"EVSW Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Our last newsletter (15/12/2022)

Welcome to the last newsletter of the 6th edition of the European Vocational Skills Week. We also take this opportunity send our best wishes to you and your families for happy holidays and success in 2023!

5 years on: European Pillar of Social Rights (15/12/2022)

When European leaders and social partners gathered in Gothenburg five years ago, they agreed on a ‘social summit for fair jobs and growth’. The meeting preceded the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (social pillar) by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council in November 2017.

2 years and 1,000 members: Pact for Skills (15/12/2022)

The Pact for Skills has expanded, and now includes 1 000 members! The 1 000th member, the European Heating Industry (EHI), received a warm welcome from Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit during a special session organised as part of the European Employment and Social Rights Forum (16-17 November).

Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2023 (16/12/2022)

The 2023 Erasmus+ call for proposals and Programme Guide have been published! The Guide is available online, in a user-friendly and accessible format to make it easier to find information, and as a PDF file to download.

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. There are approximately EUR 495 million available for vocational education and training (VET) mobility, the highest budget ever dedicated to this purpose. It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Skills Agenda and reinforces the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The 9th EAfA online training module on Communicating Apprenticeships (16/12/2022)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) launched its latest online training. The 9th online training module provides an overview of what attracts potential apprentices and serves as a collection of ideas, practices and examples for communicating apprenticeships to different target groups.

EAfA on how to promote apprenticeships for SMEs (16/12/2022)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) organised a live discussion on how to promote apprenticeships for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on 14 December. Participants discussed policy, campaigns and the different instruments used to involve SMEs in apprenticeship programmes across Europe.

The discussion featured Valentina Guerra (Social Affairs and Training Policy Adviser, SMEUnited) as a keynote speaker and a panel made up of representatives from SMEs and regional and national VET entities. They presented the benefits of apprenticeships, how to design a communications strategy and how to approach learners and companies.

2022 Forum on Vocational Excellence in San Sebastian (16/12/2022)

The 2022 Forum on Vocational Excellence took place on 15 and 16 November 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. This first international meeting of partners involved in initiatives on vocational excellence included panel discussions and parallel sessions covering some of the most pressing issues from smart specialisation to social inclusion.

Webinar: How to promote VET as a path for reskilling and upskilling (16/12/2022)

“We need better cooperation with companies as they know best what kind of skills are needed, we need to match this with people’s aspirations and we need to attract the right people.”  So said Ana Carrero Yubero, Deputy Head of Unit, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

More VET stories from across Europe (16/12/2022)

It’s story time! Check out our four latest VET stories online. Read about an IT apprentice in Valencia; a volunteering opportunity to empower women in need through VET; employment opportunities in the great outdoors for young people from Spain, Ireland and Poland; and small electric cars in Slovenia.

Last chance to link your event to the Week! (11/10/2022)

Don’t forget to link your VET event or activity to #EUVocationalSkills Week 2022 (the Week), as long as it takes place within this calendar year. Join the hundreds of VET events now linked to the Week and cross promote your VET event or activity. We will provide you with a myriad of resources and information to help you promote your happening.

Register your event

Discover your National Contact Point (NCP) (11/10/2022)

National Contact Points (#NCPs) have been instrumental in the success of the #EUVocationalSkills Week!

They have pulled out all the stops getting people on board and have truly supported local VET event organisers to get their message out and gain publicity for their events.

Discover your NCP

Sign up for VET events and activities linked to the week (11/10/2022)

Discover exciting VET events to upskill and reskill in line with the twin green and digital transition and other areas of VET – all focused on helping you achieve your goals. Don’t wait! Check out VET events around Europe and neighbouring countries

Share your inspiring VET story (11/10/2022)

Inspire others to discover their passion or calling in life by posting your unique VET story. Help others follow in your footsteps.

#EUVocationalSkills. #DiscoverYourTalent.

Share your VET story

Library of VET stories at your fingertips (11/10/2022)

Explore our wonderful library of engaging VET stories on the 2022 European Vocational Skills website

Networking Tool B2Match open until 29 December (11/10/2022)

Get networking on the European Vocational Skills Week’s networking tool. Here’s your chance to forge new links and create new initiatives with like-minded VET partners.

Sign up to B2Match

Subscribe to EU Social Newsletter! (17/12/2022)

EU employment and social policies bring practical benefits to citizens, for example, in finding a job, moving to another Member State for work or other reasons, upgrading skills, etc. Stay up to date with the latest news, events and activities in DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusions and the European Social Fund.

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (17/12/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

Preparing for the European Year of Skills (16/11/2022)

It’s official! 2023 is the European Year of Skills, following the announcement by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2022 State of the Union address. This will ensure that nobody is left behind and the economic recovery, as well as the green and digital transitions, are socially fair and just.

