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The working group of the VET Innovation Council, Vocational training development in the Carpathian Basin, mapped future opportunities. The working group carried out the mapping between 2021-22. At its November 2022 meeting, the VET Innovation Council adopted the findings and proposals of the working group. The department responsible for VET development of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation has already started to elaborate the concept for the development of vocational training in...

The Modernisation of VET project is currently being implemented for the period 2022-26 by the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for VET (CPI) in cooperation with other public institutions and social partners. It has five components.

Competences and qualifications for the digital and green transitions

The project, in the dialogue with social partners, defines a new development period for VET in Slovenia in the direction of greater connection with the labour market, the needs of the...

The SkillsPoland competition consists of:

1. development of organisational and substantive assumptions for the PolSkills competition at the regional and national level;
2. conducting study visits as part of professional competitions in other countries;
3. implementation of a promotional campaign for SkillsPoland competitions;
4. conducting regional eliminators for competitions in 30 sectors;
5. organising of three nationwide SkillsPoland competitions in 30 sectors;
6. participation of representatives...

The main objective of the activities of the combined National Europass and Euroguidance Centre is to implement Decision (EU) 2018/646 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 April 2018 on a common framework aimed at providing better quality services in skills and qualifications (Europass). The National Europass Centre (NEC) deals with coordinating the issuance of Europass documents and promoting the Europass initiative, in particular for career counselling and information...

In Poland, the activities of the EPALE platform are the responsibility of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Science.

The European EPALE platform has been operating since October 2014. From the beginning, it has been available in the Polish language. The current contract for the implementation of the project by the EPALE national office covers the period from April 2022 to the end of 2024.

In 2021, the Foundation for the Development of the Education System began providing organisational services to the Team of Experts for Vocational Education and Training (EVET) nominated by the Ministry of Education and Science. The Action Plan of the Team of Experts is an integral part of the Erasmus+ Work Plan.

The objectives are implemented through organising consultations, seminars, conferences, workshops, training sessions, lectures, debates, study visits and analytical work, as well as...

Sectoral skills centres (branżowe centra umiejętności) are to be technologically advanced education, training and examination centres in a given industry.

This initiative comprises the following main activities:

1. announcement by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE) of a competition for the establishment and support for the operation of 120 sectoral skills centres implementing the concept of centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs);
2. construction of a new...

Changing the system of vocational preparation of SEN learners (including disabilities) for active participation in social and professional life by:

1. diagnosis of the functioning of vocational education for SEN learners;
2. development, in cooperation with employers and other social partners, recommendations for programme changes in vocational education of SEN learners;
3. identification of the needs of the labour market and the possibility of expanding the vocational education offer for SEN...

The aim of the competition is to select the best teachers from vocational education in Poland in the 100 fields covered by the competition, who can serve as role models for other teachers, by their commitment and passion in their work; support for the professional interests of learners, including gifted learners; recognition as authorities by their schools and local environments; and special teaching and/or educational achievements in VET.

Winners and featured participants receive the title...

The DLH is located in the south of Luxembourg. On its 700 m2, the Hub offers open and multi-purpose spaces and multifunctional classrooms, an amphitheatre and computer laboratories dedicated to networks, cybersecurity and product design and prototyping. A virtual infrastructure can be used to create working environments of all kinds, simulating a wide range of operating systems, software and usage scenarios such as cyber-attacks. The DLH favours face-to-face learning, but all training can...

The strategy update was coordinated by the ministry responsible for family, labour and social security. The final version of the document was adopted in 2019. The strategy is implemented by 15 different institutions, including the ministries responsible for education, digitalisation, labour, health or justice. 

The implementation of the strategy goals includes strategic projects outlined in the Strategy for responsible development, and supplementary projects grouped in two areas: social...

The action plan includes the following five specific measures:

1. implementing the integrated skills strategy through the development of professional skills in formal and non-formal education, including skills related to green and digital transitions;
2. provision and professional development of staff for the VET system;
3. the development of career guidance and promotion of VET;
4. implementation of innovative and durable mechanisms of cooperation at national and international levels in VET,...

In 2014, the Department of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training (STVET) started implementing the project Further development of technical and vocational education and training (under programming period 2014-20). The project continues with increased ESF+ funding (under the programming period 2021-27). The project covers all VET pathways falling under the authority of the Department of STVET: secondary technical and vocational education, evening schools of technical and...

