Cedefop presented its planned activities for 2023, that will mark the European Year of Skills, during the meeting of the Directors-General on vocational education and training (DGVT), which was organised by the European Union's Czech Presidency in cooperation with the European Commission, in Prague on 10 and 11 October.
The meeting allowed high-level representatives from 30 countries and the EU-level social partners to discuss vocational education and training (VET) policy priorities and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Copenhagen process.
Cedefop had a prominent role in the event due to the strong focus on the progress in EU cooperation in VET. Cedefop Head of Department for VET and Qualifications Loukas Zahilas presented the state of play of the national implementation plans submitted by Member States in line with the 2020 Council Recommendation and the Osnabrück declaration.
The Commission reported on ongoing policy priorities with a focus on the 2023 European Year of Skills. Mr Zahilas presented Cedefop's latest initiatives on teachers and trainers in a changing world, preliminary findings of the 2nd European skills and jobs survey in relation to the digital transition, skills and jobs driving the green transition in cities and findings of the Future of VET research work.
In three dedicated parallel sessions, country cases were presented as responses to the common challenges of labour market relevance, excellence and green transition, upskilling and reskilling, flexibility and inclusion and teaching and learning.
In the light of the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, special attention was given to the education pathways for people displaced by the conflict, with Cedefop expert Ramona David presenting the Agency's work in this area.
The Czech Presidency presented their VET system and welcomed participants to a study visit of the innovation centre CIIRC/National Centre of Industry 4.0, which specialises in robotics.
