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European Defence Observatory for Qualifications

The Observatory oversees the implementation of the European Qualification System for Defence at transnational, national and regional levels through a network of Defence training centres.

Goal:

European Defence Observatory goal is to address the skills needs and tackle the shortages experienced by professionals in the European Defence labour market. By doing so, it aims to foster the continuous development and qualification of the Defence workforce within both the European and National contexts.

Scope:

The scope of the Observatory is linked with the emerging technological trends in defence, particularly those corresponding to C4AID (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Dissemination) framework, defined in the Defence Body of Knowledge (BOK).

Activities:

The European Defence Observatory for qualifications is a body responsible for the following activities.

Performing defence skills snalysis & reporting findings

Required actions: Collect, analyse and monitor skills data and information from the Defence sector
Approach: start with the skills needs identification by mapping and foreseeing the evolution of the Defence sector (e.g., data analysis, survey, brainstorming sessions), to then validate the identified technologicaland the skills needs, considering all the relevant stakeholders, as well as define their priority;
Envisaged outcome: Issuing periodic reports (e.g., on an annual basis) on the skills gaps, needs and shortages of the Defence sector to be used by industry, qualification providers (VET & HE). Updated BOK;

Implement European qualification system for defence

Required actions: Create and implement the European Qualification system for defence
Approach: Design European Qualifications to the specificity of the Defence Sector; Define the rules and operational procedures for the Observatory , which will ensure harmonisation and quality throughout the developed activities.
Outcome: European Defence Sector Qualifications System organisational structure, procedures, rules and qualification framework; Training guidelines

Added value:

The establishment of a Defence Observatory has the added value of ensuring the following aspects:

anticipation and identification of required skills for the defence sector
development of skills and awarding of qualifications to the professionals
alignment of the training and qualifications with the defence industry needs, to reduce potential skills mismatches
comprehensive coverage of profiles, qualifications, and skills, from low to high level of education through the implementation of the Defence Qualification System
facilitation of close collaboration between different stakeholders through their enrolment in the Observatory Bodies

What is expected after ASSETs+

Consolidation and expansion of the Observatory with relevant experts to address required Defence industrial needs, skills gaps, and technological trends.
Further development and expansion of the Defence training Network at the European level.
National and regional rollout of the European Qualification System for Defence facilitated by close collaboration with national industrial organisations, educational authorities and relevant stakeholders.
Ensuring the sustainability of the Observatory and its activities through a management model that employs quality assurance principles for the implementation of the European Defence Qualifications System for Defence, encompassing both HE and VET.
Alignment with European policies and initiatives.

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect 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.