About Future trends in the content and provision of VET

Vocationally oriented education and training in Europe, albeit different between countries, is changing in several fundamental ways. Not only is it becoming more diverse in its programmes and qualifications – for example addressing the needs of a growing service sector – but it is also expanding to higher levels. In some countries, this combination of diversification and expansion is a step towards making lifelong learning a reality, adapting VET to the needs of learners of all ages and at different stages in their careers and lives.  In many countries, vocationally oriented education and training at different levels of the European qualifications framework (EQF) is delivered by a widening range of institutions (for example VET schools, tertiary education institutions, companies, adult education and private providers, international bodies).

Cedefop’s research on the changing nature and role of VET in Europe and future of VET painted a comprehensive picture of VET developments in Europe. Building on this analysis, our VET in Europe 1995-2035 report outlines a series of potential future paths of how VET could evolve in the decades ahead; these scenarios highlight the choices policy-makers and stakeholders will be faced with. The work covers the 27 EU Member States Iceland, Norway and the UK, and contributes to better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing European VET in the years ahead. It pays particular attention to the way the content and profile of vocational education and training is changing. Building on the insights acquired by these projects, Cedefop started a new research strand of work ‘European VET for the 21st century: the balancing of excellence and inclusion’ (2023-2026). This research aims to compare how EU countries relate the broad VET-policy objectives of ‘excellence’ and ‘inclusion’ to each other and whether these seemingly opposing priorities complement or contradict each other. The study uses as a basis the analytical framework (2015-2022) elaborating on conceptions of VET across countries and their changes over time. The findings of the study will support policy makers and stakeholders in strengthening the overall relevance and quality of European vocational education and training in 21st century.

The Inter-Agency Group on TVET/VET has established a joint activity focussing on ‘the Future of TVET/VET’. Several of the agencies represented in the group are looking into the challenges and opportunities facing TVET/ VET in the coming years, and an exchange of ideas, perspectives and data that are of mutual benefit. In dialogue with UNESCO, Cedefop coordinates an IAG dialogue on the future of TVET/VET.