Two decades of European cooperation in VET (16/11/2022)

The Copenhagen process (an accelerated measure to improve the quality and attractiveness of VET) celebrated 20 years! The anniversary was marked during a high-level meeting organised by the Czech Presidency in cooperation with the European Commission in Prague between 10 and 11 October.

Have your say on European employment and social rights (16/11/2022)

The first European Employment & Social Rights Forum was held on 16 and 17 November. The event brought together European Commission representatives, government ministers and academics, together with policymakers and stakeholders to discuss current societal challenges and the opportunities of the green transition. You can make your voice heard.  Join the forum and be part of the discussion about the policies the EU and its Member States need to put in place to ensure the green transition is fair and full of opportunities.

Read more

Solidarity with Ukraine: EU takes new steps to provide access to employment (16/11/2022)

A new online job-search tool will help people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine to successfully find a job in the EU. After registering with the EU Talent Pool pilot initiative, those under temporary protection can upload their CVs, so that their profiles are available to more than 4,000 employers, national public employment services and private employment agencies.

Europeans support a fair green transition (16/11/2022)

The vast majority (88%) of Europeans support a green transition that leaves no one behind, according to a new Eurobarometer on Fairness perceptions of the green transition. However, only 46% of Europeans polled said they are confident that sustainable energy, products and services will be affordable for all (including the poor) by 2050. As for the green transition, half of the respondents said their current skills allow them to contribute.

Read more

Forum on Vocational Excellence (16/11/2022)

The 2022 Forum on Vocational Excellence was organised in San Sebastian, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain, on 15 and 16 November.

Almost 600 people from 74 countries registered to attend the event onsite.

Read more

Pact for Skills: Two new partnerships (16/11/2022)

The European Commission’s Pact for Skills – one of the flagship actions of the European Skills Agenda – is growing. So far, 12 large-scale skills partnerships (LSPs) have been launched in 11 of the 14 European industrial ecosystems, which range from automotive and microelectronics to agrifood and tourism.

Join the webinar on upskilling and reskilling (24/11/2022)

VET providers are invited to join the webinar on 24 November to find out how to promote VET as a path for upskilling and re-skilling. It’s an opportunity to exchange of best practices and lessons learned by VET providers. Participants include the Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB) and the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA).

Skills shortage in Cyprus (17/11/2022)

As part of our series on vocational success stories, we look at the situation in Cyprus. A skills shortage in all sectors of the economy is making it difficult for companies in Cyprus to find the right people with the skills they need. The global skills shortage means this Mediterranean country needs to look to its own population to fill essential jobs.

Make your EAfA pledge to support displaced Ukrainians in the EU (17/11/2022)

Support displaced Ukrainians in the EU by submitting a pledge with the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA). We’re pleased to launch our new campaign, encouraging organisations to support displaced Ukrainians by providing high-quality effective apprenticeships. Both EAfA members and non-members are encouraged to submit a pledge to create apprenticeships for displaced Ukrainians in the EU.

Make a pledge

High-level live discussion: Supporting Ukrainians in the EU through apprenticeships (17/11/2022)

On 27 October, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held a high-level live discussion with Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, on supporting Ukrainians in the EU through apprenticeships. The event explored how apprenticeships can be used as a tool to support Ukrainians displaced by the war and address their educational, employment and societal needs.

Watch Live recording

EAfA podcast: The role of social partners in securing high-quality, effective apprenticeships (17/11/2022)

On 10 October, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) published its third podcast episode. It is part of a series focusing on EAfA’s four objectives: supply, quality, image and mobility. The episode provides a platform to share best practices, giving an international dimension, and discuss key challenges from a social partner perspective.

You can find all EAfA podcast episodes on Soundcloud, YouTube and Spotify.

High-level event: Seminar for EAfA partner countries (17/11/2022)

Between 13 and 14 October, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held a seminar where EAfA partner countries shared their experiences and achievements in developing and delivering apprenticeships. The high-level event took place in Belgrade and brought together government representatives, EU stakeholders, representatives from the European Apprentices Network, and other stakeholders in the European vocational education and training (VET) sector.

Read more

… new calls (17/11/2022)

Check out the latest Erasmus+ calls published in October. The aim is to provide support to European non-governmental organisations and EU-wide networks active in civil society cooperation in education and training and in the field of youth. The deadlines are in December.

Read more

… results are in (17/11/2022)

A total 317 applications (300 under Lot 1 and 17 under Lot 2) were submitted to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in September 2021. This exceeded expectations. The selection results were published in March 2022:

Under Lot 1  Alliances for Education and Enterprises 25 proposals were selected for funding for a total budget of EUR 34,279,965.

Under Lot 2 Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills - implementing the ‘Blueprint’,  7 proposals were selected for funding for a total amount of EUR 26,657,270.

… looking ahead (17/11/2022)

A total 91 applications were submitted on 15 March 2022. The selection results were published on 13 September 2022.

The 39 proposals selected for funding with EUR 29,588,586 cover diverse thematic areas: digital and green transition; support to the Pact for Skills; structures and mechanisms for applied research in VET; green skills in VET, and upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults.

