As the typical Master motor vehicle engineer is responsible in his/her company for the technical workshop management and at the same time for company management, both qualification fields are equally important for him/her. The Master craftsperson is in addition personally responsible for his/her staff and apprenticeship training and therefore also needs competences in vocational and work pedagogy. At the centre of the Master qualification there is therefore the preparation for fulfilment of technical and entrepreneurial leadership tasks in a skilled craft business and the qualification to independently adjust job-related capacity to new demands. The following activities, knowledge and abilities are attributed to the craft motor vehicle engineer as holistic qualifications for the purpose of the Master craftsperson examination: 1. identify job orders jointly with the customer, observing the legal, technical and organisational requirements in this process; plan and prompt order processing, taking into account the personal, training-specific and equipment-related and economic conditions in this process; 2. specify the diagnosis and testing needs of motor vehicles including motorcycles and industrial trucks, trailer vehicles for motor vehicles and vehicle assembly groups, systems and parts; make diagnoses; provide advice to customers; and handle complaints; 3. clarify the scope of accident and car body damage; communicate with customers taking the current legal situation into account; identify the scope of maintenance; determine the duration of servicing; and fix dates; 4. identify motor vehicles including motorcycles and industrial trucks, trailer vehicles for motor vehicles and vehicle assembly groups, systems and parts according to the manufacturers specifications for the purpose of diagnosis, servicing as well as fitting, conversion and retrofitting and provide the necessary information, work equipment and installations; 5. select accessories and optional extras jointly with the customer, taking the technical and legal specifications into account; know and indentify sources of supply for components, materials and auxiliary materials; 6. prepare cost estimates; in this context, carry out pricing in line with the company s cost structure; 7. test and service motor vehicles including motorcycles and industrial trucks, trailer vehicles for motor vehicles and vehicle assembly groups, systems and parts, car bodies, frames and their parts taking technical and legal specifications into account, including the paintwork; fit, convert and retrofit additional equipment; Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 7
8. secure the flow of service orders; prepare, prompt and monitor the required documentation; record data related to the company s departments and external service providers for the purpose of invoicing; examine, explain and give reasons for the scope of work and the invoice amount; 9. fulfil tasks related to company management, company organisation, staff planning and staffing, the company s training and continuing training measures, the information system, quality control and enhancement, industrial health and safety standards and environmental protection, including the use of low-solvent or water-based, solvent-free products. 3. NQF-/EQF-level The German Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (Deutscher Qualifikationsrahmen für lebenlanges Lernen, kurz DQR) comprises eight levels which are referenced to the respective levels of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). This means that Level 1 of the DQR corresponds to Level 1 of the EQF etc. In the DQR, qualifications are described by using the two categories professional competence and personal competence (descriptors). In this context, professional competence is the professional knowledge and skills acquired whilst on a training course or continuing training programme. Personal competence covers social competence (e.g. teamwork, cooperative skills and the ability to deal with conflicts) and self-competence (in the meaning of independent and responsible action). In 2009/2010, within the framework of a one-year trial phase (the so-called development phase II), examples of qualifications were assigned to the DQR levels. Examples of occupational fields and activity areas included wholesale and retail trade, ICT, healthcare, as well as metal and electro; in the case of the latter occupational field, among others, all qualifications related to the craft motor vehicle engineer were classified by a panel of experts comprising representatives of occupation-related practice, industry, science, the responsible bodies of various ministries, as well as providers of continuing training programmes. The qualification Master motor vehicle engineer was assigned to Level 6 of the DQR, which is defined as follows (note: this is not yet the final version): Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 8
Level 6 (Draft Version) Have obtained the competences for planning, processing and evaluating comprehensive subject-specific tasks and problems, as well as being able to take responsibility for the control of processes in some areas of a scientific discipline or occupational field of activity. The requirement structure is characterised by complexity and frequent changes. Professional competence Personal competence Knowledge Skills Social competence Self-competence Have well-founded subject-specific and integrated knowledge including the scientific basis and practical application of a scientific discipline or have broad and integrated knowledge including current subject-specific developments. Have knowledge for the further development of a scientific discipline or an occupational field of activity. Have specialist knowledge at the interfaces to other disciplines. Have a very wide range of methods available to resolve complex problems in a field of learning or occupational field of activity. Develop new solutions and assess them taking into account different measures, even when requirements change frequently. Work responsibly in teams of experts or lead groups or organisations responsibly. Instruct the subject-specific development of others and anticipate and deal with problems in the team. Debate complex subject-related problems and solutions vis-à-vis experts and develop them jointly with them. Define, reflect and assess objectives for learning and work processes and design learning and work processes in an independent and sustainable way. Essential for the experts decision was that Master motor vehicle engineers are able to run a motor vehicle craft business independently. In the course of this work, they head the workshop, manage the staff and are responsible for the company s business success. They are responsible for preparing and planning job orders, coordinating staff, drawing up cost estimates, solving problematic cases as well as the final inspection of the completed work. By attending comprehensive courses they have acquired the occupation-related theoretical and practical knowledge that is required for this purpose. This is a recommendation by the expert body, which has been set up by the federal and the Land governments. The final allocation of qualifications to the DQR will be made in 2011. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 9
