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This policy development focuses on enhancing the innovation, attractiveness, and modernisation of VET in Hungary. It aims to achieve this through specific initiatives such as:

Integration of modern technologies: implementing digital tools and resources in VET programmes to ensure that students gain relevant professional knowledge and soft skills needed by the industry 4.0;

Cooperation with industry: establishing partnerships with key economic actors to create apprenticeship opportunities that...

As part of the 2016 State-Regions partnership agreement, in September 2017, 500 new vocational training courses were introduced across VET upper secondary schools (lycées professionnels) with a strong emphasis on ecological transition. These programmes focus on skills related to renewable energy, sustainable building practices, waste management, and green technology, catering to emerging green jobs and addressing shortages in ecological professions, including welding, boiler-making, and...

Reflecting the LLCS 2030 recommendations the State Institute of Vocational Education prepared a comparative study focusing on new European policies, ILAs and microcredentials. The education ministry decided to cover ILAs and some segments of lifelong learning by new legislation and to pilot implementing ILAs making use of funding from Programme Slovakia 2021-27.

The education ministry initiated new legislation instead of the originally proposed law on lifelong learning, which was previously recommended by the Lifelong learning and counselling strategy for 2021-30 and approved by the government. Although the strategy suggested drafting a new act on lifelong learning, the education ministry decided to submit an act on adult education. Since the development of comprehensive lifelong learning legislation covering learning from cradle to grave would...

The amendment to the Act on employment services established the Sector Councils Alliance (SCA) as the interest association of legal entities. Membership is stipulated by law containing labour and education ministry representatives, representative associations of employers and representative associations of trade unions. Admission of other members is possible based on the statute of the SCA agreed with the government.

According to law, the SCA 'establishes sectoral councils covering relevant...

The main activities of the project comply with the three aforementioned objectives and six measures. The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation (MIRRI) serves as the National Coordination Unit while the project operator is the State Institute of Vocational Education in partnership with the Swiss Federal University of Vocational Education. Switzerland has committed up to CHF 5 750 000 covering a maximum of 85% of the total eligible project expenditures over 55...

In response to the challenges affecting VET, the National Education System Development Plan for the period up to 2027 proposes a number of measures, building on key reform initiatives from the previous strategic period. The specific measures related to VET (Area 3 of the Plan) include:

3.1. Continuing the VET curricula reform and introducing new modular, outcome-oriented curricula to VET providers.

3.2. Supporting VET providers in implementing new curricula, programme profiling, and aligning...

The Policy for the Digital Transformation of Education describes the actions necessary in the face of the digital revolution and sets the framework for state policy in the area of​ ​the digitalisation of education in the following time perspectives: short-term (until 2027), medium-term (until 2030) and long-term (until 2035 ).

It comprises two complementary perspectives: developing digital competences of students and teachers, using digital technologies to strengthen...

The implementation of new programme curricula is a three-step process:

1. creation of an implementation plan, including the formation of a project team, establishment of project management, and information of stakeholders;
2. realisation of the implementation plan, which involves the formation of a steering group and working groups, the gathering of information (e.g. labour market developments, research results), the development of the curriculum content with the involvement of stakeholders;
...

The 8-Point Plan represents a strategic shift from the initial 'School 4.0' approach, which focused primarily on developing digital competencies among teachers and learners. The new plan, launched in response to the pandemic's challenges, aimed to provide a more integrated digital learning environment. Key measures included the rollout of a centralised digital school web portal and the distribution of digital devices to students in lower secondary schools, beginning in 2020.

A significant...

The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish National Agency for Education have decided to prepare the AI guidelines in collaboration with education providers, scholars and other experts in the field and considering existing academic and policy work, such as the AI competency framework for teachers (UNESCO).

The guidelines are to support the early childhood education and care, pre-primary education, primary and lower secondary education, general upper secondary education, VET, and...