2022 European Innovative Teaching Award ceremony: VET on the winners list (17/11/2022)

There were 25 reasons to celebrate vocational education and training (VET) schools on 25 October. This is how many VET schools were nominated in the 2022 European Innovation Teaching Award (EITA). The 25 VET schools were among the 98 awarded projects, which also include early childhood education centres and primary and secondary schools. All schools were nominated for their outstanding work and their commitment to skills development for young people.

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (18/11/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

European Commission President announces 2023 as the European Year of Skills! (08/10/2022)

During the annual State of the European Union address on 14 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared her vision on the future of the EU, outlining the initiatives the Commission plans to take next year in key areas, including announcing 2023 as the European Year of Skills.

Live high-level discussion on supporting Ukrainians in the EU through apprenticeships (27/10/2022)

EAfA will be hosting a live discussion on 27 October on how best to support Ukrainians in the EU through apprenticeships. The panel will examine how apprenticeships can further be utilised as a tool to support Ukrainians fleeing the war and address their educational, employment and social needs. With this live event, the alliance also seeks to encourage EAfA members to make a new pledge towards creating apprenticeships for Ukrainians in the EU.

The discussion will be held on 27 October at 14:00-15:30 CET.

Read more...

European Commission adopts European Care Strategy, highlights need for new skills for caregivers (08/10/2022)

Care is a large economic sector, employing 9.1 million people across the Union. Driven by the needs of an ageing population, the sector has an untapped job creation potential that will further increase in the future.

News from the EPALE Community of European VET practitioners (10/10/2022)

Looking for an interactive space for teachers, trainers, and in-company tutors to network, exchange practices and ideas, as well as keep up to date with VET policy and funding opportunities? Look no further than the online community of European VET practitioners in the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE).

Sign up for the EPALE Community Conference 2022 - Imagine (18/10/2022)

On 18, 19 and 20 October 2022, EPALE, the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, is hosting its annual online Community Conference. Imagining means rethinking the present, unlocking new possibilities and creating new futures.

2022 Forum on Vocational Excellence in Spain (15/11/2022)

The 2022 Forum on Vocational Excellence will take place in San Sebastian, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain, on 15 and 16 November. The Forum will discuss the latest developments on the European initiative on Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). The event is jointly organised by the European Commission and the Basque government, with the support of the European Training Foundation (ETF), Cedefop and EACEA, as well as the Community of Practice on CoVEs, and Katapult. It will include the participation of the partners of ongoing CoVE projects, as well as other Vocational Excellence initiatives currently being developed in Europe and beyond, that form part of wider partnerships and networks in Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Don’t miss EAfA’s new podcast episode on the quality and effectiveness of apprenticeships (11/10/2022)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) is hosting its third podcast episode featuring social partners from both European and national levels discussing how they can contribute to achieving high-quality and effective apprenticeships.

The episode will provide a platform to share best practices and discuss key challenges from a social partner’s perspective.

Coming Soon: Online training module on communicating apprenticeships to learners and companies (11/10/2022)

EAfA continues its series of online training modules designed to provide insight into apprenticeship systems in the EU with its ninth module this October. Featuring an array of practical tips on how best to successfully communicate apprenticeships to young and adult learners as well as to companies, you will learn how to create key messages for each of these target groups and design an effective communication strategy.

Join the skills events at the European Week of Regions and Cities (10/10/2022)

Don’t miss several exciting skills events and workshops taking place during #EURegionsWeek 2022, this year under the theme of ‘New Challenges for Europe’s Cohesion’ 10-13 October in Brussels and online.

The 20th #EURegionsWeek will focus on the green transition, territorial cohesion, the digital transition and youth empowerment.

Attendance is free and open to all. Check out the wide selection of skills events, such as Pact of Skills: Enabling the green transition in automotive regions and Increasing the involvement of women in the VET sector at regional and local level, among other VET-centred events.

Italian NCP Giorgio Sbrissa’s interview with Il Sole 24Ore (11/10/2022)

Spreading the word on the importance of VET, our National Contact Point for Italy for the #2022 European Vocational Skills Week, Giorgio Sbrissa, spoke to Il Sole 24Ore’s Gianni Rusconi on 12 September. Mr Sbrissa, who serves as managing director of ENAIP Veneto and president of Forma Veneto and also heads the European Vocational Training Association EVTA, told Italy’s national daily business newspaper how important VET is in helping people stay competitive in the labour market, upskilling or reskilling, especially after the impact of Covid-19, among other key points. Read the full interview in Italian. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to discover your own NCP.

DG EMPL holds successful webinar on youth outreach for VET providers (11/10/2022)

Use live events and other social media happenings to reach Generation Z. That was just one golden nugget of advice dispensed to participants across Europe who joined DG EMPL’s third tailored Info Day online webinar for VET providers, this time focused on the theme of ‘How to promote your VET course to youth: tools, techniques and channels’.

