Vocational education and training

European Commission - 18/02/2022

In Europe, we find ourselves in a period of transition. The green and digital transformations are essential for a sustainable future and bring both opportunities and challenges. We also aim to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic, using this transformational period to create new opportunities and jobs to boost Europe’s recovery.

"As industries and occupations change, so too will the needs of employers and the demands put on workers. High-quality vocational education and training (VET) has a key role to play in ensuring people have the right skills to help tackle socio-economic challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives. This applies both to the youth of today, to whom VET provides a smooth pathway into the labour market from compulsory education, and to adults who need to upskill and reskill to adapt to a changing world of work.

The European Union (EU) has long been leading the way in promoting and investing in VET. The Council Recommendation on VET for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, published in 2020, sets out the EU’s comprehensive vision for the future of VET. Our aim is to make VET a high-quality, attractive option for all learners.

While the Commission leads the way with a wide range of policy initiatives, support tools and funding mechanisms at EU level, Member States have the power to make the required reforms a reality. Member States have already endorsed and committed to concrete actions through the Osnabrück Declaration. Now is the time to undertake these reforms and help achieve our collective vision for VET in Europe.

It is my great pleasure to provide the foreword to this brochure, which outlines our vision for VET and the assistance that is available to support Member States with this process. I strongly encourage Member States to take advantage of these tools to strengthen and modernise their VET systems, for the benefit of all VET stakeholders – and ultimately, learners – throughout Europe."

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights