As Europe faces demographic shifts, labour shortages and rising global competition, the internationalisation of vocational education and training (VET) has become a strategic imperative.
The Union of Skills and EU Talent Pool initiatives both highlight the need to build a workforce ready to move, adapt and contribute across borders and sectors, underpinned by the EU commitment to building cross-border mobility and skills recognition.
Europe’s VET systems have traditionally been rooted in national priorities and shaped by local labour market needs. Yet in today’s interconnected world, that approach is no longer sustainable, and countries are increasingly aware of it. Internationalisation modernises VET, aligning training with global standards, opening opportunities for learners and supporting businesses in a globalised economy.
Member States in the frontline
Several countries across the EU are already embedding internationalisation into their national strategies. Croatia, Latvia and Austria are integrating internationalisation into their national education strategies. These efforts raise the visibility of European VET and boost the ability of EU companies to attract skilled workers.
International competitions like WorldSkills and EuroSkills raise the profile of vocational pathways by showcasing VET excellence, while national competitions like SkillsPoland align VET more closely with labour market needs, promoting excellence while actively involving employers in training future talent.
“The WorldSkills and EuroSkills competitions put a powerful spotlight on vocational education and training and the importance of skills in Croatia. We not only celebrate the achievements of our competitors, but also use the high standards of these international competitions to continuously innovate and improve our own national skills competitions and VET System” — Nino Buić, ReferNet Coordinator, Croatia
“In Poland, VET is sometimes considered a second choice, but these competitions demonstrate that it is a smart, modern path with real potential. Preparing for these events requires considerable time and effort, as well as strong cooperation between students, teachers, schools and industry. But it’s worth it” —Jerzy Bielecki, ReferNet Coordinator, Poland
Germany’s international cooperation strategy, operational since 2013 and updated in 2019, offers a strong example of how internationalisation can serve both national skills development and global engagement. Designed to promote excellence within the country while supporting German businesses and VET providers abroad, it stands out for its structured, long-term commitment. As part of this strategy, the following have been established:
- the Federal Government's Central Agency for International Vocational Training Cooperation (GOVET), which is the Federal Government’s central coordination office;
- the Round Table for International Vocational Training Cooperation, managed by GOVET, where Federal ministries, implementation bodies, federal states, chamber organisations, and the social partners regularly exchange information and coordinate their activities;
- iMOVE (International Marketing of VET), a networking platform initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. iMOVE informs interested parties around the world about German competence in the field of vocational training and continuing education, along with ‘made in Germany’ qualifying opportunities. With regard to skills mobility, iMOVE also offers information on networking possibilities between German business associations and internationally active German training providers.
Together, these instruments promote a strategic, demand-oriented and cooperative approach to international VET engagement
“Germany is internationally recognised for its strong vocational education and outstanding craftsmanship – but to keep this tradition alive, we must actively promote and develop it” — Ute Hippach-Schneider, ReferNet Germany.
Upgrading VET systems, from projects to policy
Internationalisation is also a catalyst for system improvement. By aligning content and quality standards with global benchmarks, countries can address internal skill mismatches more effectively. As Cedefop’s data show, gaps in digital, green and technical skills persist across Member States; international cooperation can address these gaps more effectively through collaboration and shared expertise.
Germany’s VET internationalisation strategy and Croatia’s national reforms show how countries are moving from ad hoc partnerships to strategic international engagement. These efforts align VET with labour market needs cross Europe and internationally, expanding the continent’s skills ecosystem, while supporting Europe's education autonomy and economic diplomacy, as the Council Recommendation on VET affirms.
Now is the time to shift from fragmented efforts to coordinated strategies that place internationalisation at the centre of national and EU growth agendas. For more insights on how countries are developing their international VET strategies, explore Cedefop’s Timeline of VET policies in Europe.