EU Support for Vocational Excellence In order to support the development of Vocational Excellence, the EU has put in place a number of activities that aim to ensure that vocational training across Europe is a robust, inclusive, and forward-looking pillar of Europe’s shared progress. From funding to networking opportunities to knowledge sharing events, a number of support services exist to enable stakeholders to connect, share best practices, and innovate together. Erasmus+ funding for Centres of Vocational Exellence (CoVEs) In the period 2021-2027, the Erasmus+ programme is allocating an indicative budget of €400 million to finance the creation of and the collaboration among CoVEs, signifying a strong commitment to vocational training excellence across Europe. From 2019 to 2022, 38 CoVE projects benefited from Erasmus+ programme funding, each contributing to the regional and sectoral development of vocational excellence. Learn more about these projects. In the 2023 call, 15 new E+ projects have been selected and launched, covering diverse sectors such as: hydrogen technologies, offshore energy, climate smart agriculture, construction, and tourism, biodiversity, 3D printing, battery sector and data management. Learn more about these projects. New calls for proposals will be out periodically, be ready: Review the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2024 and explore the information page on the application process. Erasmus+ funding is complemented by other European funds, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility and Structural and Investment Funds, creating a comprehensive financial support network for infrastructure and institutional growth. Vocational Excellence networks The EU is encouraging the formation of Vocational Excellence networks that enhance the quality and reach of vocational training that share best practices and resources. ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) Initiated by the European Training Foundation (ETF), the ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) connects more than 300 organisations and CoVEs across the EU neighbourhood, Central Asia, Africa, and the EU itself. ENE operates across several themes such as: entrepreneurship and VET, digitalisation, green VET, smart specialisation, social inclusion and equity. The network is open to members from all countries and includes training providers, clusters of providers and centres that coordinate other providers. Community of Practice Centres of Vocational Excellence (CopCOVES) The Community of Practice (CopCOVES) unites leaders from all Erasmus+ CoVEs projects into a collaborative Community of Practice. Here, project leaders and partners share experiences and strategies, offering mutual support to overcome common challenges encountered during the implementation of their projects. The community organises yearly a Vocational Excellence Forum, complemented by monthly online thematic discussions tailored to the current needs of the project leaders. International Self-assessment Tool for CoVEs (ISATCOVE) ISATCOVE is a tool crafted within the European Union to boost the standards of vocational education and allows institutions to evaluate themselves against the top Centres of Vocational Excellence worldwide, promoting significant enhancements in educational quality. ISATCOVE provides a straightforward self-assessment framework that is easy to use by all staff and stakeholders involved - ensuring a thorough approach to improving the quality of vocational training, whilst emphasising continual progress and high standards. By exemplifying best practices in teaching, partnerships, governance, and more, ISATCOVE helps VET providers to set clear goals, track their advancements, and engage in global knowledge sharing. For more information on incorporating ISATCOVE and to see examples of its impact, please visit our information video. If you want to be part of the next implementation phases, please send an email or use this form Recognising Vocational Excellence In the spirit of elevating vocational education, the European Training Foundation (ETF) is working on a recognition system for institutions which have achieved and continue to strive towards Vocational Excellence, enhancing their visibility and prestige within the global community. The pilot phase for these recognition systems is set from September 2024 to January 2025, with the inaugural labels to be awarded in spring 2025. We invite you to keep connected for forthcoming details on this exciting development in vocational education. Stay tuned for more information!