The new Cedefop report presents the evolution of vocational education and training and proposes a renewed vision for the future.
One of the proposals presented in the publication is the need for a more integrated skills development system (VET-S), responding to the challenges of the digital, demographic, and green transitions. This shift is intended to signal an evolution in thinking and identify a broader range of adult learning needs, extending beyond specific vocational qualifications. It also aligns with a growing need for the continuous adaptation and retraining of workers throughout their careers.
The document also points out that, despite strong foundations in education, Europe is still struggling with skills mismatches, low adult participation in education, and limited training infrastructure in many member states. In this context, the report emphasizes the need to end policy silos and implement an integrated approach to skills development. Cedefop calls for investment in inclusive, forward-looking learning systems that support the productivity, equity, and strategic autonomy of the European Union.
The report's authors present five key areas that should become priorities in the future development of skills and vocational education policy:
- Accessibility – develop autonomous and proactive skills development pathways that enable everyone to access learning at a convenient time and place.
- Inclusion – promote diversity and engagement by reaching out to marginalized groups and support their participation.
- Quality – ensure high standards in diverse qualifications and certificates, ensuring that they are credible and recognised in the labour market.
- Innovation – support lifelong and lifewide learning in diverse contexts, using new technologies and flexible forms of education.
- Attractiveness – bridge the divide between academic and vocational education, so that both are perceived as equally valuable and complementary.
The publication is available on the Cedefop website.