Online leaflet Through the Years: the VET Excellence Awards (2016-2022) now available in German and French (11/10/2022)

If you haven’t yet checked out the commemorative online album celebrating all the years of the VET Excellence Awards in English, published in September, it is now also available in German and French for you to read and share.

Ukraine: European Commission presents guidance to help people fleeing war access jobs, training, and adult learning (02/09/2022)

Looking for new ways to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine? Read the latest guidance from the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion. This covers both those eligible for temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive as well as those eligible for adequate protection under national law – for a swift and smooth integration into the labour market.

Read more

Green International Partnerships Webinar, 30 September 2022 (30/09/2022)

The European Training Foundation (ETF) will host the third of six thematic webinars on how to accelerate ‘greening processes’ for its programme ‘ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) and GRETA - Greening Responses to Excellence Through Thematic Actions’.

GRETA is named after the Swedish environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, and features 18 Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in eight countries: Armenia (1), Georgia (1), Latvia (1), Serbia (1), Slovenia (1), Spain (2), Turkey (3), and Ukraine (8).

Sign up for VET events & activities linked to the Week (03/09/2022)

Explore dozens of VET events to upskill and reskill in line with the twin green and digital transition and other areas of VET – all geared towards helping you succeed in your goals. Don’t wait!

Click on VET events and join the skills revolution

New Pact for Skills – a partnership to boost digital skills (02/09/2022)

Key stakeholders in the digital sector have come together with the support of the European Commission to create a new partnership for skills for the digital ecosystem. EU associations, companies, organisations, trade unions, universities, training providers and national federations have joined forces to upskill and reskill their employees in the digital industry and attract more people to the field. The partnership will help people and businesses further their digital skills and contribute to the objectives of the EU’s twin digital and green transition. Following commitments in other industrial ecosystems, this new partnership is part of the Pact for Skills, a flagship initiative under the European Skills Agenda.

Discover more

Report: Young people impacted the most by job losses due to COVID-19 economic disruption (03/09/2022)

Youth has been the hardest-hit group in terms of job losses, but also in terms of recovery, due to the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2022 report.

Read more 

Discover your National Contact Point (NCP) (03/09/2022)

Key contributors to the success of #EUVocationalSkills Week 2022 are our National Contact Points - #NCPs. They are invaluable in helping spread the word about the wonderful world of VET and in supporting local VET-event organisers in getting their message out and gaining publicity for their events.

Discover your NCP

Support for Industrial Ecosystems (02/09/2022)

For the 2023 TSI Call – Support for Industrial Ecosystems, EU Member States can submit their requests by 31 October 2022. Support will be provided to enable the reskilling and upskilling of their workforce under the work package on ‘Upskilling and reskilling for the green and digital transitions’.

This support will also complement the joint efforts of stakeholders for greener and more digital industrial ecosystems under the Pact for Skills. Initiatives will also be geared towards boosting lifelong learning, such as through the establishment and implementation of individual learning accounts and short and flexible learning experiences leading to micro-credentials.

Library of VET stories at your fingertips (03/09/2022)

Discover our growing library of engaging VET stories on the 2022 European Vocational Skills website, including Hybrid lab installation and I gained a lot of experience that will serve me in my life.

Check out our VET stories library

Link your event to the Week. Yes, you still can! (03/09/2022)

You can link your VET event or activity to #EUVocationalSkills Week, as long as it takes place in 2022. Join the more than 1,000 VET events now linked to the Week, with an estimated reach of just over half a million people in 29 countries and shine a light on your VET activity.

Register your event

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (03/09/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

Check out the new infographic on the European Vocational Skills Week 2022 (03/09/2022)

In case you missed the European Vocational Skills Week 2022 (May 16-20), here’s a quick visualisation to help you glean all the key events and activities that made it an unforgettable week. Read reflective quotes from speakers. Discover fun facts and figures on the events and their online attendance: Which countries took part the most? How many people voted in the flagship VET Excellence Awards?

Read more

How to promote your VET Course to Youth: Tools, Techniques and Channels, 22 September 2022 (22/09/2022)

It’s back to school time! The European Commission invites you to its latest webinar for VET providers, National Contact Points, and other VET stakeholders. Find tips and best practices on how to promote VET courses easily and successfully to a young audience.

Share your inspiring VET story (03/09/2022)

Help others discover their passion or calling in life by posting your inspiring VET story. Shine a light on your path for others to follow in your footsteps. #EUVocationalSkills. #DiscoverYourTalent.

Share your VET story

Through the years: the VET Excellence Awards (2016-2022) (03/09/2022)

How did the fantastic VET Excellence Awards begin? How did the different categories evolve? What has stayed the same and who were the nominees and winners this year and in past editions? Find the answers and explore highlights from the first 6 editions of the flagship VET Excellence Awards (2016-2022) in this online feature dedicated to celebrating all VET stakeholders throughout the years.