In addition to the activities of schools and the Public Employment Service, the Chamber of Labour (AK) and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) are important providers of services and tools for the vocational orientation of young people.

The Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK) has included the continuous development of its guidance services in the national implementation plan (NIP) 2022.

This includes the following measures.

Expansion and partial shifting of educational and career orientation...

The Erasmus+ VET Team Austria, located at OeAD, the Agency for Education and Internationalisation, plays an essential role in pursuing these goals. This is a network of professionals with expertise in European VET topics and Erasmus+. OeAD, in cooperation with BMBWF, has defined the following procedure in connection with the above objectives.

Activity 1: Status quo survey and feedback from practitioners

In the course of this activity, interviews with practitioners from Boards of...

In order to develop the competences of teachers, trainers and heads of school, the following measures are foreseen:

1. building the capacity of schools to develop the content of VET, including curriculum development and in-service training for vocational teachers;
2. pedagogical-methodological in-service training courses (including special pedagogy and andragogy) for VET teachers, in-service training in digital pedagogy for vocational teachers;
3. field-related training for vocational teachers,...

The subject of bilateral VET cooperation is usually the intentions of a partner country to reform its VET system. Project funding in international VET cooperation serves to make expert knowledge and implementation competences from Germany available to the partner countries. Examples of good practice are developed and tested on various VET topics and can stimulate reforms in the partner countries. Pilot projects are funded by BMBF, which regularly publishes relevant funding guidelines to...

WorldSkills - the World Skills Championships - and EuroSkills - the European Skills Championships - take place alternately every two years. The WorldSkills Germany network promotes and supports national and international competitions of non-academic professions. Founded in 2006, the WorldSkills Germany association currently unites over 80 members. In addition to companies and associations, these include Chambers of Skilled Crafts and guilds or industry associations, as well as the BMBF and...

The XR action plan was concretised into four closely-intertwined actions:

Action 1. Practice-oriented research: an innovation can only be sustainably embedded if it can rely on (scientific) evidence about its effectiveness. Does this innovation actually contribute to achieving a certain objective? But also: what works in day-to-day educational practice and in what circumstances/with what support? Additional scientific research is also needed for XR in general. It is a living theme,...

That the Digital education action plan (Digisprong) will have important consequences for many schools is beyond dispute. Strategic objectives and concrete actions were formulated for each challenge. Those include:

ICT infrastructure

1. provide every learner in secondary education with a device;
2. provide ICT equipment for teachers through the school:
3. bolster the ICT infrastructure within the school;
4. facilitate the use of connectivity and telecom services with special attention to security...

With the Excellence Initiative for VET policy projects are combined into an overarching agenda. Individual activities will be launched successively during 2022 to 2026. Over EUR 750 million have been earmarked for this purpose.

In order to give new impetus to VET, the Excellence Initiative focuses on three central fields of action.

Improving individual opportunity support for talents in VET, to ensure that skilled workers and young people can develop their potential in the best possible...

These programmes are designed to meet the needs of professionals in a specific area, responding to market needs and creating value for professionals and institutions, serving as a national reference in the area.

Programmes are developed within the scope of cooperation between higher education institutions and public and private employers, with a view to providing students with competences in transversal subjects valued by the labour market and, facilitating their professional integration in...

In September 2021, the IEFP signed a financing agreement for the application of EUR 230 million with the Estrutura de Missão Recuperar Portugal, the body responsible for negotiating, contracting and monitoring the implementation of the national recovery plan, as part of the implementation of the investment Modernisation of the supply and of the educational and vocational training facilities.

The financing contract runs until 31 December 2025. It aims to provide 22 000 training workshop...

WorldSkills and EuroSkills are aimed at all young people aged between 17 and 25 who have completed or are attending a qualification programme in vocational education and training. They aim to demonstrate the individual level of skills, rigour and mastery of techniques and tools for the exercise of each profession in the competition, through practical performance tests evaluated according to demanding criteria and in accordance with internationally established technical prescriptions by...

According to the Government Strategic Analysis Centre (STRATA) study University, college or vocational training institution?, based on data retrieved from the 2013/14 school year to the 2018/19 school year, the number of students who chose to study in vocational education institutions together with second part of the basic education programme education has doubled. The number of students who chose to study only according to initial vocational education programmes (ISCED 2) has been...

The National platform for the progress in VET, as a team of experts, is established as a response to the European Commission's encouragement to its member states to strengthen vocational training and adapt more flexibly to the needs of the labour market. The European Commission emphasises the necessary fundamental changes in the area of skills development, as a means for recovery from the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The platform focuses on the further development of...

