Centres of vocational excellence: Processes and practices

According to the European Commission, the concept of vocational excellence entails a holistic learner centred approach in which vocational education and training (VET):  

▪ is an integral part of skills ecosystems, contributing to regional development, innovation and smart specialisation strategies;  

▪ is part of research, education, and innovation, working closely with other education and training sectors, the academic community and businesses; 

▪ enables learners to acquire both vocational and key competences through high quality education and training and, underpinned by quality assurance, builds innovative forms of partnership with the world of work, supported by the continuous professional development of teachers and trainers, innovative teaching methods, mobility and internationalisation strategies. 

But what exactly are CoVEs?