4. Information about the Evaluation Process With the latest amendment to the crafts-related legislation dated 1 Jan. 2004, the differentiation between crafts with compulsory approval and crafts with open admission has been included in the Skilled Crafts Act (Handwerksordnung or HwO): since that time, the Master craftsperson qualification has only been an obligatory prerequisite for self-employment for the 41 crafts listed in Annex A of HwO ( 1 HwO). The occupations specified in Annexes B 1 (53 admission-free crafts) und B 2 (57 craftssimilar trades) can be exercised on a self-employed basis without proof of qualification and without restriction. The Master motor vehicle engineer is a craft with compulsory approval of Annex A. LEGAL BASIS FOR EVALUATION PROCESS (if available) The legal basis of the Master craftsperson examination are sections 45ff of the German Skilled Crafts Act ( HwO). In the crafts with compulsory approval the responsibilities as well as the objectives and structure of the Master craftsperson examination are regulated. The Master craftsperson examination aims to determine, among other things, whether an examinee is able to manage a skilled crafts enterprise independently and train apprentices appropriately. The Regulation concerning the admission and examination procedures for the Master craftsperson examination in the skilled crafts (Regulation about common requirements at Master craftsman's examination, Meisterpruefungsverfahrensordnung, MPVerfVO) lays down concrete rules of procedure such as responsibility, partiality, resignation, deceptive acts, rules of implementation for the examination, transcript, etc. The German Regulation concerning joint requirements for the Master craftsperson examination in the crafts sector (AMVO) essentially regulates the examination requirements of the interoccupational parts III (Business Administration and Law) and IV (Vocational and Work Pedagogy). The AMVO applies to all Master craftsperson examinations in the crafts. This Regulation also contains general provisions regarding the Master craftsperson examination, such as the examination structure, the assessment system and the repetition process in case of failure. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 10
For every craft, a Master craftsperson examination regulation according to 45 or 51a of the HwO independently regulates the examination requirements of the occupation-related theoretical and practical parts of the Master craftsperson examination (Parts I and II). The structure of these Master craftsperson examination regulations is laid down in a uniform structural outline of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). In the case of the craft motor vehicle engineer, this is the Master craftsperson examination regulation for the motor vehicle trade of 10 August 2000. NAME OF THE QUALIFICATION AWARDING BODY The Master craftsperson examinations for the skilled crafts with compulsory approval are held by the state Master craftsperson examination committees with their seat at the Chamber of Skilled Crafts. TYPE OF INSTITUTION X public private TASKS OF INSTITUTION IN RELATION TO THE QUALIFICATION DESCRIBED The Master craftsperson examination committees determine if the examination requirements specified in the Master craftsperson examination regulations are fulfilled. For this purpose they assess the examination performance. OTHER INSTITUTIONS RELEVANT FOR THE QUALIFICATION DESCRIBED The social partners (these are the professional associations of the skilled crafts, the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts or ZDH, the unions) play a key role in the development of the content of the Master craftsperson examination regulations. The Master craftsperson examination regulations are issued by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) in agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 11
The examination comprises four independent exam sections: 1. examination in occupation-related practice (Part I), 2. examination in occupation-related theory (Part II), 3. examination in business administration and law (Part III), 4. examination in vocational and work pedagogy (Part IV) The exam content of parts III and IV are the same for all skilled crafts occupations. The exam requirements and content of parts I and II depend on the respective occupation in which the Master craftsperson examination is taken. DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATION PROCESS Part I of the Master craftsperson examination in the craft Master motor vehicle engineer includes the implementation of a situation-based assignment (practical) and an expert interview (oral) which refers to the latter. The situation-based assignment is oriented to a job order and comprises one of the two tasks specified in the following: The examinee can select between the activity areas of vehicle systems and bodywork repair. 1. Carry out the diagnosis on three given vehicle systems for the purpose of trouble-shooting; determine and evaluate repair options and alternative repair methods, also by taking car body damage into account; draw up a cost estimate for one of these vehicle systems; carry out a repair; document the results of diagnosis and repair; as well as conduct final costing. The following vehicle systems can be considered: a) on-board networks, b) lighting systems, c) charging current systems, d) starting systems, e) engine management and drive systems, f) vehicle safety and comfort systems, g) information and control systems, h) anti-theft systems. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 12
