Erasmus+: Advancing VET in EU and beyond!

Throughout the past period between 2014 and 2020, the Erasmus+ Programme has been continually  growing in success and effectiveness to enhance partnerships in vocational education and training and include more organisations in the field.

The positive legacy that this programme has created amongst not only European Vocational Education and Training (VET) related organisations but also those from outside the EU assures its continuity which is very much needed.

In the plan for 2022, the programme aims to focus on capacity building as a key pillar of advancing VET, as well as intensive blended learning. The ETF works to encourage applications for Erasmus from eligible partner countries. 

Projects and members selected to join the programme have to undergo an application process verifying they meet certain criteria . The programme also provides opportunities for networking and cooperation. For example, initiatives like the VET European Networking Enhancement and the Euroguidance Network offer valuable information and insights to organisations working in the VET domain and willing to be part of the Erasmus+ framework including providers in EU Member States or third countries associated to the Erasmus+ Programme. In the same context, entities from ETF partner countries are also eligible to apply.

In the course of searching for partner organisations, the programme provides the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE) as a comprehensive platform to find like-minded organisations with similar scope of work and agenda of priorities for potential partnerships.

All in all, the Erasmus+ programme plays a vital role in improving interorganisational connections and networking at a global level. With more than 26 million euros in funding, the programme promotes a myriad of VET initiatives and projects in Europe and elsewhere. It is worth mentioning regional areas covered for this year include Western Balkans, Neighbourhood East, South Mediterranean Countries, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

To have a look on this year’s version of the programme, see more: Erasmus+, Capacity building in the field of vocational education and training (VET) - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu)