Opinion of the EESC on the Post-secondary vocational education and training as an attractive alternative to higher education

The Committee calls upon the Commission to encourage Member States to achieve the long-term and short-term objectives set out in the Bruges Communiqué and to improve the quality and efficiency of VET so as to enhance its attractiveness and relevance.

The social partners at all levels must continue to play an active role in the Copenhagen process and help attain the short-term deliverables. Both processes – Bologna and Copenhagen – should be brought together in an integrated approach.

Member states should balance education and training systems and implement the Bruges Communiqué and Copenhagen Process effectively and to help achieve the EU headline target of 40% completion of tertiary or equivalent education, which includes a higher level of VET.

Cedefop's work is referred as evidence base for the process of enhanced cooperation in VET.