Two publications have been recently issued on one of the most important tools of the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS) – the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF). The PQF is the result of several years of experts’ work and broad public debate. The PQF organises the qualifications awarded in general, vocational and higher education, as well as those attained outside these systems. The Framework makes it easier to compare qualifications to others functioning within the country, as well as to those awarded in other European countries. Like the European Qualifications Framework, the PQF has eight levels, each defining the required learning outcomes in the categories of knowledge, skills and social competence.
The publication "The Polish Qualifications Framework" presents the specific level descriptors for two stages of descriptors: universal (first stage) – applicable to all qualifications in the IQS, and second stage – a more detailed layer of descriptors typical for qualifications awarded in general education, at PQF level 5, higher education and vocational education and training. The information presented in the publication conforms to the regulations governing PQF level descriptors in the Act on the Integrated Qualifications System.
The second publication, "The Polish Qualification Framework. User Guide" provides basic information about the Polish Qualifications Framework, its structure and level descriptors. It explains the role of level descriptors in the process of determining a qualification’s level. Specific instructions are provided to assist in reading and interpreting individual entries of the PQF. The publication also discusses the specific qualities of subsequent levels of the Framework, complemented by examples of selected learning outcomes and qualifications aligned with particular levels.
This guide was prepared for persons who will be working on specifying the levels of qualifications. It is also intended as an aid to all those involved in determining the learning outcomes of a qualification and in developing sectoral qualifications frameworks.
We cordially invite you to take a look at these publications!

The conference “Two worlds? Methods of finding a job and methods of recruitment. A comparison using the example of the Poznań agglomeration” was held on April 6 in Poznań, organised by the Economic and Labour Market Observatory of the Poznań Agglomeration Vocational Counselling Centre for Youth. Representatives of Poland’s ReferNet network attended the conference.
The purpose of the conference was to present the results of qualitative research (FGI) conducted by the Observatory among students, employers and labour market institutions of the Poznań agglomeration. A total of 60 participants took part in the study. The study looked at the strategies and methods of looking for work and employees from the perspective of three groups: students, employers and labor market institutions.
A number of postulates were developed by the various groups participating in the study. Employers claimed that such characteristics in a candidate as loyalty, initiative, personal culture, and social competence are very important in the process of looking for an employee. It is also important for candidates to be able to justify why they are applying for a position in the company. Students noted the need to increase the number of hours spent on practical work during formal education. They also recognised that elements facilitating job searches include early contact with the labour market and individual counseling, also via the internet. Representatives of labour market institutions (including schools) recognised that promoting new methods of working among counsellors, such as using case studies or online counseling, will improve the process of searching for jobs and finding employees. Raising the prestige of vocational training, also among school directors and teachers, was considered to be a very important issue.
More information about the study is at the Observatory’s website and in the report entitled „Dwa światy. Metody poszukiwania pracy a metody poszukiwania zatrudnienia. Porównanie na przykładzie aglomeracji poznańskiej [Two worlds. Methods of finding a job and methods of recruitment. A comparison using the example of the Poznań Agglomeration]” (in Polish).

This country report is part of a series of reports on vocational education and training produced by members of ReferNet, a network established by Cedefop (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training).

The VET in Europe report for Poland provides readers with a concise, basic insight into the state of the vocational education and training system of Poland. It situates the Polish education and training system within a broad political, social, economic, and labour market framework.

Read the report