Thessaloniki, 25 September 2025 –Cedefop officially launched the European Vocational Teacher Survey (EVTS), the EU’s first comprehensive survey dedicated to the VET teaching profession. The unveiling took place during the 4th Policy Learning Forum in Thessaloniki, gathering key European and national stakeholders, including the European Commission, EU agencies, ministries, social partners, VET providers and teacher organisations.
The launch of the EVTS is a crucial intervention to bolster the EU’s ambition for a Union of Skills and secure long-term European economic competitiveness. As the Union races towards its 2030 skills targets, progress is being undermined by a critical shortage of qualified VET teachers. These shortages are especially pronounced in critical fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and foreign languages—subjects vital for driving the digital and green transitions.
A survey grounded on shared values and participation
The launch of the EVTS at the Policy Learning Forum was deliberately chosen to underscore the survey’s unique participatory approach, designed around the principle of co-creation and participation, built both by and for the VET community
The core instrument itself has been built, endorsed, and launched in a collaborative manner, developed based on extensive cooperation with relevant Member States, the VET community and key social partners for education.
This approach was necessary to ensure the resulting data is not just statistically sound, but also relevant and actionable for the stakeholders it aims to serve
This rigorous co-creation process ensures the EVTS genuinely reflects the realities of VET teachers’ working environments, balancing teaching, assessment, administration and learning. By launching the EVTS in the presence of all relevant stakeholders—from national ministries and the European Commission to the social partners—Cedefop solidified the collective commitment to turn the evidence gathered into practical policy actions.
Addressing a profession in crisis
The need for robust, comparable data has never been greater. Across Europe, VET teachers face mounting pressures. Data indicates that only 18% of VET teachers believe their profession is valued, and they typically earn nearly 11% less than other tertiary-educated workers. They contend with high workloads, crowded classrooms and are more likely to hold temporary contracts.
The EVTS aims to move beyond qualitative insights and anecdotal evidence. Over the coming months, the survey aims to gather detailed data from approximately 14 000 randomly selected VET teachers across 23 European countries. It will examine critical factors shaping the profession, including the effectiveness of professional development, barriers to career progression, job satisfaction, working conditions and—crucially—skill gaps related to digital and green technologies.
Cedefop Executive Director, Jürgen Siebel, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating:
By taking the pulse directly from the classroom, we're gathering the intelligence needed to transform VET teaching from a profession in crisis to one that attracts Europe's best talent.
Evidence for action in the digital and green transitions
This pioneering survey is anchored firmly in the EU policy framework, including the Digital Education Action Plan and the Council Recommendation on VET. The findings, expected in 2027, will provide the actionable intelligence necessary for national and EU policy developers to strengthen support for VET teachers.
By focusing on how teachers can best manage inclusive classrooms and bridge skill gaps in new technologies, the EVTS is designed to help deliver the 'how' and 'where' of the EU’s ambitious skills agenda. Strengthening support for VET teachers and their wellbeing and continuing professional development is fundamental to strengthening the very foundation of Europe's economic future. Cedefop aims to embed these results into national policy-learning cycles, ensuring that evidence translates directly into practical measures.
Reactions:
Teachers are the backbone of vocational education and training. To make VET education careers better and more attractive, we need to support the challenges teachers and trainers face. This survey will increase our understanding of the challenges faced and help us provide better assistance. Stronger support for teachers means better training for Europeans at all stages of their life, which is vital for Europe’s competitiveness, and green and digital transitions.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness.
For too long, VET teachers have felt unheard. This survey finally gives us a platform to share our reality – the challenges we face, the support we need, and our vision for making vocational education the attractive, rewarding career it should be.
Agnes Roman, Senior Policy Coordinator, European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE).
