The Government of Ireland's Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025 set out the supports for the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector and its supply chain, setting out the ambition that by 2025, Ireland will be a competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub of the fourth (4.0) industrial development and adoption. The role of the FET sector is aligned in the particular goal of the strategy to:
Facilitate the current and future workforce to develop the skills to deliver the Industry...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The AMTCE is part of LMETB's FET provision as a centre of excellence, delivering a range of learning options with world class facilities for Industry 4.0 standard, funded by SOLAS as the national agency for FET.
The Centre delivers both full awards and micro qualifications to the employed and jobseekers in Robotics and Collaborative Robotics, Advanced Construction Technologies, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Cybersecurity, ICT Innovations, Manufacturing Engineering, Advanced...
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This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
QQI's initial Green Paper on Intermediate Qualifications at NFQ Levels 5 & 6 and the later White Paper outlines the changes from the above structures to the following:
The Level 5 Certificate is equivalent to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 4. The Level 5 Certificate is an intermediate qualification of the short cycle of the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) sometimes referred to as the Bologna Framework. The Level 5 Certificate consists...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The consultation process for QQI is similar to the Irish parliamentary processes of Green and White Papers. Where QQI issues a Green Paper, this is the first consultation of policy proposals for debate and discussion as part of the consultation with stakeholders. A White Paper follows a Green Paper and is the draft outline of the policy proposed. Both papers undergo full public and stakeholder consultation processes.
The Green Paper, QQI Green Paper on Intermediate Qualifications at NFQ...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
The 2025 budget announced a six-year plan to spend part of the NTF surplus of EUR 1.485 billion over six years (starting in 2025). Legislation to amend the NTF legislation was laid before the Irish Parliament in October 2025, with a commitment to retain existing services and to ensure spending aligns to the core objectives of the NTF to:
raise the skills of those in employment;
provide training to those who wish to acquire skills for the purposes of taking up employment; or
provide...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 was published in October and is at the fifth (final) stage of the lower house of the Irish Parliament.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
The public consultation on the Tertiary Education Strategy is to identify the objectives and outputs of:
further education and training;
higher education; and
research and innovation.
The consultation outlines the aims of the Tertiary Education Strategy to 'strengthen and support the further education, higher education, research and innovation system through the creation of a coherent vision and objectives. The Strategy will adopt an integrated approach, taking full account of the linkages...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Respondents to the public consultation were asked to consider a number of questions, which were:
What should be the primary objectives of the Tertiary Education Strategy?
What should be the actions of the strategy?
How to make the tertiary education system more adaptable and responsive to emerging challenges and changing contexts?
Which outcomes will define the success of the Tertiary Education Strategy?
What are the specific barriers or enablers to enhancing the system’s focus on impact...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
strengthening professionally oriented bachelor’s study programmes (§ 58(3) to (6)), with an emphasis on practical training (a minimum of 30 credits), cooperation with employers, and linking theoretical knowledge with practical competences;
increasing the flexibility of studies by introducing the possibility of a final internship or final bachelor’s thesis (§ 58(5) to (6), § 83), which will allow students to adapt the final assessment to their focus...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The education ministry reflected the 2023 Government manifesto by elaborating 40 projects and creating related project teams. Nine project teams worked on topics focusing on higher education, and one of these (No 3.9), titled ‘New Higher education act’, capitalised on results from all project teams and elaborated fundamentals for the new act. This team, like other project teams, included representatives of relevant stakeholders. Thus, representatives of academia contributed substantially...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth
introduce short-cycle tertiary vocational programmes (EQF level 5) via existing Tertiary Professional Schools (VOŠ);
provide flexible responses to labour market needs, especially when rapid qualification is needed – e.g. chip manufacturing, energy infrastructure, defence industry,etc.);
improve employability by equipping students with specific, practice-oriented skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace;
enable permeability and progression between secondary...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
An amendment to the School Act adopted in June 2025 introduced so-called short-cycle programmes, i.e. innovative short-cycle tertiary vocational education programmes, developed in cooperation with social partners. These programmes are designed to flexibly respond to labour market demands and enhance graduate employability by providing students with specific, practice-oriented skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable in real-world contexts.
Short cycle programmes will be provided...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
National Accreditation Bureau for Tertiary Education
By creating structured progression pathways beyond initial VET, this new qualification level will allow VET learners to further develop their skills and access careers in strategic, high-demand fields such as finance, ICT, logistics, and engineering.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The programmes are designed in close cooperation between the MENJE and the professional chambers, ensuring that training content is shaped by the real and evolving demands of employers.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To equip VET learners with skills related to ecological sustainability and renewable technologies, contributing to economic resilience and meeting ecological challenges in various industries.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
As part of the 2016 State-Regions partnership agreement, in September 2017, 500 new vocational training courses were introduced across VET upper secondary schools (lycées professionnels) with a strong emphasis on ecological transition. These programmes focus on skills related to renewable energy, sustainable building practices, waste management, and green technology, catering to emerging green jobs and addressing shortages in ecological professions, including welding, boiler-making, and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research
Ministry of Labour, Full Employment and Inclusion
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Professional Integration (until 2022)
Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports (from 2020 till 2022)
Ministry of National Education and Youth (until 2024)
The long-term goal of the 2024-29 project is to address labour market gaps, reduce youth and adult inactivity and unemployment, and contribute to economic growth. Achieving this overall goal depends on progress in three areas related to the improvement of the response of the VET and lifelong learning to the labour market needs by systems’ higher permeability and flexibility. Goals and specific outputs related to these areas are as follows:
Response of VET to the labour market needs is...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The main activities of the project comply with the three aforementioned objectives and six measures. The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation (MIRRI) serves as the National Coordination Unit while the project operator is the State Institute of Vocational Education in partnership with the Swiss Federal University of Vocational Education. Switzerland has committed up to CHF 5 750 000 (approximately EUR 6.2 million) covering a maximum of 85% of the total eligible...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth
State Institute of Vocational Education (ŠIOV)
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport (until 2024)
The VET curricula reform aimed to enhance the attractiveness, innovation, and relevance of VET by restructuring and developing new, outcome-based, modular curricula. The specific objectives were to:
Develop innovative and flexible sector and vocational curricula based on occupational and qualification standards, aligned with labour market needs;
Strengthen teacher competences for the implementation of the new VET curricula.
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The most comprehensive update of VET curricula in over two decades in Croatia began in 2018 with the adoption of the National Curriculum for VET and continued within the framework of the project Modernisation of the VET System, supported by EUR 17.7 million from the European Social Fund (ESF) and implemented by the Agency for VET and Adult Education from 2017 to 2023. The central features of the VET reform in Croatia include a modular structure of VET curricula and a strong focus on skills...
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This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The published policy platform Progressing A Unified Tertiary System for Learning, Skills and Knowledge outlines 35 key objectives that could be summarised as follows.
Learning and Development Opportunities: creation of HE/FET collaborative programmes through the development of more collaborative approaches to programme planning, development and delivery across the sectors;
Inclusion: development of more unified frameworks across FET, HE and research and innovation (R&I) to progress equality,...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Creating a unified tertiary system is one of the strategic priorities of the National FET strategy 2020-24. Key stakeholders, DES, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), SOLAS (the national authority for FET), Higher Education Authority (HEA), Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) and the Irish Universities Association (IUA) agreed on an action plan to work towards a more strategic and consistent transitions approach to FET and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Further Education and Training Authority (SOLAS)
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
Higher Education Authority (HEA)
Technological Higher Education Association (THEA)
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)
Irish Universities Association (IUA)
City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB)
Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB)
Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB)
Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB)
Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB)
Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)
Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB)
Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB)
Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB)
Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB)
Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB)
Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB)
Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB)
Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB)
To provide access to quality IVET, increase employment of recent VET graduates, better adapt qualifications to the labour market needs, create new VET paths, with more bridges to higher education, and improve school infrastructure.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Educated Romania underlines the commitment to adjusting the education system to current and emerging challenges. Education and skills-related measures and actions are to be implemented with the support of State budget and EU funds. The strategy foresees adopting a legislative package ensuring implementation of the vision and goals.
The National Centre for TVET Development, responsible for the organisation and implementation of IVET, contributes to the implementation of the goals set at...
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With the Excellence Initiative for vocational education and training (VET), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing targeted impetus for a necessary boost in attractiveness and modernity. The aim is to contribute to the necessary change in society's appreciation of VET. The Excellence Initiative for VET is a crucial part of the Federal Government's skilled labour strategy.
The initiative aims to increase the attractiveness of VET for all young people. A special...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
With the Excellence Initiative for VET policy projects are combined into an overarching agenda. Individual activities will be launched successively during 2022 to 2026. Over EUR 750 million have been earmarked for this purpose.
In order to give new impetus to VET, the Excellence Initiative focusses on three central fields of action.
Improving individual opportunity support for talents in VET, to ensure that skilled workers and young people can develop their potential in the best possible...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) (since 2025)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (until 2025)
Reinforcing the qualification levels of citizens, with a view to improving employability and (re)integration in the labour market, as well as the pursuit of studies, particularly at higher education level.
Increasing the potential of on-the-job training, through the active participation of companies and other employers in the training process, assuming them as true partners.
Developing and consolidating quality apprenticeships based on a system of work-linked training, understood as the...
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What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Apprenticeship courses allow for academic and vocational certification, emphasising inclusion in the job market, boosted by a strong training component undertaken in a work context and pursuing higher-level studies. Although dual learning has a strong tradition in Portugal, increased requirements for workers' skills and the need to deal with accelerated scientific and technological development led to a new generation of apprenticeship programmes (Programas de Aprendizagem).
Apprenticeship...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
Promoting a closer link between the polytechnic network and the training and business dynamics in the different territories and regions.
Reinforcing the vocational training dimension in higher education.
Encouraging the diversification of the training supply and lifelong learning.
Increasing cooperation between higher education institutions, the public vocational training service and the associations and companies of different sectors, in order to qualify and re-qualify professionals in...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
High professional technical programmes (CTESP) correspond to a short cycle linked to the Bologna Process, provided exclusively by polytechnic higher education institutions, within the first cycle of higher education. These courses have a study cycle of 120 ECTS, which includes a set of curricular units organised in the components of general and scientific training, technical training and on-the-job training. It confers a qualification equivalent to level 5 of the national qualification...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (until April 2024)
Directorate General of Higher Education (DGES) (until September 2025)
Polytechnic higher education institutions
Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI) (since April 2024)
Institute for Higher Education (IES) (since September 2025)
To achieve the specific training needs of the employed and unemployed.
To promote the return of the unemployed to the labour market through a rapid integration in training actions of short and medium duration.
To allow the acquisition of relevant competences, or the valorisation of competences already held, always allowing the continuity of the qualification pathway.
To enable the gradual acquisition of a professional qualification.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Modular training courses (Formação Modular Certificada) are addressed to adults aged 18 and over, employed or unemployed, who do not have the appropriate qualifications to enter or progress in the labour market, especially, those who have yet to complete basic or upper secondary education.
This is a modality that allows flexible training paths, through the realisation and certification of competence units and/or short duration training units (UFCD), that can be capitalised to obtain one, or...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education and Training (ANQEP)
LLCS 2030 focuses on the most urgent topics that were not or were only partly covered by the National recovery and resilience plan. It also paves the way for the replacement of the obsolete Lifelong Learning Act (568/2009) with new legislation.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
LLCS 2030 focuses on four thematic areas: the qualification system; basic skills and civic education; lifelong learning, counselling, and motivation of citizens for lifelong learning; and building a system of skills management and identification of lifelong learning needs. It proposes 51 measures divided into 13 thematic units corresponding to topics in need of urgent intervention:
second chance education and ‘F-type programmes’ (ISCED 253) for low achievers in lower secondary general...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation
Alliance of Sectoral Councils
Sector Councils Alliance
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport (until 2024)
In response to the increased need for higher VET graduates on the labour market, a new higher VET programme at bachelor level was introduced. This programme lasts three years (each year counts for 60 ECTS) and leads to a qualification at EQF level 6.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Institute for VET in small and medium-sized enterprises (IAWM) reacted to labour market demand for higher VET and implemented a new VET bachelor programme in 'public and business administration'. This higher VET programme was built on the basis of the VET bachelor education for accountants; graduates receive a bachelor diploma (180 ECTS).
This higher VET programme started in the school year 2019/20.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Institute for vocational and educational training in small and medium-sized companies (IAWM)
to support the continued growth of the higher vocational education sector;
to establish a system for the allocation of new student places which takes into account the skills needs of the labour market, and the planning capacity of vocational education schools, which is based on an analysis of the available knowledge base and skills needs;
to create new paths from upper secondary education to higher vocational education;
to examine the criteria and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The strategy was proposed by the Ministry of Education and Research for further improving and strengthening higher vocational education. It is aimed at higher vocational education and all actors in the field. The beneficiaries are both individual students and society, mainly by improving quality and increasing autonomy.
The priorities focus on the following four areas:
Growth in the tertiary vocational college sector
The government is to take steps to ensure continued growth in higher...
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This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
to provide a learner- centred curriculum which promotes creativity, innovation, self-reflection, and personal independence;
to develop specialised technical, leadership and entrepreneurial skills in line with tomorrow’s industry trends and requirements;
to promote an international outlook while embracing cultural diversity;
to promote professional development through lifelong learning opportunities;
to perform and solicit practices which are ethically correct and environmentally friendly;
to...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The rationale for ITS international collaboration efforts and activities is that the cooperation with top international universities and institutions provides students with the possibility to graduate from a reputable institute and also get the opportunity to study for a period of time within these institutions in order to obtain wider experience and further develop their skills to meet international standards.
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This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objective of the expansion of HVET is to ensure that adults are better qualified for the labour market, which will lead to economic growth.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Swedish Government has increased the funding to the National Agency for Higher Vocational Education, to ensure that employers have access to qualified professional skills to create growth. The agency has been able to approve an increase of more than 56% in the number of available study places between 2014 and 2019. The most rapid expansion has taken place in the last two years with an increase of 36% from 2017 to 2019.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
consolidation of the heterogeneous field of higher VET by defining connecting elements and thus creating a common understanding of what this term means;
establishing a legal basis for a common understanding of higher VET, either through a quality assurance act on higher VET or an amendment of the NQF Act;
introducing higher VET as a label with a clear message to make the qualifications more visible and better known;
indicating this area in the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
To realise parity of esteem and increase the visibility and public perception of higher VET qualifications, a discussion on the establishment of a defined educational field for higher VET qualifications was started in 2019 within educational policy. The Ministry of Education commissioned a paper that should form the basis for further discussion and decision-making (Grundlagenpapier). This paper, which was drawn up by ibw, was presented and discussed in a conference with national and foreign...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) (until 2022)
Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) (until 2025)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) (until 2025)
Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET)
The objectives of setting up apprenticeship programmes for adults, leading to EQF level 5 are winning new target groups for dual VET programmes and taking action to reduce the skilled labour shortage.
