30 Years, 30+ Stories: Israel, enhancing vocational education through Erasmus+

Through EU-funded instruments, the European Training Foundation (ETF) has supported key skills development initiatives in Israel over the years, in line with the EU-Israel cooperation priorities. 

The ETF's recent cooperation with the Israeli authorities has included policy advice for the development of the Israeli National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the exchange of expertise between various ministries and research institutions. 

This cooperation also includes Israeli participation in ETF networks such as SkillsLab, the ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) and the READY model: the latter has been tested in practice under a partnership on Innovation in Teaching and Learning, conducted through the Amal and Ort education networks, which have started piloting a model on the "New Educator Profile in a Changing World" in 2023. 

State of labour market and training needs in the country

The high level of digitalisation of the Israeli labour market and the shift from a manufacturing-based economy to one based on IT and services are key contextual factors that underscore the need for aligned vocational education and lifelong learning strategies. With Israel's 2030 plan prioritising digital and distance learning, the ETF's cooperation has helped Israel to manage these changes with a focus on the future of skills.

In this context, it is worth mentioning the latest event held in Israel in September 2023, which highlighted the ETF's engagement in Israel on skills information through projects such as the European Skills and Jobs Survey (ESJS), in cooperation with the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. The workshop presented insights from EU digital and labour policies to Israeli policymakers, offering a comprehensive perspective on skills mismatches, labour market disconnects and the evolving demand for technical skills.

The focus on technology and skills adaptability has led to increased funding to meet educational and economic needs, supporting technology-focused education, early childhood care and increased teacher salaries to improve access and equity in education. 

The ETF has also been actively involved in promoting partnerships and stakeholder engagement in Israel's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The TVET Committee, established in 2010, promotes cooperation between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour and the Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI). This forum of public and private stakeholders addresses evolving qualification standards, VET policy and social partnership to respond to labour market trends. 

Another important component of the ETF's work in Israel is the Torino Process, an evaluation framework to guide evidence-based reforms of vocational education and training. Launched in Israel in 2019 in partnership with the EU Delegation, the Torino Process supports local authorities in identifying skills gaps and reform opportunities in line with lifelong learning objectives. This initiative promotes exchanges between the ETF, local educators and EU representatives to address key priorities such as entrepreneurship, inclusion and quality assurance in education, in line with Israel's strategic vision for human capital development.

Erasmus+ role in the Israeli education system

Over the past decades, Erasmus+ has had a profound impact on Israel's educational landscape, not only in higher education, but also by fostering strong cooperation with the EU in vocational education and training. Israel's role as an Erasmus+ partner country has led to a remarkably high number of exchanges with European institutions, making it the third largest participant in terms of number of exchanges worldwide.

Einav Livneh, Director of the National Erasmus Office (NEO) in Israel, emphasises that Israel's strong academic standing and reputation for innovation attract many EU participants and partners. She notes that 'Israel's commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary research' has contributed to its success in the Erasmus+ programme, positioning Israel as 'fertile ground for collaboration in fields such as health, technology, sustainability and social sciences.' 

According to Livneh, the mutual interest is reinforced by Israel's geographical proximity and accessibility to Europe, which facilitates frequent and impactful exchanges. The NEO has further supported these exchanges by 'organising contact seminars and providing a partner search database to promote partnerships and project networking opportunities, strengthening Erasmus+ as a bridge between European and Israeli educational institutions.'

In the field of vocational education, the NEO actively develops strategic partnerships with European institutions to ensure curriculum innovation and best practices that strengthen vocational education programmes in Israel. According to Livneh, the NEO's targeted initiatives also help 'connect newcomers to the VET sector with experienced higher education institutions to deepen collaboration, knowledge transfer and mentorship within the Erasmus+ community.'

Beyond education providers, the NEO engages a wide range of stakeholders - from policymakers and NGOs to private sector representatives - to ensure that Erasmus+ projects are aligned with national and EU priorities. This approach seeks to guarantee that vocational training initiatives in Israel not only respond to labour market needs, but also promote inclusion, equality and cross-border cooperation.