Read more

2022 Week Video (05/07/2022)

In case you missed it, watch the 2022 Week video, which provides some key highlights from the 6th edition of the flagship Week.

Watch video

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (09/07/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

New call for proposals on ‘Social innovations for a fair green and digital transition’ (07/07/2022)

Submission deadline is
2 August 2022

The European Commission has published a new call for proposals on ‘Social innovations for a fair green and digital transition’, under the EaSI strand of the European Social Fund+.

Introduction (05/07/2022)

We’d like to take this opportunity to extend a warm thank you to everyone who helped make the 2022 European Vocational Skills Week (the Week) such an inspiring and engaging event.

The wonderful world of vocational education and training (VET) has so much to offer. This is why we invite you to continue thinking about and discovering all the possibilities offered by VET for all ages. For youth, in particular, we celebrate the 2022 European Year of Youth and look to the future during the digital and green transitions.

Networking tool B2MATCH extended until the end of December! (09/07/2022)

Those taking part in the 2022 European Vocational Skills Week benefited from the user-friendly networking tool B2MATCH. We’re happy to announce that the facility has been extended to the end of 2022.

Check out B2MATCH 

Check out the Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation Call 2022! (07/07/2022)

Is your organisation interested in forming an alliance to boost innovation, new skills and an entrepreneurial mindset in vocational education and training and higher education?

Find partners in the EU and beyond and apply for funds now through the Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation Call 2022.

Good news for ALMA: First EU Member States pledge around €270 million to implement ALMA initiative (08/07/2022)

The first EU Member States have expressed their commitment to implement the European Commission’s new initiative ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve).

The aim is to support disadvantaged young people on their way into the job market or to further education.

Read more

Link your event to the Week (08/07/2022)

Yes, you still can!

The 2022 Week may be over, but you can still link your event to the European Vocational Skills Week as long as it takes place in 2022. We will provide you with a variety of resources and information to help you host and promote your VET event or activity.

Link your event

New Pact for Skills partnership to bolster skills in the Proximity and Social Economy industrial ecosystem (06/07/2022)

With the support of the European Commission, a new large-scale partnership of social economy organisations, impact investors, microfinance providers, ethical and cooperative banks, vocational education and training providers, as well as regions, has been formed. The aim is to boost skills development in the Proximity and Social Economy industrial ecosystem.

Read more

Share your inspiring VET story (08/07/2022)

Check out how you can share your VET story to inspire more people to #DiscoverYourTalent and learn about #EUVocationalSkills.

Share your story

The Community of Practice on Centres of Vocational Excellence (07/07/2022)

The project leaders of Erasmus+ funded projects establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) have set up a Community of Practice (CoP) where they exchange experience, best practices and lessons learned from their CoVE projects. The community addresses common issues that are of interest to all CoVEs and promotes thematic debates on key VET issues.

Discover our library of VET stories (08/07/2022)

Tap into the rich collection of VET stories on the main website of the Week to read about how VET has impacted so many people – across generations and industries. Find inspiring personal stories, such as Dual retraining after parental leave - a great option! or even enjoy someone recount their experience on video, like Guia in VET Invent you Future - Guia’s VET experience.

Discover VET stories

EPSCO adopts Individual Learning Accounts and Micro-credentials initiatives (05/07/2022)

EU employment and social affairs ministers at the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) adopted four Council Recommendations to drive a fair and inclusive green and digital transition. EU Member States are thereby underscoring their commitment to take concrete actions to boost green and digital skills and the lifelong learning of workers, promote quality jobs, and support fair tax-benefit systems and affordable essential services.

Read more

New survey on the integration in VET of people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (06/07/2022)

The final conclusions of an online survey by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL) on the integration in VET of those fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are now available.

Sign up for VET events and activities linked to the Week (08/07/2022)

With more than 1,000 VET events now linked to the Week, with an estimated reach of just over half a million people in 29 countries, there are plenty to choose from. Discover the events running until the end of 2022.

Upcoming & ongoing events

Discover the new EQAVET webpage (07/07/2022)

The new website EQAVET: the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training is now live!

Read more

New Cedefop podcast on how micro-credentials can transform lives (07/07/2022)

Check out the new Cedefop podcast: ‘The value of
micro-credentials.’ Cedefop’s Loukas Zahilas and Anastasia Pouliou explore the issues of certification, validation, and portability of micro-credentials. They also discuss the current challenges and the future for micro-credentials overall.

Listen here

That’s a wrap! (02/06/2022)

An impressive lineup of regional, national, and local events made the 6th edition of the European Vocational Skills Week (the Week) an unforgettable event-packed five days of insightful takeaways from reflective webinars and engaging panel discussions with VET stakeholders.

The Week’s events (16-20 May) primarily explored the theme of VET and the Green Transition, but also touched upon a host of other topics, such as upskilling and reskilling people to help them benefit from Europe’s digital transformation.

