The project has long been proposed in the Working Group ‘VocationalEducation and Training’ of the FIEC-EFBWW Social Dialogue in theconstruction sector. It will investigate possibilities, means and problemsassociated with implementation of the European QualificationsFramework (EQF), the European Credit System for Vocational Educationand Training (ECVET) and the development of a sectoral qualificationsframework in relation to a particular occupation, bricklaying. Its aim is tofurther the recognition of bricklaying qualifications and competences byenhancing their transparency and comparability, thereby increasing theeffectiveness of mobility and the quality of labour across Europe. It seeksto overcome some of the challenges posed to EQF implementation by thediversity of qualifications and VET. The project extends over 21 months,from October 2008 to June 2010 and involves an evaluation of the natureand content of bricklaying qualifications in 8 EU countries (Belgium,England, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Poland),based on macro and company/site studies. It will include differentlearning pathways (formal and informal), associated curricula and jobprofiles. The different components will be related to National QualificationFrameworks (NQFs) (where applicable), the EQF, ECVET, and theemerging sectoral framework. The project is based on the activeparticipation of European and national social partners, crucial to theapplication of EQF and ECVET to particular occupations, which relies onre-interpretation at sector and occupational levels. Key outputs will be:national focus groups and context reports on bricklaying qualificationsand VET; a seminar and conference to discuss a trans-national synthesisreport; a final report in English on similarities and differences acrossEurope; and proposals for discussion by European Social Partners andtheir national members on a possible agreement concerning mutualrecognition of qualifications.