With regard to the first objective, in 2022, the ten-year programme 'Digital Education Well Organised', now called Edu-V, was allocated EUR 34 million from the National Growth Fund. During its first year, representatives from VET schools and suppliers of digital teaching and learning resources collaborated on developing an agreement system to ensure easy, secure, and reliable access to digital educational resources. By 2024, the agreement system was finalised, and its implementation began...

The Agenda for VET Working Together on Talent is a covenant signed in 2023 by eight key VET stakeholders: the education ministry, Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), Association of Educators in VET (BVMBO), National youth organisation for VET students (JOB), Cooperation organisation for VET and the labour market (SBB), Council for private providers of education and training (NRTO), Council for upper secondary VET schools (MBO Raad) and the National association of employers...

The cooperation with the OECD, with its methodology for skills strategies, is an action decided in the context of the proposals of the European Skills Agenda in relation to national skills strategies. More precisely, the European skills agenda recommends joint action by the Commission and EU Member States to develop national skills strategies based on the relevant OECD methodology.

Activities related to the development of the skills strategy are also reflected in the national documents within...

A procedure for the improvement of infrastructure and equipment and/or renovation of a range of vocational high schools (BG-RRP-1.014 - construction of centres for excellence in vocational education and training (VET)) was developed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) with financing under the Recovery and Resilience Facility of the EU.

The education ministry elaborated a methodology for determining the range of vocational high schools to receive the status of Centres of VET...

The coherent plan for the education system consists of different reforms and initiatives across the entire education system thus targeting a wide array of groups. Although the plan is not an explicit national implementation plan (NIP) measure, many of its initiatives could be considered relevant touching upon various EU priorities. More precisely the intervention areas are the following:

1. Prepared for the future I - new flexible university paths.This reform aims to provide students with new...

To address the need for skilled professionals with the right competencies for the green transition, three climate VET institutions have been appointed to be key drivers of the green transformation across all vocational schools. These schools will train students to become skilled workers with the knowledge and abilities needed for key areas like transforming the energy sector, green transportation, climate-friendly farming, and sustainable construction. The three climate-focused VET...

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 circular...

The key activities of the project Climate goals and contents in education are:

1. preparation of a model for identifying occupational competences for sustainability;
2. work with 15 schools and guide them to become 'sustainable schools' on three levels: institutional, educational and with relevant activities within their local community (encouraged to cooperate with community-based local leaders, families, as well as non-governmental and private sector actors).

An important factor contributing to...

Sectoral skills centres (branzowe centra umiejetnosci) 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...

The four HRDA schemes included in the RRP are as follows.

Training programmes for the acquisition of digital skills

The scheme caters for the acquisition of new and/or upgrading existing digital skills in the Cyprus workforce (public and private sector employees, the self-employed and the unemployed), through participation in training programmes to be implemented by accredited VTCs. The target, for the period 2023-27 is to have 20 210 individuals participating in relevant training activities...

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...

Various projects have already been initiated and launched in recent years that serve to achieve the stated objectives. With the National implementation plan (NIP), these activities were bundled and intensified in 2022.

The sub-projects included in the bundle of measures 'Green transition' are the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) and, as far as apprenticeship training is concerned, also of the Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) and the Austrian...

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 offers...

Qualification in the use of digital production tools should be introduced step by step via relevant BMHS curricula, UAS study programmes and other contemporary qualification methods and be designed in a practice-oriented manner. The particular areas of product life cycle management, digital twin, internet of things, big data, predicted maintenance and augmented reality will be addressed.

Specifically, the following measures will be pursued within the framework of the initiative, starting in...

Within the framework of the Education of the economy initiative of the Austrian Economic Chamber, various activities and measures have been implemented since 2018, partly in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, to advance digitisation in apprenticeship training both in terms of content and administration.

This includes increased consideration of digitalisation in content-related modernisation and new establishment of apprenticeship occupations, support of in-company training and trainers...

