The European Commission has introduced an eight-level Qualifications Framework, in which all EU Member States are to reference their national qualifications and diplomas by 2012.In this context, practical difficulties have to date emerged particularly where traditionally different paths lead to the acquisition of similar diplomas.

The project will focus on two sectors: motor vehicle mechanics and electrical engineering.These two sectors have been chosen because they are quantitatively key economic fields in all participating countries with a high number of employees. Second transnational mobility plays an important role in these sectors and thus there is a certain need for transparency of qualifications as a prerequisite for enhanced workers mobility.

In the European Economic Area, micro and craft enterprises are an important pillar of the economic structure and development. Their significance for the labour market stems from supplying workplaces for some 38 million people. In recent years micro and craft(-type-) enterprises are confronted with considerable challenges, including lack of skilled labour, recruiting difficulties, lacking attractiveness for young people, sustaining the employability of elder staff members.