VET Excellence Awards – celebrating excellence in VET (02/06/2022)

The Week had something for everyone. The programme included hundreds of associated events as well as a high-level event organised by the European Commission (18-19 May), together with the flagship Vocational Education and Training (VET) Excellence Awards, which celebrated outstanding examples of VET practice. A sea of smiles, reflective words of VET inspiration, watch them all at the 6th VET Excellence Awards.

You can still link your event to the Week (02/06/2022)

VET should be celebrated and promoted every day. This is why you can still link your event to the European Vocational Skills Week (as long as it takes place in 2022). We provide you with a myriad of resources and information to help you promote it.

Discover stellar VET events linked to the Week (02/06/2022)

Discover the 1,000+ events now linked to the Week, with an estimated reach of just over half a million people in 29 countries.

Share your VET story (02/06/2022)

Find out how you can share your VET story to inspire more people to: #DiscoverYourTalent and to learn about #EUVocationalSkills.

Be inspired (02/06/2022)

Read from our library of VET stories on the main website of the Week to see how VET has impacted other peoples’ lives.

More on the Week (02/06/2022)

Launched in 2016, the European Commission initiative brings together all stakeholders – teachers, organisations, industry, students, and trainers. All under one umbrella, they highlight the many benefits VET offers young people and adults alike. With an eye to the future skillsets that will be required and the other on the realities of the current labour market, VET aims to equip everyone with the necessary quality skills to unleash their true potential.

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (02/06/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

Petri Lempinen (13/05/2022)

Petri Lempinen, Director General of General Upper Secondary Education and Vocational Education and Training in the Ministry of Education, Finland

Dawn Ward (13/05/2022)

Dawn Ward, Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics and Deputy Chair of the Chartered Institution for Further Education

Laurence Gates (13/05/2022)

Laurence Gates, CEO, WorldSKills Europe

Jürgen Siebel (13/05/2022)

Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director of Cedefop

Nicolas Schmit (13/05/2022)

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

Andriana Sukova (13/05/2022)

Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General of DG EMPL

Watch live streamed panel (13/05/2022)

Watch live streamed panel discussions on the future of VET by high-level EU and national leaders, practitioners and learners, by registering for the European Commission Conference (18-19 May). 

View the programme

Associated events (13/05/2022)

Discover other associated national, regional, and local VET events

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas on VET and forge new links with stakeholders at the 2022 European Vocational Skills Week.

Networking has never been easier!

Book your meetings today through B2match

The 2022 European Vocational Skills Week kicks off today! 16-20 May (13/05/2022)

The premier event serving the Vocational Education and Training (VET) community is back for its 6th edition, bringing Europe’s VET policymakers, industry leaders, teachers, organisations, and students together in an online five-day conversation.

Register to watch the livestreamed events of the Week on this edition’s theme of VET & the Green Transition

Food for thought (13/05/2022)

Smart uses of green technologies, a change in mindsets, and fostering an understanding of what green products, processes, skills, and innovations are needed in the greening of jobs are all vital to Europe’s transition to the green economy.

How can VET best prepare Europe’s workforce to meet the challenges presented in the green transition?

With the European Green Deal commitment of a zero-emissions continent by 2050 at the heart of Europe’s policy making, hear from high-level policy makers on initiatives to equip the people of Europe with the appropriate skills and education for the greening of the economy.

VET Excellence Awards Ceremony (13/05/2022)

Register to watch the flagship VET Excellence Awards Ceremony online on 18 May.

Register

Agnes Roman (13/05/2022)

Agnes Roman, Senior Policy Coordinator on education policy issues at the European Trade Union Committee of Education

Info 3 (13/05/2022)

Sign up for Networking on B2match

Info 4 (13/05/2022)

Visit the 2022 European Vocational Skills Week website

Olta Manjani (13/05/2022)

Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Albania

View the Programme (13/05/2022)

Organised by the European Commission, the highly anticipated Week hosts future-thinking panel discussions, inspiring VET testimonials, and offers virtual networking opportunities through B2batch.

View the programme

Check out the full list of speakers (13/05/2022)

Check out the full list of speakers

Info 1 (13/05/2022)

Register today

Info 2 (13/05/2022)

View the programme

Paulo Azevedo (13/05/2022)

Paulo Azevedo, Chairman of Sonae

Dragoș Pîslaru (13/05/2022)

Dragoș Pîslaru, MEP, Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee

Valentina Guerra (13/05/2022)

Valentina Guerra, Policy Advisor for Social Affairs and Training at SMEunited

Ben Butters (13/05/2022)

Ben Butters, CEO Eurochambers

New EU skills profile tool translated into Ukrainian (26/04/2022)

To help Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion, the European Commission has published a Ukrainian version of the EU Skills Profile Tool for Third Country Nationals. The Tool helps them map their skills and find jobs and other opportunities. It also contributes to making skills and qualifications from Ukrainians more easily recognised across the EU.