Financial support for projects promoted and to be implemented by higher education institutions (HEI), in partnership or in consortium with enterprises, public and/or private employers, municipalities and local, regional and national public entities, as well as in close cooperation with secondary schools. They may take the form of schools, alliances and/or programmes, oriented to strengthen initial higher education and to increase the number of graduates in STEAM areas throughout the country...

Specialised technological centres (Centros Tecnológicos Especializados) are an investment in modernising training in technological areas, particularly emerging sectors with a high potential for added value. They re-equip and strengthen the technological infrastructure of education establishments providing lower secondary vocational education, and develop new courses linked to the green and digital transitions. It is intended to create 365 specialised technological centres, and to reorient...

Technological specialisation courses (CET) are a modality of education and training at post-secondary non-tertiary levels that enables specialised training paths in different technological areas, developing professional skills. These courses, leading to an EQF level 5, are referenced to the national qualifications catalogue. The qualification is obtained through the combination of a general or professional secondary education with a post-secondary technical education.

CET are designed for...

Modular training courses (Formação Modular Certificada) are addressed to adults aged 18 and over, employed or unemployed, who do not have the appropriate qualifications to enter or progress in the labour market, especially, those who have yet to complete basic or upper secondary education.

This is a modality that allows flexible training paths, through the realisation and certification of competence units and/or short duration training units (UFCD), that can be capitalised to obtain one, or...

Adult Education and Training courses (EFA) are a flexible training pathway of variable duration, according to the certification level. They enable the development of social, scientific and professional skills needed for the exercise of a professional activity and simultaneously obtain a basic school level certificate (fourth, sixth or ninth grades) or an upper secondary level certification (12th grade).

EFA courses are addressed to adults, employed or unemployed, with low and very low...

More digital employment 2025 is a scheme providing free digital training for workers, managers and directors of companies, entities of the social economy and trainers. The training includes an initial and final diagnosis of digital skills, in line with the dynamic reference framework for digital competence (DCRF) proficiency levels, through the Portugal Digital Academy platform. If the training is completed, a certificate is issued. The training is developed in, and managed by, IEFP in close...

The project Development of a quality assurance system in adult education is financed under ESF Operational programme Effective human resources 2014-20. The implementation period of the project is 40 months beginning from January 2019. The project has a total value of EUR 2 368 780 (HRK 17 838 099). The body responsible for the implementation is the Agency for VET and Adult Education (ASOO). The project is aimed at improving the quality of the adult education system through the development of...

The Accessibility Plus programme indicates the following actions for vocational education:

1. developing, testing and implementing the financial and organisational model of individual support for pupils with special educational needs;
2. creating a system of specialised, continuing support for teachers, including support for adapting schools to the needs of pupils with disabilities.

The Strategy for persons with disabilities 2021-30 involves the following education measures including VET:

...

LLCS 2030 focuses on four thematic areas: qualification system; basic skills and civic education; lifelong learning and counselling, and motivation of citizens for lifelong learning; and building a system of skills management and identification of lifelong learning needs. It proposes 51 measures divided into 13 thematic units corresponding to topics in need of urgent intervention:

1. second chance education and ‘F-type programmes’ (ISCED 253) for low achievers in lower secondary general...

The Integrated student evaluation system (ISES), which includes formative assessment and diagnosis of student needs, is in place since the 2019/20 academic year. Based on the operating regulations of secondary education, semester core exams have also been implemented.

Through actions compatible with the framework of teachers’ professional development on formative assessment, alternative forms of student evaluation and modern teaching methods, teachers are supported in implementing ISES.

In order to learn more about motives and expectations, as well as existing obstacles to mobility and potential incentives for mobility abroad, the project Partnership commissioned ibw Austria: Research and development in VET in 2020 to conduct the study 'Foreign mobility in apprenticeship training'. The results were presented at the OeAD on 30 September 2021 and a concrete objective and five action priorities for increasing apprenticeship mobility were derived from it.

The study shows that...

The creation of centres of excellence in VET (CeEVETs) is determined by the Lifelong learning and counselling strategy for 2021-30 adopted by the government on 24 November 2021. According to the strategy action plan, a pilot phase of transforming some of the existing centres of VET into CeEVETs should already start in 2022, co-funded from ESIF (specific objective 1.4 ‘Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship’ of Operational programme Slovakia...