Graduates of general education programmes at upper secondary level and university dropouts are at the centre of attention in this respect.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Under the title Apprenticeship NEW for adults, the Federal Economic Chamber has taken the initiative within its education campaign (Bildungsoffensive) to develop a programme for people with a higher education entrance qualification that leads to a dual VET qualification at NQF/EQF level 5. Through this programme the attractiveness of dual VET programmes for these new target groups should be increased. At the same time, the programme should cover knowledge, skills and competences that enable...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) (until 2022)
Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) (until 2025)
Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET)
The project aims at developing the system of master exam and master qualifications in the Czech Republic as a tool of education and training, and recognition of master craftsmanship, thus contributing to quality improvement of further education and training in the crafts.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The project Master craftsman examination system (Mistrovska zkouska system) was launched in November 2017 and lasts until 2021. The project defines the overall master craftsman examination model and prepares comprehensive expertise for its implementation. Elements of the master exam system are developed and reviewed. For the different master qualifications, these elements comprise both qualification and assessment standards, guidelines for the assignment of the master exams, curricula of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Czech Chamber of Commerce
National Institute for Education (until 2019)
National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic
To describe measures addressing identified weaknesses or suggested improvements.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In September 2017, the education ministry published the Learning Slovakia strategy paper, following a public discussion on a draft version from March 2017. The VET-related chapter of this strategy paper for the first time in the official documents clearly defines and distinguishes between the diverse forms of work-based learning: dual VET, as set in the 2015 Act on VET; work-based learning within VET school-enterprise agreements but without individual learning contracts; short-term...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport (until 2024)
The Action plan for adult education addresses four strands:
higher vocational education;
liberal adult education through folk high schools;
adult IVET and adult apprenticeship in IVET;
adults’ right to general education.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Action plan for adult education (Kunskapslyftet, the knowledge boost) was introduced in 2015. It is aimed at supporting the Swedish government’s goal of lowering unemployment rates. Relevant legislation/regulation and funding arrangements have been changed/adopted. The plan aims, at the same time, to address skilled labour shortages and enable people to (re)train.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
To improve relevance of VET to the labour market needs, increase participation, facilitate access to VET programmes, and improve their quality.
To develop innovation and cooperation in IVET at national and international level.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
An amendment to the Education Law endorsed in November 2016 (Ordinance No 81/2016) introduced a dual form of initial VET for qualifications at EQF/ROQF (Romanian national qualifications framework) levels 3, 4 and 5.
Implementation of dual IVET programmes started in 2017/18 for qualifications at EQF level 3. Over 2 500 learners from the first generation of students with access to dual VET programmes enrolled in dual IVET. Setting up a methodology for organising and conducting entrance...
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To enhance digital literacy and technical expertise in response to emerging needs in different sectors - including ICT, automation and cyber-technologies- by providing targeted vocational training.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Within the framework of the 2016 State-Regions partnership agreement, 500 new training courses are offered in VET upper secondary schools (lycées professionnels) since September 2017. Almost 70% of these courses lead to national diplomas, with more than 20% of them being offered in apprenticeships or combined school-based / apprenticeship pathways. On completing an initial VET programme, graduates my continue with a second training programme leading to additional qualification, either to...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research
Ministry of Labour, Full Employment and Inclusion
Ministry of National Education and Youth (until 2024)
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Professional Integration (until 2022)
Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports (from 2020 till 2022)
The objectives of the Alliance for initial and further training are:
reducing the number of young people without school leaving certificate;
providing each person with a path leading to a VET qualification;
reducing the mismatch between applicants seeking apprenticeship places and companies offering them, and supporting the regional mobility of applicants;
strengthening further training, particularly advanced VET at tertiary level;
increasing the number of apprenticeship places and companies...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2015-18 Alliance for initial and further training was agreed between the Federal Government, Federal States, business and industry, the unions and the Federal Employment Agency at the end of 2014.
Within the alliance, sectors committed to providing 20 000 places annually for introductory training (transition programme), which has been implemented: 17 500 young people took up this type of training in 2015 and 21 000 in 2018. Evaluations showed that around 70% of young people moved into...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) (since 2025)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) (until 2025)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) (since 2025)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (until 2025)
Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration
German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA)
The law on the nursing and care occupations aims to:
increase the attractiveness of care and nursing occupations and training by improving occupational conditions for nursing and care personnel;
retain staff in these fields in the long term.
