Change is coming fast and the world of work becomes increasingly complex and dynamic. To respond and shape change, VET systems and institutions should expand their outreach and cater for different learning needs and styles. They need to diversify learning materials and modes, make learning more flexible, age-neutral, learner-centred and inclusive. Modularising provision and validating professional experience support crucially support this.
We are on the right track. Spearheaded by European cooperation and priority setting, countries are adapting and modernising their VET programmes and curricula to empower people to improve their skills and to engage in work, learning, and society. The expansion of programmes using the learning outcomes approach and new assessment methods show a clear shift towards more individualised, locally adapted, inclusive and flexible VET. Cedefop has put the spotlight on microcredentials, outlining not only their flexibility and transferability, but also the challenges to realising their potential to encourage up- and reskilling. Continuing to expand VET at higher EQF levels, bridge programmes, and partial (stackable) qualifications and developing validation systems will help reduce dead-ends in education and training systems and make them more attractive for people from outside the EU. The emerging flexible VET paradigm requires stronger co-operation between VET teachers and in-company trainers and investment in their continuing professional development (CPD). Accessible high quality CPD will help empower them and reinforces their role as change agents supporting young people’s inclusion, employability and participation in lifelong learning.
Key Cedefop publications
- Cedefop (2023) European guidelines for validation of non-formal and informal learning.
- Cedefop (2019). The changing nature and role of vocational education and training in Europe: volume 6: vocationally oriented education and training at higher education level expansion and diversification in European countries.
- Cedefop research paper, No 70.
- Cedefop (2023). Microcredentials for labour market education and training: microcredentials and evolving qualifications systems. Cedefop research paper, No 89.
- Cedefop (2022). Defining, writing and applying learning outcomes: a European handbook - second edition.
- Cedefop (2022). Recognising the learning outcomes acquired abroad by IVET learners: some progress made, but still much to do. Policy brief.
- Cedefop (2022) Briefing note - Empowering teachers and trainers to manage change.
- Cedefop (2022). Teachers and trainers in a changing world: building up competences for inclusive, green and digitalised vocational education and training (VET): synthesis report. Cedefop research paper, No 86.
- Cedefop (2022) Vocational education and training as a lifejacket. Briefing note.
- Cedefop (2022) Lifelong guidance policy for Ukrainian refugees in the EU. Views from Careers. Flyer.