Eight priority areas were identified in relation to the achievement of the objectives, five of which explicitly target VET, two target lifelong learning in parallel with VET ((f) and (h)) and one targets interlinking general education and VET (e):

1. centres of excellence in VET;
2. in-company training centres;
3. higher VET transformation;
4. quality assurance in IVET and CVET;
5. prevention of early school leaving;
6. basic skills;
7. individual learning accounts;
8. a new system of lifelong learning introduced...

This development exemplifies the fourth and fifth objectives of the 2022-24 Strategic plan for vocational education and training , lifelong learning and youth and is also part of the Greek National implementation plan for VET recommendation and Osnabrück declaration. It contains the main actions/activities comprising the digital transformation and modernisation of infrastructure and equipment.

Development of a digital platform for VET

The digital platform for VET is expected gradually to...

The following measures are envisaged:

1. developing the principles for skills-based curriculum development in VET;
2. developing principles for addressing the skills needed for the green transition, including competences supporting the development of environmental awareness in VET;
3. a total of 2 830 people to be trained in VET, higher education and continuing education under the green transition actions in 2022-24;
4. a total of 2 000 people to be trained in VET, higher and continuing education as part...

The following measures are foreseen:

1. carrying out a study on the VET institutions network in 2023;
2. designing the network of VET institutions in line with the reorganisation of secondary education and in connection with the development of the school network in other areas of education;
3. implementing a performance-based funding model for VET;
4. defining selection principles and criteria for centres of excellence in VET, defining R&D links, and drawing up a concept for centres of excellence;
5. empowering...

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, constantly...

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 and speed...

The main actions within the key point 'further developing lifelong learning in higher education' of the Higher education advancement fund are:

1. Agile offer of lifelong learning

There is a need for retraining, reorientation and reskilling. This includes developing micro-credentials and reshaping of programmes, in which social partners are involved. It is essential to strengthen cooperation with the private sector, e.g. in the context of dual learning. New, innovative pathways should also be...

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...

The programmes of the tourism sector are developed by the tourism schools of Portugal, in partnership with municipalities as agents closer to local realities and mobilisers of the strategic change that it is intended to achieve. They are addressed to tourism sector professionals from micro and small enterprises; entrepreneurs and managers in the tourism sector; and other people interested in working in the sector. The training aims to promote the adaptation capacity of the enterprises to new...

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...

Training action programme (Formação - Ação) is a training modality of the national qualification system for the reinforcement of SME management capacity and competitiveness; it combines training and consultancy. It is addressed to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises active in the North, Centre and Alentejo regions.

This business training combines classroom training, in-company training and individualised consultancy. The programme begins with a business diagnosis, allowing for the...

The programme Green skills and jobs (Trabalhos & Competências Verdes) comprises short and medium duration training courses, addressed to employees of companies directly or indirectly affected by the increase in energy costs, and to the unemployed, aged 18 or over, registered at PES. The training courses are integrated in the national qualifications catalogue, with a maximum duration of 350 hours, in the environment and energy areas: green hydrogen - fundamentals and technologies (300 hours);...

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...

This measure is part of INCODE.2030. The Portugal digital academy is a national initiative that aims to bring digital competences to all Portuguese people including migrants), investing in inclusion and digital literacy, in the education of new generations, in the qualification of the active population, in advanced and specialised training of senior staff and in research. It is a free course aggregator platform where all citizens can improve their digital competences regardless of age. The...

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...

Development programme for the sustainable development and green transition of VET is part of the wider development package for Climate and sustainability education. The programme supports implementation of 10 projects of sustainability practices in VET. The biggest project, Responsible and sustainable VET (VASKI) involves 61 training providers. It prepares a sustainability roadmap for the entire VET system, aiming for sustainable and green VET by 2030.

The sustainability breakthrough affects...

This development consists of an eight-year programme in which all 113 education institutions in upper secondary vocational education (MBO, HBO and WO) and higher education (post-secondary and higher education) cooperate. They are joining forces to enable system transformation in education. The programme is led by the education ministry and is funded by the National Growth Fund. It has a budget of EUR 560 million. In the programme four action areas are created.

Transformation hubs

A...

The six strategic objectives of the plan are further analysed into sub-objectives that serve the effective implementation of the strategy.

More specifically, the implementation of the first strategic objective, Development and strengthening of VET and LLL with emphasis on quality assurance, is achieved through the following sub-objectives:

1. increasing the attractiveness of VET through the creation of new opportunities;
2. design of VET and LLL programmes and their quality assurance;
3. investment in...

LLCS 2030 focuses on four thematic areas: the qualification system; basic skills and civic education; lifelong learning, 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 training programme is based on a set of specialised training sessions in management, finance, leadership, innovation and digital areas. According to accurately identified needs this training targets the members of the social board, heads of department, workers of social sector institutions and also unemployed people.

The Valorizar social programme is composed of short training units with a maximum of 350 hours.

The creation of CoVEs is determined by the Lifelong learning and counselling strategy for 2021-30 adopted by the government on 24 November 2021. According to the strategy's action plan, a pilot phase to transform some of the existing centres of VET into CoVES was scheduled to start in 2022, co-funded by ESIF (specific objective 1.4 'Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship' under Operational programme Slovakia 2021-27). About 20 CoVEs should have...

The Wallonia Recovery Plan, adopted in October 2021, includes more than 300 projects and programmes, structured around six strategic priorities:

1. investing in youth and Walloon talent (priority 1)
2. ensuring environmental sustainability (priority 2)
3. boosting economic development (priority 3)
4. supporting well-being, solidarity and social inclusion (priority 4)
5. guaranteeing innovative and participative governance (priority 5)
6. supporting the rebuilding and resilience of disaster-affected areas...

An average of EUR 1.33 million (DKK 10 million) is planned to be available for distribution each year from 2021-23. The Ministry of Children and Education is responsible for distributing the funds for supporting courses and action learning activities for teachers and trainers. The aim is to enhance knowledge on green entrepreneurship and contribute to green development.

All youth institutions, including VET, can apply to the pool for funding on projects that aim to support and strengthen...

The UPskill programme is the result of a partnership between the Portuguese Association for the Development of Communications (APDC), the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) and the Coordinating Council of Higher Polytechnic Institutes (CCISP).

The main objective of the programme's first call is to upskill 3 000 professionals (employed and unemployed) within a 3-year period. It provides intensive training (6 months) in specific ICT areas offered by polytechnic institutes...

ReNPIO 2022-30 directs the policy of adult learning and education at the state level and contributes to the systemic regulation of the field. It provides stable financing, defines and integrates measures of various policies. The Plan also emphasises the importance of green transition and digital transformation, as well as a culture of learning by increasing participation in LLL and providing equal opportunities for different target groups. Significant added value of the new document is the...

In December 2020, Law 4763/2020 introduces a legal framework regulating VET and LLL and describing the organisation of each school type, the qualifications and the role of their staff (manager, teachers, career/vocational counsellors). The Law also establishes the structure of the Hellenic Qualifications Framework (HQF) and regulates qualifications for NQF/EQF levels 3, 4, and 5.

The law also establishes for the first time a two-year vocational training programme for lower secondary (basic)...

The total budget of the youth plan is EUR 6.7 billion, with measures to support young people aged 16-25 after the COVID-19 crisis. It mobilises a set of tools: hiring assistance, training, support, financial assistance for struggling young people, etc. to respond to different situations.

Under priority 1 - facilitating entry into working life;

1. compensation of EUR 4 000 of costs to the businesses for any young person recruited between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021;
2. exceptional support to recruit...

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;
2. 16 000...

Following its memorandum on e-inclusion, the Government approved the Plan for Digital Appropriation 2021-24 on the 12 February 2021. This plan was proposed by the Digital Inclusion Coordination and drawn up in consultation with stakeholders on the ground.

The implementation is organised in four areas defining 17 projects including 66 actions:

a. Raising awareness and destigmatising - raising citizens' awareness of digital tools and services, how to use them and on the support or 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...

On 14 July 2016, the Brussels Regional Government and the French-speaking Brussels Government adopted a Note on the creation of training and employment centres (Pôles Formation Emploi) in the Brussels Region. Since then, the governments of the Brussels Region and the French Community Commission COCOF have adopted several structuring principles for the creation, governance and operation of training and employment centres.

Established on a sectoral basis, these centres are the result of a...

The Digital Wallonia 2015-18 strategy has helped to position Wallonia as a territory seizing the opportunities of digital transformation. On 6 December 2018, the Walloon Government validated the update of the Digital Wallonia strategy for 2019-24. This sets the framework defining the orientations that Wallonia will have to take to seize the socio-economic opportunities of digital transformation for a period of five years. The Walloon Public Service (SPW) provides its expertise to the Walloon...

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 sector
   1. digital...

In 2018, a Flemish evidence-based research facility - commissioned by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training - carried out a study to formulate an answer to three questions, together with teachers, directors, business leaders and networks:

1. What are the major technical challenges facing education?
2. Which training needs for teachers are related to this?
3. What does good professionalisation look like to meet those needs?

The resulting policy development consists of three phases:

1. 2018-19:...

Hungary from the school year 2020/21 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 secondary...

Several activities support implementing the national policy for adult education:

1. updating the information about adult education and its policy making, linking the European Union and State priorities in adult education;
2. promoting the development of EU programmes in adult education and the dissemination of results in Latvia;
3. developing recommendations Upskilling pathways, to help those implementing adult education to implement education in a quality manner, observing the quality criteria set by...

There are four main areas of development envisaged in the national education strategy 2021-27:

Highly competent educators

Highly competent educational staff implies the training, attraction and retention of outstanding teachers and academic staff, as well as systematic and purposeful professional development, methodological and consultative support. Stimulating the motivation of teachers and academic staff is also important.

Availability of quality education to everyone

Quality education...

The Regulation modifying the VET core curricula and the Regulation establishing the new classification of occupations were adopted in March 2017. They provide the occupations and curricula for the new structure of vocational education.

The classification of occupations defined 213 vocational education occupations, which could be offered from 1 September 2017. It covered first stage sectoral programmes, vocational upper secondary programmes, and post-secondary programmes. The Regulation...

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...

INCoDe.2030 is an integrated inter-ministerial strategy bringing together and encouraging collaboration between people with different experiences and knowledge as well as multiple public and private organisations.

This initiative has five major priorities:

1. inclusion: to reach the entire population and promote digital skills;
2. education: to provide training to young people and reinforce digital skills at all levels of education and lifelong learning;
3. qualification: to promote the professional...

Dispatch No 779/2019 aims to define the priorities of continuing education for teachers. Training actions should focus on:

1. combating early school leaving;
2. promoting the operationalisation and assessment of learning;
3. supporting inclusive education;
4. improving the delivery of the basic and secondary education curriculum.

Teacher CPD aims to help:

1. promote learners' academic success, citizenship education and inclusive education;
2. deliver the curriculum of basic and secondary education, implement...

The suggested maximum of 10 knowledge centres materialised in 2017 as nine centres with different foci: robotics and automation (two centres), welfare technology (two centres: assisted technologies), process technology, craftsmanship and handicrafts, craftsmanship and design, sustainable building and energy related building renovation, e-business, and data-based service development. Each centre is placed in a VET college, but the centres also have close formal cooperation with knowledge...

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 registers new training firms and corresponding activities annually.

The Business plan competition is managed through it and is organised annually. Students together with teachers create a virtual company, just like a real one, perform virtual transactions (buy-sell, including international), make payments and make balance sheets.

The competition takes place based on the approval of the education ministry at local, regional and national levels.

The number...

In 2017, the education ministry initiated the development of a national skills strategy (integrated skills strategy - Zintegrowana Strategia Umiejetnosci - 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...

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...

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...

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...

In July 2018, following a public call procedure, the ministry responsible for 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 and ICT;
4. health...

In 2017, the PIX platform was established as a free online public service used to assess, develop, and certify digital competences, intended for secondary and university students in initial education and training as well as workers.

Based on the DigComp 2, European skills reference framework, PIX offers all users the chance to determine their level of proficiency in 16 different skills/areas of competence.

These skills/areas of competence are: conducting research and information monitoring,...

In 2015, social partners created a professional certificate which recognises basic knowledge and skills needed for the workplace (Certificat de connaissances et de compétences professionnelles). To enhance training for illiterate individuals seeking to earn this certificate, nationally referred to as Cléa, the national agency for literacy (Agence nationale de lutte contre l'illettrisme, ANLCI) created a correspondence chart. This chart effectively links the competences from the ANLCI...

In 2015, the social partners through the national cross-sector jobs and training committee (Comité interprofessionnel pour l'emploi et la formation, COPANEF) created the CléA certificate (Certificat de connaissances et de compétences professionnelles, CléA) for adults willing to certify their key competences for employability and for access to further learning.

The Skills Investment plan (Plan d'investissement dna les compétences, PIC) is a government initiative aimed at improving job related skills and employability of 1 million job seekers and 1 million young people. Launched in 2018, this 5-year plan focuses on providing training programmes to help people gain qualifications that match the needs of the job market. Its goal is to reduce unemployment and promote social inclusion by investing in the development of skills that are in demand,...

Within the framework of the 2016 State-Regions partnership agreement, 500 new training courses are offered in VET upper secondary schools (lycées professionnels) since September 2017. Almost 70% of these courses lead to national diplomas, with more than 20% of them being offered in apprenticeships or combined school-based / apprenticeship pathways. On completing an initial VET programme, graduates my continue with a second training programme leading to additional qualification, either to...

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:

...

In the reporting period, the initiative was further extended through labelling 95 campuses covering 12 growth and job-creating sectors: food and food-processing; chemistry and biotechnologies; creation, design, audiovisual; infrastructures, construction, eco-construction; materials, innovative materials; mobility, aeronautics, terrestrial and maritime transport; digital, telecommunications; business services, logistics; innovative services, mechatronics; tourism, gastronomy; energy...

A 2015 Ministerial Decree ECD/65/2015 provides for the revision and update of key competences in curricula. The Decree describes the relationship between competences, content and evaluation criteria for primary, compulsory and secondary education. Implications are that key competences should be integrated into the curriculum (including in VET); they should be defined, explained and well-developed; the selection of content and methodologies should ensure the development of key competences...

There are multiple initiatives to raise the skills of young people and workers (employed or unemployed) in ICT and the digital economy. Different public bodies are involved, in some cases in partnership with industry.

Red.es, a public entity for the promotion of the information society, is currently in charge of the following schemes:

Digital professionals youth employment - this scheme is part of the digital agenda for Spain 2013-15, and is jointly funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)...

The new government, in power since June 2018, reorganised the administration. The change of name in the education administration state, now the Education and Vocational Training ministry (previously Education, Culture and Sports), reflects the new strategy to promote VET. In October 2018, the Government presented the Strategic plan for vocational training under education authorities. In February 2019, the Council of Ministers published the Agenda for change (Agenda del Cambio). The agenda...

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated the programme of promoting digitalisation in competence centres and inter-company training centres in 2016. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has the task of supporting the planning, establishment and further development of inter-company vocational training centres (ÜBS). Inter-company training centres are meant to be learning places to include digital innovation for skilled workers. For this,...

Under its Digital pact for schools programme (2019-24), the Federal Government aims to fund the digital infrastructure in all German schools, including vocational schools, to promote the uptake of digital skills. Vocational schools have been gradually provided with high-quality digital equipment including professional administration. This investment goes hand-in-hand with investment of Federal States, promoting digital competences of teachers and the development of new digital teaching...

