The annual CHAIN5 network conference, held in mid-November this year in Zagreb, brought together experts and relevant stakeholders from 11 European countries to discuss current trends and innovations in level 5 qualifications and their place in modern education systems and labor markets.
Level 5 qualifications in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) occupy a specific position between upper secondary and higher education, facilitating progression through national qualifications frameworks. Acquired through short cycles in higher education or through specializations leading to professional or specialist certificates and diplomas, these qualifications are becoming increasingly important in an era where the labor market demands rapid adaptation and continuous learning and development.
In countries whose institutions are members of the CHAIN5 network, level 5 qualifications vary. In some countries, they are part of higher education systems, while in others, they focus on meeting specific labor market needs and are obtained through post-secondary pre-university education. In Serbia, the system currently recognizes level 5 only through specialization programs (these qualifications can be acquired through formal and informal education or through the recognition of prior learning), and obtaining a level 5 qualification does not allow for further schooling. This has led the educational community to explore ways the system could be more flexible regarding progression. However, what unites all conference participants and different approaches is the need for effective mutual recognition and greater mobility, which requires harmonization within the European educational space.
Through 24 workshops organized over two days, the conference was an excellent platform for exchanging ideas. This year, the focus was on the introduction of micro-credentials, flexible educational pathways, and the role of level 5 qualifications in lifelong learning strategies. Discussions also covered aligning these qualifications with labor market needs and enhancing their visibility and recognition across Europe.
The Office for Dual Education and the NQF participated in the CHAIN5 conference for the first time. Dr. Vesna Fabian, Assistant Director, shared details about the specifics of Serbia’s system and plans for developing level 5 through the National Qualifications Framework of Serbia (NQFS). “Serbia wants to leverage the potential and flexibility that these qualifications offer. At this moment, it is crucial for us to understand which level 5 qualifications are needed in the labor market and to plan and develop educational offerings based on market needs. The experiences of other member countries are an important guide for us,” Dr. Fabian said, addressing other participants during the concluding panel, which provided an overview of different European perspectives.
The conference was organized and hosted by the Craftsmanship School and Algebra University from Zagreb. Materials and presentations from the workshops will be posted in the coming days on the website https://www.chain5.net/zagreb24/, which offers a wealth of information about the CHAIN5 network, level 5 qualifications, conferences, and other activities in this field. The next annual conference will be held from November 12–14, 2025, in Porto.