Launch of renewed European Apprentices Network (26/04/2022)

A revamped European Apprentices Network (EAN) has been created to give a renewed impetus to the promotion of apprenticeships and the engagement of young people.

Week’s digital hub (26/04/2022)

Mark your calendar for the 6th edition of the European Vocational Skills Week (the Week), returning as a virtual event 16-20 May. Discover the inspiring programme of events on the Week’s digital hub and register your attendance today.

Link your VET event to the Week! (26/04/2022)

Are you hosting your own VET event before, during or after the Week?

Link your event to the Week and discover the cross-promotion opportunities and communication toolkits available to you as an official partner.

Register your event here

Share your VET story (26/04/2022)

Do you have an inspiring VET story to share with others? Share your VET story and inspire others to embark on their own VET journey. Check out the remarkable VET stories people of all ages have shared on the Week website. Each story is unique. Every story showcases the many and varied benefits of VET for people of all ages and backgrounds. You can make a difference in someone’s life by relating your own experience.

Jobs for refugees in the face of the Ukrainian crisis (26/04/2022)

What can be done so that refugees can relocate and find employment within the European Union based on their skills, and what are the difficulties and pitfalls as millions of people flee the war in Ukraine?

Find out in Episode 4 of Cedefop's Skillset and Match podcast series.

Residence Palace, Brussels (26/04/2022)

It is our pleasure to invite you to an event organised by the Alliance for YOUth on 11 May 2022 from 13:00 to 14:30 CET. This event will be attended by European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, Members of the European Parliament, and high-level executives from Alliance for YOUth partner companies.

Join us for an insightful session to gain perspective on youth’s readiness for the jobs of today and of the future, with particular focus on digitalisation, green skills and entrepreneurship. Let’s discuss how the Alliance for YOUth and the European Union are creating an environment that equips youth with the right skills needed in a fast-changing world.

If you are interested in attending the event in person, please send an email here.

VET Excellence Awards: It’s time to vote (26/04/2022)

Online voting has opened for the 2022 VET Excellence Awards. Cast your ballot for your favourite VET nominees who have shown excellence and model best practices. You have until 15 May to vote.

The winners will be announced on 18 May during the European Commission Conference.

Vote now

Join the Conversation – Get on Social Media (26/04/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

Ireland’s Youthreach centre welcomes Commissioner Schmit (26/04/2022)

Commissioner Nicolas Schmit visited the transformative Youthreach Clondakin centre near Dublin. This award-winning ESF-funded project helps young people who left school early bounce back and take their first successful steps toward employment. The Commissioner was joined by Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, as well as Dervila Tawmley, Head of the ESF Managing Authority in Ireland.

Commissioner Schmit visits ESF-funded projects in Romania supporting refugees from Ukraine (26/04/2022)

European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit in early April visited European Social Fund (ESF) projects in Romania that are providing support to refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Commissioner Schmit praised their dedicated efforts towards enabling refugees to enter the labour market and integrate into society.

Use #EUVocationalSkills and #DiscoverYourTalent to follow the conversation online (03/03/2022)

Stay tuned for our next newsletter to catch up on all the latest information regarding the European Vocational Skills Week and VET.

Share your inspiring VET story (26/03/2022)

Get inspired and inspire others! Share your VET story and help others discover their own VET path.

Check out several scintillating VET stories people of all ages have shared on the Week website, showcasing the many and varied benefits of VET, such as Passion became a profession! and Try it!!!

Add your story to the treasure trove of inspiring VET stories.

Link your event or activity to the Week (28/03/2022)

Join the fun and celebrate VET with others by linking your VET event or activity to the Week. Benefit from cross-promotion and several communication toolkits that are available for event organisers that have activities linked to the Week, whether hosting your event before, during or after the Week.

Register here

EU Green Week is the biggest annual event on European environmental policy (26/03/2022)

Taking place 30 May – 5 June, EU Green Week 2022 will be an exceptional opportunity to engage with numerous stakeholders and interested citizens (that means you!) on how we can work together and play an active role in making Europe’s future greener.

Make it real (30/05/2022)

Your event can cover any kind of activity, from conferences and workshops to exhibitions, webinars, networking, and online events. You choose what works best for your goals and target audience!

Make your event an EU Green Week Partner Event!

New taxonomy of skills for the green transition (25/03/2022)

The European Commission has published a taxonomy (classification system) of skills for the green transition in European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO). It includes
381 skills, 185 knowledge concepts and 5 transversal skills considered most relevant for a greener labour market. Examples of ‘green skills’ include how to conduct energy audits, measure the sustainability of tourism activities, as well as training staff on recycling programmes.

Discover fantastic VET events and activities (29/03/2022)

Discover more than 200 VET events and activities in 20 countries that have so far linked to the Week and click on our interactive map on the Week website homepage to help you choose the ones you would like to attend.

Get started

EAfA publishes 10 good reasons for SMEs to invest in apprenticeships (26/03/2022)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) has published a new document titled 10 good reasons for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in apprenticeships.

The publication addresses SMEs, which may not be aware of the positive aspects of hiring apprentices and may face several challenges that prevent them from becoming engaged with apprenticeships and EAfA. These include limited capacity, lack of employees dedicated to training and apprenticeships, and language barriers.

CARE initiative helps regions provide Ukrainian refugees with emergency services, including VET & education (25/03/2022)

The European Commission adopted on 08 March a proposal for a Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) under the 2014-2020 Cohesion policy to provide support through cohesion funding to persons fleeing from the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

The European Social Fund (ESF) can already in its current shape extend support to refugees and migrants, as it is the European Commission’s main tool for investing in people and for promoting inclusion into the labour market. The temporary protection directive further widens the scope of who and how soon ESF-funded actions can help persons fleeing from Ukraine, so that they can have immediate access to the labour market.

Fit for the new digital age: the updated Digital Competence Framework (DigComp 2.2) (29/03/2022)

The European Commission has published the latest update of the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.2), providing a common understanding of which digital competences EU citizens need, in view of the latest technological advancements since the last update in 2016.

DigComp 2.2 takes into account emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, robotisation, the Internet of Things (IoT), datafication and other phenomena, such as online misinformation and disinformation, which together have led to new and increased digital literacy requirements.

EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, officially launching the 6th edition of the European Vocational Skills Week (01/03/2022)

‘I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we officially launch the 2022 European Vocational Skills Week (the Week), with the aim of bringing together all Vocational and Educational Training (VET) stakeholders from around Europe and beyond to share best VET practices and showcase the integral value of VET for all ages.

This year the focus of the Week (16-20 May) is VET and the Green Transition, in line with the EU’s commitment to the European Green Deal - the path towards zero net emissions by 2050 - and the steps needed to get there, known as the Green Transition.

Getting the recipe right in terms of what skills and knowledge will be needed to plan for the future green economy is what VET and the Green Transition is all about.

Join the Community of European VET practitioners virtually on EPALE (01/03/2022)

Exchange insights and best practices on Vocational Education and Training (VET) online by joining the Community of European VET practitioners, one of many initiatives to raise awareness of the role, value and relevance of VET.

Info-session on 2022 Erasmus+ call for proposals on CoVE (02/03/2022)

The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) is holding an online information session to explain the funding opportunities available under the call for proposals 'Centres of Vocational Excellence' (CoVE), under the 2022 Erasmus+. Learn about the policy context and priorities of the CoVE call for proposals, tips on how to prepare and submit your proposals, with guidance on the evaluation process.

This call is already open for applications in the funding and tenders portal. The Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2022 containing all relevant information is available here. No registration to the event is required. The event on 7 March can be joined at this web-streaming link.

Link your event or activity to the Week (02/03/2022)

Don’t forget to link your event or activity to the Week to benefit from cross promotions that together boost the Week and events related to it. Together, we raise awareness of the importance and value of VET across the EU and beyond. Once you register your event, you’ll have access to a myriad of resources to promote it across your community, to a wide range of stakeholders as well as to the media.

A warm welcome to our new National Contact Points (NCPs), as first Webinar for the 2022 Week debuts with NCP Info-Day (02/03/2022)

A crucial partner in the success of the Week each year are the National Contact Points, who pull out all the stops to support and promote their local VET event and activity organisers in their media outreach, and in getting the vote out for them in the VET Excellence awards, while also raising awareness of VET in the context of the Week.

The voice of apprentices in the 2022 European Year of Youth (02/03/2022)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), in collaboration with the Directorate General for Vocational Education and Training of the Regional Government of Catalonia, the Fundación Bertelsmann and the European Apprenticeships Network (EAN), is organising a

All you need to know about VET - new brochure is out! (02/03/2022)

Check out the newly published brochure on VET for all the latest EU initiatives on Vocational Education and Training (VET). Read the Vocational Education and Training – Skills for today and for the future brochure for a full overview of the history, the vision and the importance of VET reforms at national level, including key principles and actions to support these reforms. The brochure also looks at those EU initiatives leading the way and the assistance available to Member States in this area.

Share your VET story to inspire future VET students and other stakeholders (02/03/2022)

Do you have an inspiring story related to VET practices? Share your story so others can follow in your footsteps. Upload your VET story and shine a spotlight on your VET path for others to follow.

Mark your calendar: 29 March 2022 (02/03/2022)

How to organise your online event related to vocational education and training. Register here

EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit kicks off new EAfA podcasts series on apprenticeships (01/03/2022)

Why are apprenticeships such an important pathway for the career success of young people, and how is the EU facilitating and promoting such initiatives?

Apply today for the Week’s flagship VET Excellence Awards! (02/03/2022)

Take part in the VET Excellence Awards. Don’t wait to nominate your candidate, as application deadlines are fast approaching. Nominate your favourite candidates for the flagship VET Excellence Awards today.