2. Survey a damaged vehicle body; determine the repair method taking the scope of damage into account while assessing alternative repair methods; draw up a cost estimate; carry out the repair; document the results of measurement and repair; as well as conduct final costing. The following examination performance must be rendered: a) replace a body component taking straightening and separating processes into account and applying the necessary joining techniques, b) align a door, a bonnet or another movable part, c) remove dents in body component, d) reconstruct a ready-to-paint, primed surface including corrosion protection and paint a body component, e) test and repair an on-board network, a lighting system or a vehicle safety and comfort system. An expert interview must be held based on the examination performance in the situation-based assignment. Here the examinee must prove that he/she is able to demonstrate the technical connections on which the situation-based assignment is based, give reasons for the steps taken in the situation-based assignment, and present problems associated with the situation-based assignment as well as their solutions, in which context he/she is able to take new developments into account. Part II of the Master craftsperson examination aims to prove that the candidates are able to analyse and assess problems as well as show and document suitable solution methods based on combined knowledge about technology, process and workflow technology, materials technology and mathematics. In Part II the following subjects are foreseen as topics of the examination which must be conducted in writing only: motor vehicle maintenance technology and motor vehicle engineering order processing company's management and organisation. In each of the examination subjects, candidates are obliged to work on at least one case-oriented assignment. In this connection, each of the assignments must combine several qualifications of those listed below: Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 13
1. Motor vehicle maintenance technology and motor vehicle engineering: a) describe and assess the structure, mode of action and function of vehicle systems and vehicle bodies, b) take methods of diagnosis, maintenance, repair and measurement technology into account, c) describe and assess joining techniques, repair options and methods for vehicle and bodywork repair, taking the materials properties into account, d) assess physical, chemical and materials technology indicators related to motor vehicle engineering and appraise standards and their importance for motor vehicle repair, e) identify the laws, regulations and rules applicable for motor vehicle repair and motor vehicle registration and observe them in the course of motor vehicle repair work, f) describe and assess circumstances related to motor vehicle repair technology and motor vehicle engineering. 2. Order processing: a) plan the steps related to order processing, b) place and check subcontracts, c) present the surveying and recording of damage on vehicles damaged in accidents, d) suggest repair methods and explain the required workflow, e) describe quality-assurance aspects when accepting orders and preparing them in the in-house information system. 3. Company management and company organisation: a) combine tasks into order packages and calculate the prices, b) calculate the hourly rates to be charged on the basis of a given cost structure, c) determine and apply the key business data for motor vehicle repair based on given schemes, d) develop and present the company s quality control and improvement system, e) describe marketing measures aimed at customer care and attracting new customers, f) assess information and communication systems in rela- Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 14
tion to their possibilities of application as well as describe and assess the possibilities of in-house communication. Part III of the Master craftsperson examination focuses on the business administration related, commercial and legal knowledge which is required from an entrepreneur in the skilled crafts. The examination is conducted in writing only and divided into the following three activity areas: 1. Principals of accounting and controlling a) Accounting b) Principals of balancing c) Cost and activity accounting, controlling 2. Principles of business practice at the company a) Skilled craft sector in economy and society b) Marketing c) Business organisation d) HR management e) Financing f) Planning g) Company foundation 3. Principals of law and taxation a) Civil law, collection proceedings, debt enforcement, insolvency proceedings b) Trade and business law, competition law c) Social and private insurance d) Taxation Part IV of the Master craftsperson examination has the same content as the Ordinance on trainer aptitude (AEVO) which applies to the rest of sector of industry. Both examinations focus on the knowledge required for the appropriate training of apprentices. According to the applicable version of the AMVO the examination of Part IV is subdivided into the following four activity areas: check the training requirements and plan the training prepare the training and recruit trainees carry out the training Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 15
conclude the training. As well as a written examination, a practical examination section is foreseen. This section comprises a presentation or the practical implementation of a training situation as well as an expert interview. The assessment of the performance in examinations is conducted by the Master craftsperson examination committee. The Master craftsperson examination is considered as completely passed if the prerequisite exam performance has been reached in every exam section in the arithmetical average and the minimum requirements foreseen for successful completion of the individual sections have been fulfilled. Requirements for success in the individual sections of the Master craftsperson examination differ: EVALUATION CRITERIA In Part I of the Master craftsperson exam, all exam results must be passed with at least 50 points ( sufficient ). In Part II an insufficient performance (less than 30 points) in any of the activity areas is not permitted. Access to self-employment in the skilled crafts should not be oriented towards a performance elite but the performance of an average journeyman or -woman. Section 4 (4) of the AMVO provides that the examinee cannot pass the exam if any activity fields of Part III has been graded with fewer than 30 points ( fail ). Poor performance is therefore possible if the overall performance in Part III is still sufficient. In Part IV of the examination, it is required both in the written and in the practical examination section that an at least sufficient (at least 50 points) performance is achieved ( 5 (7) AMVO). EXAMINERS The Master craftsperson examination committee comprises five members, for whom representatives must be appointed as well. These members are appointed upon the proposal of the Chamber of Crafts by the competent Land authorities. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 16
The chairperson should not have a relevant qualification in the craft for which the examination committee is competent, to ensure he/she is as impartial as possible. The two assessors from the crafts and trade sector are one entrepreneur with a craft business and relevant previous training (as the employers representative) and one employee with relevant previous training (as the employees representative). In addition, one specialist is present for the examination in commerce and business (Part III) and for the examination section on vocational and work pedagogy (Part IV). These specialists need not be members of the crafts. The members of the Master craftsperson examination committee must be over the age of 24 years. POSSIBILITIES OF OBJECTIONS REPETITION OF (PARTS OF) THE EVALUATION PROCESS The four independent parts of the Master craftsperson examination can be repeated three times each. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 17
5. Evaluation Methods Common examination instruments applied in the Master craftsperson examination: 1. Master craftsperson exam project: A Master craftsperson examination project corresponds to a complex customer order. The order-related customer requirements are specified by the Master craftsperson examination committee. Suggestions made by the examination participant about the project content will be considered. On this basis, the examination participant will elaborate an implementation concept. He is obliged to submit this concept to the Master craftsperson examination committee for approval before implementing it. The Master craftsperson examination committee will examine if the implementation concept corresponds to the order-related customer requirements. 2. Expert interview: Following implementation of the Master craftsperson examination project, an expert interview will be conducted about it. The interview aims to determine that the examination participant is able to show subject-specific connections on which the Master craftsperson examination project is based, state reasons for the structuring of the Master craftsperson examination project, present occupation-related problems which are associated with the Master craftsperson examination project, as well as their solutions, taking new developments into account. 3. Situation-based assignment: The situation-based assignment is job-oriented and complements the evidence of the Master craftsperson exam qualification. Therefore its content must not overlap with the Master craftsperson examination project. 4. Written and oral examinations The skilled craft motor vehicle engineer has decided for the two examination instruments: situation-based assignment and an expert interview relating to it. In addition, written and oral examinations are held. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 18
6. Expert Consultation The circle of experts to reference the qualification Master craftsperson in motor vehicle technology to the EQF comprises five people: two owners of motor vehicle businesses (brand car workshop and free workshop), two experts from crafts-related training institutions, and one representative of the professional association for the motor vehicle sector. The expert consultation was moderated by one scientific employee of an educational provider from the crafts sector. The expert consultation concerning the weighting and classification of the qualification was conducted in several steps. First of all, the concept of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) and the associated outcome orientation as well as the level descriptors were explained by the moderator and discussed with the other four experts. Then, the ten previously defined units were weighted in relation to their significance for the whole qualification. For this purpose, first the individual opinions were obtained and averaged and then a consensus was reached. In the discussion, the experts highlighted the - in their opinion - higher importance of technical units - particularly of diagnosis - (U1-U5, overall 65%) vis-à-vis management-related units (U6-U10; 35%). Afterwards the units were allocated to the EQF levels according to the best fit approach. This resulted in a spread over levels 4 to 7. As a result, the qualification equals EQR Level 6 (the arithmetical result of 6.1 was rounded off). It must be highlighted that, in the experts view, the diagnosis (U4) in the technical fields and the supervision of company work processes (U9) in the management-related areas are taught at a comparatively high level (Level 7) and that average graduates of the qualification are able to implement them. Other areas, by contrast, must be assigned far lower in the EQF because they either entail very strongly standardised and therefore little demanding learning outcomes (U2) or because only fundamentals are taught in the addresses thematic areas (U10). Particularly in the referencing of EQF levels to the units, there was widespread consensus among the experts. * Explanation: The classification of single units to the NQF/EQF level is an intermediate methodological step. Only whole qualifications (according to the national law) are classified to the NQF/EQF. With this method used in ZOOM the best fit principle should be operationalised. This principle says that qualifications are classified to the level that best matches the learning outcomes description. In order to find the centre of gravity of the master craftsperson qualification this intermediate methodological step was necessary. Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 19
Building up mutual trust: Zooming in on EQF-level six with regard to the engineering sector 20