The strategy is focused on strengthening and improving Norwegian participation in Erasmus+ and the European Education Area, in order to provide more learners, youths and students, teachers and staff with opportunities for intercultural learning and exchange in Europe. The quality of education and training is to be further developed through international cooperation.

The government also wants more Norwegian interests to be able to cooperate with the best environments in Europe in order to...

With the tripartite agreement, an objective assessment of the CVET landscape, led by the OECD Centre for Skills was launched. Various stakeholders were consulted to establish recommendations that are tailored to the Luxembourgish context.

The OECD study is part of the 'Skillsdësch' initiative, which regularly regroups high-profile governmental, employee, and employer representatives (the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, professional chambers, and trade unions) since Q3 of...

The following measures are foreseen:

1. promoting learning mobility in VET: supporting the internationalisation of VET, including support for the implementation of Europass, improving data collection and analytics, monitoring and analysis of learning mobility;
2. participating in Erasmus+ and other development and cooperation projects, and mobility schemes to mobilise best international experience;
3. participating in EU-level debate and development activities on the creation of key profiles for...

In order to ensure flexible learning opportunities, accessibility of high-quality education and training, and supported learning with the aim of reducing drop-out and early leaving rates and exploiting every individual's potential to the fullest, the following measures are foreseen:

1. developing and implementing a common standard for secondary education to integrate general and vocational secondary education;
2. updating the Standard of vocational education and specifying the differences...

In 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the first prototype of a technical infrastructure for a digital education platform. As a hub, it is intended to integrate existing and new digital education platforms into a nationwide platform system, providing every user with central access to education offers. The digital education area is based on common standards, formats and interoperable structures that are compatible with the rest of Europe in the sense of a...

The initiative is a prolongation of an existing system for the use of role models in providing guidance on VET. The use of role models, i.e. using young people from VET as ‘counsellors’ in primary schools, has shown good results in this respect. The Danish organisation of VET students is responsible for activities such as campaigns and events on VET institutions.

The process of designing the National recovery plan was managed by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy (MFiPR). In February 2021, the document was submitted for public consultation, which influenced its final shape. In May 2021 the plan was officially submitted to the European Commission.

Its main areas of focus are:

1. resilience and competitiveness of the economy;
2. green energy and reducing energy intensity;
3. digital transformation;
4. availability and quality of the health care...

In November 2020, the Act on the principles of the recognition of professional qualifications attained in other EU Member States was amended.

The most important changes include:

1. ensuring that new regulatory provisions (in this area) are justified, following the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination and indicating the entities to which they apply;
2. indicating how regulatory provisions comply with the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination;
3. indicating the...

France Relance has a budget of EUR 100 billion in total over two years, out of which 15 billion is for vocational training. The main measures in terms of education and vocational training offered in both IVET and CVET (excluding exceptional employment subsidies) are:

Training young people in strategic and promising sectors

1. 100 000 qualifying training courses via the Regional skills investment pacts; with a revaluation of the remuneration for trainees undertaking professional training;
...

In 2020, the Walloon government adopted an action plan aiming to boost a new dynamic in vocational training, to make it an essential lever in terms of professional integration and economic recovery. The action plan will be part of the recovery plans and programmes adopted by governments as well as the new European skills strategy in favour of sustainable competitiveness, social equity and resilience.

This plan is made up of one structural axis and six distinct operational axes aimed at...

Under the Decree of 20/02/2014 and the Decree of the Walloon Government (AGW) of 08/09/2016, the action plan for learning languages (plan langues) of Forem, the Walloon office for vocational training and placement, offers financial assistance for learning Dutch, English and German. Learners can complete a year, or a semester, abroad in the academic year immediately following graduation from upper secondary school.

The Forem annually convenes the providers who practically organise the stay...

The Start Digital project was submitted by the Employment and Training department of the SPW (The Walloon Public Service) as part of the EaSI (Employment and Social Innovation) programme. The project brings together 13 education and training partners from Wallonia, Brussels and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation thus involving all the partners in education and training for adults in French-speaking Belgium (excluding higher education).

The project broadly targets jobseekers or learners over...

The action plan for the digital transition has three main pillars. Each one comprises three sub-pillars:

1. Capacity building and digital inclusion of people
   1. digital education,
   2. professional training and reskilling,
   3. digital inclusion and literacy,
2. Digital transformation of enterprises
   1. entrepreneurship and investment attraction,
   2. existing companies (with a focus on SMEs),
   3. scientific and technological knowledge transfer to the economy,
3. Digitalisation of the public...

The Cyprus Pedagogical Institute (CPI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth (MoECSY) has introduced Digital competences development for educators (DCDE). The programme is offered through a distance-learning approach and methodology, utilising CPI’s e-learning environment. It consists of an introductory module and 10 learning modules with content on thematic areas that have been defined through a process of diagnosing the needs of teachers but also following European and...

The targets presented in the roadmap and the measures needed to achieve it are based on the state of play in education and research as well as on key factors for changing the education and research environment. Finland's demographic trend is the most significant factor affecting the education system. The birth rate is dropping, age groups are smaller, and people live in growth centres in increasing numbers. The report (roadmap) outlines the guidelines for the future of the Finnish education...

In December 2015, the Government adopted regulations on career education. Within this framework, the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) launched a national ESF project Career support in general and vocational education schools (2016-20) to ensure accessibility of career education in all general and vocational education schools. New methodological materials were developed. In 2017-18, more than 20 seminars and two national conferences for schools’ career guidance teachers/specialists...

Hungary from the school year 2020/2021 introduced the following IVET programmes, and changed the name (types) of the existing IVET institutions as follows:

Five-year technological programmes (Technicums)

The previous vocational grammar school (szakgimnázium) programmes have been renamed Technicums (Technikum) and will provide five years of combined general education and VET with the possibility of a preparatory foreign language year. At the end of the programme, learners acquire the...

The provisions of the Act on National Public Education CXC of 2011 allowed electronic filing and storage of school documents. In 2015, work started on the creation of an electronic management system for Hungarian public schools: the Public education registration and study information system - NEPTUN-KRÉTA (Köznevelési Regisztrációs és Tanulmányi Alaprendszer - NEPTUN-KRÉTA). The new system was piloted in 2016/17 and made compulsory in 2017/18 in all public schools. The Ministerial Decree of...

The government has accepted, by government Decision No 1168/2019. (III.28.), the new strategy mid-term VET policy strategy for the renewal of VET and adult education (AE), the VET system’s answer to the challenges of the fourth Industrial Revolution'.

The VET 4.0 strategy is based on three pillars.

1. Attractive career opportunities for learners: learners must obtain competitive qualifications and knowledge required by the economy, which will provide a sound existence and high income. A...

The education minister approved a training programme for acquiring basic pedagogical and psychological knowledge and skills aimed at mentors involved in on-the-job training (dual training system). The changes in Art. 17a1 of the VET Act (VETA) of 2018 also include specific requirements for company mentors in dual training.

The programme is for people who want to become mentors at enterprises and to provide on-the-job training. It provides the tools for effective partnership between training...

As of September 2019, VET teachers are required to participate in a new form of continuing professional development: 40-hour training cycles (that must be completed within three years) at a company active in the field of the occupation they teach. This is required both for staff teaching theoretical vocational education subjects and practical vocational training teachers in VET schools, continuing education centres and vocational training centres. Teachers who are employed or operate...

The education strategy applies an integrated approach to the development of the education system to make better use of Estonia’s high-quality education for the benefit of people, society and the economy.

It continues to support the contemporary approaches to teaching and learning, considers rapid technological developments, strives to ensure the next generation of teachers and the renewal of teachers’ roles, and it focuses more on the skills policy, including a clearer division of the roles...

Under the title Apprenticeship NEW for adults, the Federal Economic Chamber has taken the initiative within its education campaign (Bildungsoffensive, BO) to develop a programme for people with a HE entrance qualification that leads to a dual VET qualification at NQF/EQF level 5. Through this programme the attractiveness of dual VET programmes for these new target groups should be increased. At the same time, the programme should cover knowledge, skills and competences that enable the...

The National Centre for TVET Development, together with the support of the education ministry, runs annual information campaigns to raise public awareness that initial VET can be a first option for young people. This can provide them with the opportunity to acquire competences (both general and professional) and attitudes and skills leading to a qualification at EQF level 3 or 4 that is recognised on the labour market as well as offering an option to continue to higher education.

The...

The national EQAVET implementation report (2016-20), containing measures to strengthen quality assurance in IVET, has been prepared. At the end of 2016, ŠIOV, the quality assurance national reference point (QANRP), joined a European project aiming to introduce peer review in the country. Another Erasmus+ project Mobility for quality (June 2017 - November 2018), run by ŠIOV, resulted in training the staff of the institute as well as practitioners from education institutions in the European...

From March 2015 until June 2016, HZZ developed and conducted occupational standards survey for 50 occupations. The results were used as an analytical basis for the development of occupational standards and disseminated through 60 workshops throughout Croatia. From August 2016 until October 2018, the survey questionnaire was adapted and the implementation of the occupational standards survey was conducted for further 40 occupations.

In January 2017, an initiative on Promoting student competences and VET through skills competitions and fairs was launched to modernise VET student skills competitions in Croatia and encourage participation in national and international skills competitions. In its initial stage in 2018, the project analysed the existing national and international VET student skills competitions and fairs and developed a new model of competitions in Croatia consistent with major international competitions...

The legislation introduced in 2018 and amended in 2019, aims to promote inclusive education and enable schools to recognise and respond to learners' diversity, individual needs and capabilities. It established a flexible learning model, which addresses the unique needs of learners and targets the acquisition of common knowledge throughout their school paths, regardless of the specific education or training programme in which they are enrolled. This legislation offers learners opportunities...

In 2015, the National Agency for Qualification and VET (ANQEP) introduced a new methodology for designing qualifications based on learning outcomes. It applies to VET qualifications at levels 2, 4 and 5 of the NQF.

Since 2016, ANQEP has been organising and monitoring several training courses for coordinators and trainers from professional schools where qualifications will be developed according to this new methodology. It has also been carrying out training sessions for the different VET...

The aims of the project Improving the quality and content of 21st century vocational training and adult education (GINOP - 6.2.4) include the review of the examination system, the development of a validation system and the preparation of a methodology for VET content development that is compatible with open and innovative learning settings as well as the demands of the economy. Uniform criteria were also developed to strengthen the external evaluation system in CVET. Criteria include...

In education authority VET, the education community can find and create structured teaching material ready to be downloaded and used by teachers and learners in Procomún, the Repository of open educational resources (OER) of the ministry, operated by the National Institute for Education Technologies and Teacher Training (INTEF). Another initiative is the Educational Technology Observatory, which provides a virtual library with articles for teachers written by teachers about how to use...

In December 2018, the Council of ministers approved EUR 8.6 million (three times the previous budget), jointly financed by the European Social Fund, for VET teacher training, upskilling and mobility. The distribution criteria, agreed by the Autonomous Communities, take into account the number of teachers and the number of secondary schools and / or baccalaureate centres and / or VET centres.  CPD training provision for teachers also encompasses guidance practitioners.

Since September 2017, several collaboration agreements between the State Public Employment Service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal, SEPE), the education ministry, and 11 Autonomous Regions have been approved. The agreements allow for implementing work plans of 25 national reference centres (Centros de Referencia Nacional, CRNs), of the 52 planned. CRNs are public institutions specialised in the different professional branches, in charge of carrying out innovation and experimentation...

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL) carried out a review of the entire national catalogue of occupational standards. It aimed to set up a 2019 work plan that would accommodate the need for updating occupational standards and (where appropriate) designing new ones which could have greater significance or impact on employment.

The INCUAL is responsible for defining, updating and adapting the Spanish national catalogue of occupational standards...

The National Centre for TVET Development implemented several projects through which continuing teacher and trainer-in-companies training was offered.

One of the projects aimed to improve the skills and competences of teachers and trainers involved in work-based learning, through an Erasmus+ pilot training programme (DALIVET 2014-16). An accredited training course was introduced to increase the competences of 23 vocational education and training (VET) school teachers and 22 trainers. The...

The national qualifications system (Sistema Nacional de Qualificações, SNQ) aims (among others) to improve VET quality by promoting trainers' initial and continuing professional development (CPD) and enhancing their technical and pedagogical capacity. In this context, it was necessary to develop standards for initial and continuing training for trainers and tutors in the light of the new pedagogical approaches and technical developments.

In recent years, the country has developed and put in...

Since 2016, several regions (wojewodztwa) have initiated CPD projects for teachers and trainers in companies. The projects are co-funded by the ESF and implemented as regional programmes. They include the development of VET programmes suited to the socioeconomic environment and the implementation of high quality vocational apprenticeships, which includes the upgrading and updating of the qualifications of trainers in companies.

The Foundation for the Development of the Education System...