In 2015, the Federal Institute for VET (BIBB) started 12 pilot projects in VET aiming to ensure a sustainable development (Berufsbildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung BBNE). With the EUR 12 million budget, the projects intend to develop vocational competences in sustainability. Until 2021, they will be experimenting and evaluating relevant curriculum concepts, digital teaching, learning materials and examination questions for initial and continuing VET. These projects will lead - amongst...

In January 2019, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the project Shaping the future - innovations for excellent vocational training (InnoVET) and ran the first call. It invited projects targeted at increasing the attractiveness, quality and equivalence of VET through innovation and excellence, with a focus on higher VET.

Proposals were expected to put emphasis on:

1. innovative training, especially above DQR level 5, geared to the needs of companies and providing...

In November 2018, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched a committee to develop a National continuing education strategy (Nationale Weiterbildungsstrategie). The social partners were part of the committee which was expected to formulate answers to the digital change in the world of work. The focus should be on SMEs, micro enterprises and people in need of help to increase their opportunities on the labour...

In 2016, the legislation promoting further training (AWStG) was amended. It improved the financial conditions, under which the low-qualified, the long-term unemployed and older workers could access CVET, in particular through allowances during training and financial incentives for passing exams.

On 18 December 2018, the Qualification Opportunities Act (Qualifizierungschancengesetz) was adopted, and came into force on 1 January 2019. The act introduced the right of people in employment to...

Given the increasing trend towards academic education, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWi) have set up a joint campaign to present dual VET (apprenticeship) as an attractive option. The campaign, You + your apprenticeship - Practically unbeatable! addresses more specific target groups. Its allocated budget is EUR 6 million per year. A motivational message is broadcast through various media channels such as cinema, press,...

The regulated qualifications of apprenticeships and advanced training occupations are based on examinations with nationwide uniform examination regulations. The training regulations and the learning fields of the school-based part of dual VET that are coordinated with them are oriented to company work and business processes. They therefore ensure that the vocational qualifications are highly relevant to the labour market. The design of the training content for the creation of new or updating...

Thanks to the financial resources of the European Social Fund (ESF) made available within the framework of the Youth employment initiative 2, pilot training courses have been set up with experienced partners:

1. MolenGeek: training as a mobile web developer - or coder / coder in everyday language - and in e-marketing;
2. BeCode Brussels: training as a mobile web developer, AI data developer / developer, Devsecops (cybersecurity training).

Launched in March 2017 in Brussels, these projects intend to...

Compulsory education

The digital strategy for education was adopted in 2018 and then implemented. The strategy includes the following five axes:

1. defining digital content and resources for learning,
2. providing support and training to teachers and heads of school,
3. defining modalities of school digital equipment,
4. sharing, communicating and disseminating,
5. developing digital governance.

Digital competence is regarded both as a learning object and a support to other disciplines. Digital education...

The Pact for excellence in education was launched in January 2015, with a view to gradual implementation from 2017 to 2030. This was confirmed and reaffirmed in the Community Policy Statement covering the period 2019-24.

The Pact for excellence in education is a set of reforms that concerns all aspects of education: the content of the curricula, the organisation of courses, the training of teachers, etc., from nursery school to the end of secondary school, with the main objective of improving...

New decrees of the Government of the French Community approving the framework agreement on dual programmes in higher education of 30 June 2016 and February 2017 regulates dual programmes in higher education (bachelor and master levels) and sets requirements for concluding framework agreements for higher dual vocational education programmes.

The special feature of higher dual education is that part of it takes place in a company and part in a higher education institution.

The decree of 30 June...

In May 2018, the Flemish Parliament adopted the law to integrate higher profession-oriented education (formerly called HBO5 programmes) into a fully fledged component of higher education (as short-cycle programmes leading to an associate degree). To stress this difference, the name HBO5 was taken out and replaced by the associated degree programmes (HBO programmes). At least one third of the learning period in this type of programme has to be work-based, which is intended to attract adult...