This paper provides a critical account of the main approaches to quality assessment in education and training, with a focus on vocational education and training (VET) and the Italian IFP system. Building on the limitations of traditional input/process metrics and on outcome-oriented perspectives (value-added and outcome-based approaches), it frames EQAVET as a policy device that combines learning outcomes, governance and accountability within a continuous improvement cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). It then reconstructs the European evolution of the framework and its Italian implementation, characterised by multi-level governance with INAPP and Regions playing key roles. The paper maps the empirical coverage of the ten EQAVET indicators using major INAPP surveys, highlighting strengths (labour market outcomes and selected organisational quality dimensions) and gaps (completion, skill use and systematic skills needs assessment). Finally, it proposes a conceptual model linking inputs, intermediate variables and outcomes, and outlines econometric strategies and data infrastructures to strengthen impact evaluation and evidence-informed policy.
Valutare la qualità della formazione professionale in Italia: evidenze empiriche e prospettive di policy del quadro EQAVET
Barbieri Nicolo;Montanaro Alessandro;Mazzanti Massimiliano
2026
Abstract
This paper provides a critical account of the main approaches to quality assessment in education and training, with a focus on vocational education and training (VET) and the Italian IFP system. Building on the limitations of traditional input/process metrics and on outcome-oriented perspectives (value-added and outcome-based approaches), it frames EQAVET as a policy device that combines learning outcomes, governance and accountability within a continuous improvement cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). It then reconstructs the European evolution of the framework and its Italian implementation, characterised by multi-level governance with INAPP and Regions playing key roles. The paper maps the empirical coverage of the ten EQAVET indicators using major INAPP surveys, highlighting strengths (labour market outcomes and selected organisational quality dimensions) and gaps (completion, skill use and systematic skills needs assessment). Finally, it proposes a conceptual model linking inputs, intermediate variables and outcomes, and outlines econometric strategies and data infrastructures to strengthen impact evaluation and evidence-informed policy.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
