European Vocational Skills Week: best practices from Europe and beyond

The aim of the week, organised by the European Commission together with the Austrian Presidency to the EU, is to show that vocational is a smart choice, for young people and adults alike - leading to excellence in education, high-quality jobs and increased employability. In doing so, the Week contributes to the Skills Agenda for Europe and the roll-out of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Through the European Vocational Skills Week, the European Commission wants to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities available through vocational education, and encourage more people to participate and learn what it has to offer. This year, the future of vocational education is also an important focus of the Week, touching on topics such as digitalisation and the internationalisation of vocational training (source: European Commission).

Events all over the EU…

Under the motto “Discover your Talent”, thousands of young people all over Europe have a chance to learn about training and career opportunities thanks to vocational education and training at more than 1,000 events taking place across Europe until December 2018. The initiative brings together education and training providers, civil society organisations, public authorities, business organisations, trade unions, and the broader public to raise awareness of the benefits of vocational education. 

..and in the EU neighbourhood

The week has been organised with the strong involvement and support from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the European Training Foundation. More than a dozen events in countries bordering the EU have been tagged to the EU Skills Week throughout the autumn, with several during the week itself. To find out more, you can read a dedicated web news.