Faced with challenges such as intensified global competition, high numbers of low-skilled workers and an ageing population, the European Commission considers vocational education and training (VET) as vital for preparing individuals for today’s society and for ensuring Europe’s future competitiveness and innovation.
Advertisement
Faced with challenges such as intensified global competition, high numbers of low-skilled workers and an ageing population, the European Commission considers vocational education and training (VET) as vital for preparing individuals for today’s society and for ensuring Europe’s future competitiveness and innovation.
Actions to improve vocational education and training help to provide the skills, knowledge and competences needed in the labour market. As such, they are an essential part of the EU’s Education and Training 2020 work programme.
The Commission acts together with EU Member States and other countries to strengthen VET across Europe. The Copenhagen Process, established in 2002, lays out the basis for co-operation in VET, with 33 European countries involved.
On 9 June 2010, the Commission presented a 10-year vision for the future of vocational education and training in the Communication “A New Impetus for European cooperation in Vocational Education and Training to support the Europe 2020 strategy”.
In December 2010 participants of the Copenhagen Process will meet in Belgium to agree common objectives in vocational training for 2011-2020 – the ‘Bruges Communiqué’. At the same time they will agree on an action plan for the first years with concrete measures at national level and support at European level.
Actions cover:
Recognition
There are a number of initiatives under development to enhance the transparency, recognition and quality of competences and qualifications, facilitating the mobility of learners and workers. These include the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Europass, the European Credit System for VET (ECVET), and the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET (EQAVET).
More common European frameworks and tools in VET
Training trainers
The quality of vocational education and training is closely linked to the quality of the teachers and trainers that deliver them and the quality of their initial education and continuing professional development. The Commission brings together experts from different countries to exchange good practices and support the reform of national systems.
‘Peer learning activities’ in VET
Mobility
Encouraging learners to take part in vocational education and training in different countries is also a priority of EU actions, providing individuals with increased opportunities and experiences, and enhancing efficiency and innovation.
The Leonardo da Vinci Programme (part of the Lifelong Learning Programme) funds a wide range of actions in vocational training, ranging from opportunities for individuals to improve their work-related skills through placements abroad, to co-operation projects between training organisations in different countries.
Mobility for apprentices in VET
Source: European Commission
