Cedefop at 50: Europe’s VET and skills at a crossroads

As Europe stands at the edge of a major transformation—digital, green, and demographic—one question takes center stage: can we learn and skill fast, broadly, and equitably enough to keep pace?

Denmark: major investments to reduce dropout rates in VET

A new reform package was launched aimed at strengthening quality, student retention and international mobility of vocational education and training (VET).

Bulgaria: from schools to innovation hubs – 28 vocational schools become CoVEs

In recent years, centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) have become a key element of the EU Skills Agenda, aimed at reforming vocational education and training (VET) systems.

Norway: new spring for higher vocational education

The Norwegian government presents white paper No 11 Skilled workers for a new era – with higher vocational education, with measures to improve higher vocational education (HVET), including

Skills for a stronger Europe

Vocational education and training in Poland

Enhancing skills training, digital literacy, flexibility, quality assurance, inclusiveness, and excellence has long been central to European vocational education and training (VET) policy, and rema

Latvia: supporting stereotype-free careers

In 2024, the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) in Latvia, with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riga, launched the project Choosing a profession without pr

Spain: digital registers and AI training complete modernisation of VET system

New legislation reinforces the traceability of vocational education and training pathways and introduces modular catalogues and AI-focused training.

Latvia: collaboration with Germany on VET

The 2024-25 Latvian-German project Strong vocational education and training (VET) through strong sector expert councils (SEC-pLus) is advancing in strengthening VET in Latvia based on the cooperati

Finland: updating competences in vocational qualifications

All initial vocational education and training programmes in Finland comprise vocational (compulsory and optional) and common units (communication, maths, science, citizenship and skills for working

Sweden: reformed VET curricula for learners with intellectual disabilities

Starting in autumn 2025, upper secondary education for learners with intellectual disabilities will be based on reformed programmes featuring new curricula.

Romania: dual higher education – new opportunity for students

Romania has now a complete dual path at all levels of education and training. The 2023 laws on pre-university and higher education have extended the dual path from secondary to higher education.

Estonia: reforming the professional qualifications system for greater flexibility and labour market relevance

Estonia: reforming the professional qualifications system for greater flexibility and labour market relevance

Portugal: tourism training for starting a new life

The 'Integrating for tourism' scheme targets migrants and beneficiaries of international protection, offering them qualification and employment opportunities in the tourism sector. 

Germany: increased apprenticeship remuneration tackles skill shortages

The high value placed on apprenticeships in Germany is reflected in yet another significant increase in apprenticeship remuneration for 2024, following a continuous rise in previous years.

Workplace learning: the missing lever for EU competitiveness and inclusive growth

As Europe navigates economic transformation and demographic shifts, workplace learning has emerged as an untapped driver of competitiveness and social cohesion.

Europe’s skills momentum: Cedefop at 50 and the future of learning

As the European Union marks a turning point in its policy cycle—sharpening its focus on competitiveness, inclusion, and the green and digital transitions—the role of skills and learning has never b

Apprenticeships opening pathways to innovation and inclusion across Europe

As Europe navigates rapid change – from emerging technologies and demographic shifts, to evolving labour market demands, and the green and digital transitions - apprenticeships are proving to be a

Career without barriers: building inclusive and resilient education and training systems

Inclusive education is fundamental to creating resilient societies and economies.

The digital transition and the changing world of work: implications for skills and safety in the workplace

As digitalisation and AI transform the labour market, reshaping jobs, changing the way we work and creating new occupations, Cedefop and EU-OSHA are joining forces to raise awareness of the emergin