Cedefop’s policy learning forum, on 16 and 17 May in Thessaloniki, will focus on the contribution that vocational education and training (VET) can make to reducing early leaving from education and training (ELET).

VET institutions in some European countries tend to be faced with high rates of dropouts. However, high quality, inclusive and flexible VET may prevent and remedy leaving education early.

The forum will be attended by approximately 100 national, regional and local policy-makers, institutional level actors and social partners from different countries, as well as representatives from European and international organisations involved in the design and implementation of measures to tackle ELET.

Participants will have the opportunity to pilot a new web-based toolkit featuring evaluation plans and good practices implemented in various EU Member States to tackle early leaving. The toolkit has been developed by Cedefop as a self-reflection instrument for policy-makers and practitioners, and as a platform which offers assistance to those at risk of early leaving and suggests reintegration possibilities for dropouts.

The policy learning forum will also discuss Cedefop’s two-volume study which examines VET’s contribution to reducing ELET. Serving as a background to the study are 15 newly published country reports. Moreover, there will be an exhibition of 26 inspirational posters which aim to provide guidance and motivation to all parties dealing with early leaving from education and training.

Registration to the event is by invitation only.

For more information, visit the forum’s page on the Cedefop website or contact Cedefop expert Irene Psifidou Irene Psifidou who is responsible for the event.