How can vocational education and training adapt to rapid technological change while remaining accessible to every learner?
This online conference brings together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge evidence on how national vocational education and training (VET) systems foster excellence and inclusion.
As VET systems across Europe navigate rapid digital transformation and shifting skill demands, the conference provides essential, evidence-based insights into how countries can build high-performing vocational systems that drive economic competitiveness while ensuring equal access for all learners.
The programme opens with a European perspective provided by keynote speakers Jürgen Siebel (Executive Director, Cedefop) and Anna Barbieri (European Commission), followed by key findings from Cedefop’s research project ‘VET excellence and inclusion for the 21st century’. Interactive parallel sessions will explore excellence in VET at national level, future approaches to inclusion in VET as well as the uptake or embeddedness of AI into VET systems.
A core feature of the conference is the presentation of original, state-of-the-art research (link to the abstract list of selected papers), connecting new empirical evidence directly to policy dialogue.
Register now to secure your spot and help shape the future of VET!
Important dates
- 15 July 2026: Deadline for abstract submission
- 15 September 2026: Notification of acceptance
- 19 November 2026 (9.30–13.30 CET): Online conference
- Spring 2027: Publication of selected papers in the Cedefop Zenodo Community
The event is part of the European Skills & VET Week, an initiative of the European Commission organised by Cedefop. Since 2016, the Week has provided policymakers, stakeholders and social partners with a platform to share insights, showcase best practices, and support strategies for upskilling and reskilling the European workforce. The event is also offered to ReferNet members as a knowledge-sharing seminar.
Event details
Contacts