A policy target of the Care and nursing training offensive is to increase the number of trainees in the nursing occupations by 10% by 2023.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Law to reform the care and nursing occupations (Pflegeberufsgesetz) was published on 24 July 2017. The initiative ‘Concerted action on care’ (Konzertierten Aktion Pflege – KAP) was launched on 3 July 2018, including the ‘Care and nursing training offensive’ (Ausbildungsoffensive Pflege) targeted at ensuring the successful implementation of the law (2019-23). Training in healthcare and nursing care occupations, which used to be separated in three areas (general, elderly and paediatrics),...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) (until 2025)
Federal Ministry of Health (BMG)
Federal States (Länder)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The goals of InnoVET are to increase the attractiveness, quality and equivalence of VET as well as to initiate new learning location collaborations.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In January 2019, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the project Shaping the future – innovations for excellent vocational training (InnoVET) and ran the first call. It invited projects targeted at increasing the attractiveness, quality and equivalence of VET through innovation and excellence, with a focus on higher VET.
Proposals were expected to put emphasis on:
innovative training, especially above DQR level 5, geared to the needs of companies and providing...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) (since 2025)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (until 2025)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The updating and restructuring of training occupations ensures the quality and competitiveness of dual training in Germany. Training regulations are revised at regular intervals and new ones are created, if needed, so that qualifications meet the current demands of the economy, policy and society. In order to ensure the quality of vocational training, the standardised national training regulations set out qualifications, examinations, the structure of training and training requirements.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The regulated qualifications of apprenticeships and advanced training occupations are based on examinations with nationwide uniform examination regulations. The training regulations and the learning fields of the school-based part of dual VET that are coordinated with them are oriented to company work and business processes. They therefore ensure that the vocational qualifications are highly relevant to the labour market. The design of the training content for the creation of new or updating...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) (since 2025)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (until 2025)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Recommendations issued by the education ministry in 2016 on agreements between VET schools and enterprises for in-company training of learners stipulate that a professional qualification and necessary experience are mandatory features of these contracts.
A school, in cooperation with the provider, should ensure, that instructors of practical training will be acquainted with:
basic concepts, principles and ways of pedagogical work with students;
the regulations of occupational health and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
National Institute for Education (until 2019)
National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic
To set a framework for the cooperation agreement between the French Community and the Walloon region for the development of common higher education structures dedicated to continuing training and lifelong learning activities.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The decrees from the Government of the French Community dated 30 June 2016 and February 2017 approve the framework agreements on dual programmes in higher education. They regulate dual programmes at bachelor and master levels and sets requirements for concluding framework agreements on higher dual vocational education programmes. The special feature of higher dual education is that part of it takes place in a company and part in a higher education institution.
The decree of 30 June 2016...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The National qualifications frameworks (NQFs) facilitate the understanding and comparison of qualifications. The NQF classifies qualifications by level, based on learning outcomes, which the holder of a specific diploma or certificate is expected to know, to understand and to be able to do. This approach facilitates the moving between education and training institutions and sectors.
The FQF includes the:
professional qualifications (beroepskwalificaties), which are the basis for formal...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016 arrangements were made to facilitate the update of the content of the professional qualifications and to provide partial qualifications. Professional qualifications have been levelled individually (as opposed to being placed as a block) in a process involving the main social partners. Since 2017 it is possible to update the content of the professional qualifications. The procedures take into account the nature of the changes: technical or substantive changes, changes with or without...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Flemish Department of Education and Training
Flemish Department of Work and Social Economy (until 2025)
The government of Flanders aims to intensify and increase the share of work-based learning in higher education and formal adult education programmes to close the gap between education and the labour market.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In May 2018, the Flemish Parliament adopted the law to integrate higher profession-oriented education (formerly called HBO5 programmes) into a fully fledged component of higher education (as short-cycle programmes leading to an associate degree). To stress this difference, the name HBO5 was taken out and replaced by the associated degree programmes (HBO programmes). At least one third of the learning period in this type of programme must be work-based, which is intended to attract adult...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Flemish Department of Education and Training
Flemish Department of Work and Social Economy (until 2025)
Flemish Partnership Dual Learning
Flemish Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation and Social Economy