In January 2016, the National Centre for Supporting Vocational and Continuing Education (KOWEZIU) launched the two-year ESF co-funded project 'effective educational and vocational guidance for children, adolescents and adults', aimed at creating an effective guidance system in education and training. In 2016, KOWEZIU was merged with the Centre for Education Development (ORE), which continued the implementation of this project. In 2017, testing of the newly developed educational and...

In May 2018, the education ministry launched the first call for projects aimed at strengthening cooperation between VET schools and higher education institutions. The call covers the development and dissemination of exemplary practice of cooperation between vocational schools and higher education institutions, including:

1. exemplary teaching programmes, which include the description of how the vocational school and the higher education institution cooperate;
2. proposals for organising classes...

In 2017, the education ministry initiated the development of a national skills strategy (integrated skills strategy - Zintegrowana Strategia Umiejetności - ZSU). The strategy covers the whole area of education and training, i.e. general education, vocational education, higher education and adult learning. It takes into account both demand (for specific competences and qualifications) and supply (availability of qualifications and competences in society). The general part of the strategy was...

Strengthening strategic approaches to the training of teachers: 

1. annual identification of training needs for teachers based on evidence and using advanced teacher skills' assessment tools and methods;
2. targeted and needs-based planning of teacher training at municipal level, providing equivalent support facilities for all educators;
3. developing unified, coordinated and monitored VET by ensuring effective cooperation between stakeholders in teacher professional development;
4. support for...

In October 2016, a national-level project was launched with the aim of creating a CPD system for vocational teachers and adult educators. The project has been coordinated by the Qualifications and VET Development Centre (KPMPC), under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. It was anticipated that about 700 vocational teachers (almost a third of those working at the time) would participate in training courses relating to key and pedagogical competences for topics...

In spring 2015, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport decided that formal IVET and CVET programmes would consist of mandatory (85%) and elective (15%) modules grouped into introductory, professional and final categories. These would be competence-based and in line with sectoral qualifications standards, while a credit system would be introduced, with one academic year corresponding to 60 credits. More than 60 modular programmes were finalised by 2016, prepared by expert groups...

A new VET Law was adopted on 14 December 2017, with some of its articles coming into force on 1 February 2018 and others on 1 January 2019. The law emphasised the importance of workplace learning and apprenticeship, clarifying the regulation on apprenticeships. It also enhanced the role of sectoral professional committees, in particular with respect to the planning of apprenticeships and the coordination of qualifications systems at a sectoral level. In addition, the law redefined the rules...

In May 2016, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport carried out a review of EU investments in the VET system for the 2014-20 period. This analysed results from the previous programming period and new proposals, as well as labour market (regional) trends and forecasts. It also offered suggestions for improving the provision of practical training in IVET, either in sectoral practical training centres or other training institutions. The review proposed that selected sectoral training...

The 2015 Jobs Act (legislative decree No 81/2015), on the apprenticeship system, and the inter-ministerial decree of 12 October 2015 refer to the role and tasks of trainers in companies and teaching staff.

A trainer in a company is required to (in cooperation with the school-based trainer) ensure training success for young people. The trainer is entrusted with supporting the apprentice's integration in the company, aiding the learner-employee during the in-company training course, and...

In 2016, the education ministry adopted the multi annual National plan for digital education (PNSD). The plan has coordinated government, region and municipality digital resources, as well as managed all the projects focusing on digital education and innovation. The plan can be seen as a consequence of the Good school Law which emphasises the development of digital skills.

The plan aims to link education institutions with lifelong learning and life-wide learning in formal, informal and...

On 13 July 2015, the Italian government adopted a reform of the national education system called the Good school (La Buona Scuola), emphasising alternance between classroom work and periods of workplace training. The main objective is to boost school-to-work transition by increasing employment opportunities and guidance for learners. The reform has made it compulsory for all learners attending the last three years of upper secondary school to take part in a school-work exchange scheme for at...

The Ministry responsible for VET outlined its priorities in the decree, VET in the service of the economy, which was approved by the Government in February 2015. The decree calls for a career scheme for school-based vocational trainers and a motivational system that allows the differentiation of remuneration and recognition of extra work. To expand career opportunities and raise the standards of professional work, alternative pathways are also being recommended for teachers to progress in...

In 2017, government Decree 1516/2017, VIII. 14 introduced financial support for young people under 35 to acquire a foreign language certificate. Beneficiaries will receive reimbursement for the language certificate fee up to a ceiling of 25% of the national minimum wage for the year concerned.

