Vocational colleges were awarded quality certificates

The objective of the European Foundation for Quality Management is to assist organizations in improving their performance through the use of the EFQM model – "Committed to Excellence", which constitutes a comprehensive management framework. For this purpose, at the beginning of 2015, three private (Batumi Public Academy - BPA; Georgian Business Academy - SBA; Public College "Georgia") and three public (Public College "Spectri"; Public College "Opizari"; and Public College "Akhali Talgha") vocational institutions were selected. With the assistance of EFQM consultant Dr. Susan Coldschmidt, these institutions conducted self-assessments, identified areas for improvement, and based on these findings, planned internal quality management enhancement projects.

The evaluation of the projects took place in the autumn of 2015 and involved validators from the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, who were trained by an EFQM representative. During the evaluation process, all institutions were awarded the first level of EFQM recognition – "Committed to Excellence".

According to the EFQM model, the participating colleges will conduct self-assessments once again to obtain the second level of recognition, on the basis of which further internal quality management improvement projects will be planned. The involvement of other vocational institutions is also planned for this year.

This year, the "Internal Quality Management Guide for Vocational Education Institutions" will also be published. It will integrate the standards of the EFQM model and ISO 29990 - ISO 9001. The electronic guide will be accessible electronically to all interested parties.

An exhibition of works by vocational students was also held at the event.