From the school year 2019/2020, students in grades nine and 11 in (general education) grammar schools and vocational grammar schools can participate in a two-week individual or group language course....

Hungary's Digital Education Strategy was launched in 2016. The main objective of the strategy was to create the possibility for the effective diffusion of digital literacy at all levels of the education system, in line with sectoral strategies and professional objectives, thus contributing to the competitiveness of Hungary.

Following the establishment of the VET Centres, a systematic infrastructure development based on budgetary resources was launched, with the renovation of the building...

To achieve its target of reducing early school leaving to less than 10%, Hungary has introduced two projects since 2016: Reducing the number of students leaving VET without a qualification - GINOP 6.2.2 VEKOP/15 and Overall development of VET structures - GINOP 6.2.3 - 17. Vocational training programmes are free of charge for SEN learners. They are also allowed to remain in full-time education regardless of their age. The 2019  reform opened up new opportunities for workers of any age to get...

The 2015 reform of the 2011 Act on VET enabled graduates of three-year VET programmes to automatically continue their studies in the same school for two additional years and to take the upper secondary school leaving examination (matura), which is the entry requirement for higher education. It also introduced the possibility of obtaining two State-recognised VET qualifications free of charge in vocational schools and higher vocational schools, instead of only one as previously. As a result,...

Since 2015, the National Office of Vocational Education and Training and Adult Learning has been responsible for the development and operation of the national careers guidance system. A careers orientation working group was set up in 2015 to survey and coordinate careers orientation in VET centres and to develop methodological guidelines. Based on its work, a nationwide careers orientation event was organised in 2016 (Night of the Professions) and since then it has been held annually....

The 2017 Act CXCII amending the 2 011 Act on VET and adult training opened up the way for establishing sector skills councils (SSCs) from July 2018. The 2017 ACT CXCII and the governmental Decree No 213/2018 (XI.22.) reinforced the role of employers in education and training.

Sector skills councils are platforms of cooperation between all VET actors to align VET curricula to the needs of the economy. To be representative, at least 51% of their members are economic stakeholders from the same...

In the period from 2016 to 2018, the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts awarded grants to Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that offered apprenticeships to VET students in craft and trade occupations. In 2016, 34 grants were awarded (total budget of EUR 283 966). The focus was on rare craft and trade occupations. In 2017, the scope was expanded to SMEs offering apprenticeships in all craft and trade occupations (a total budget of EUR 742 999 was awarded for 98...

In July 2018, following a public call procedure, the Ministry of Science and Education appointed 25 VET schools as the future regional centres of competences in Croatia. Selection criteria included:

1. the quality of VET provision;
2. the number of students in sectors;
3. regional distribution of schools;
4. balanced geographic representation of the future centres.

The centres were appointed in five priority sectors:

1. tourism and hospitality;
2. mechanical engineering;
3. electrical engineering...

The French government announced a EUR 57 billion five-year investment plan (Grand plan d'investissement), of which 15 billion is dedicated to 'building a skills society'. The training activities to be funded will be oriented particularly towards supporting the employability of the low-skilled unemployed and that of young people, including dropouts, and promoting innovative approaches to the training of teaching staff. The plans involve the Regions, through State-Region agreements.

A strand...

Three decrees issued in 2016 reorganised vocational diplomas by dividing them into skills sets. An adult candidate who has successfully completed training relating to a particular skills set will receive the corresponding certificate. The change already applies to the professional skills certificate (certificat d'aptitude professionnelle, CAP), the vocational baccalaureate (since 2016) and the higher technician certificate (brevet de technicien supérieur, BTS, since 2017). Work is also in...

A circular from the Ministry of Education issued in March 2016 allows students who made a wrong choice of VET programme to change their mind and move to another programme, whether in VET or general or technological education.

The 2018 Law for the freedom to choose one's professional future provides for:

1. the creation of the agency France Compétences: continuing training in France is a shared responsibility between the State, the regions and the social partners. The new agency, France Compétences, brings together these three stakeholders. It will be in charge of regulating the quality and the price of training supply, and handling funding discrepancies across sectors;
2. reforming funding mechanisms to establish a...

The transformation of the vocational high school, which began in 2018, aims to improve the link between apprenticeship and the academic path. It is a systemic transformation (covering content and pedagogy, organisation of pathways, evolution of the training offer) in order to make vocational education more effective and more attractive; it aims to involve VET further in preparing learners for promising future jobs, especially in digital technology and the energy transition. Measures include: