Entrepreneurial centres of vocational excellence

Centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) can boost social and economic development if they act in an entrepreneurial way:

• driving innovation;
• building robust networks; and 
• putting learners at the centre. 

However, strategies and operational approaches need to be further defined.

Through the partnership of entrepreneurial CoVEs, the ETF has led a collective work to develop a new conceptual framework and a self-assessment toolkit (see Annex 1 in the conceptual framework) to help CoVEs start and monitor their entrepreneurial journey. 

ETF has developed a Skills ecosystem engagement toolkit | ETF to help centres of vocational training open up and reinforce partnerships in their ecosystems, including with economic, social actors at local, national and international levels.

The partnership has focused its activities on improving CoVEs entrepreneurial approach to internationalisation, sustainable development and women entrepreneurship, digitalisation, and support to business start-ups. 

The partnership is inspired by EntreComp: The Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, the European Union’s reference framework promoting entrepreneurship as a key competence for lifelong learning across societies and economies. 

The ETF’s support to developing the entrepreneurial spirit across the Tunisian vocational training system has also inspired the partnership (see the Tunisia case & the report Partnering for a more entrepreneurial Tunisia).

This partnership falls under the ETF’s Network for Excellence.

Building on the Partnership achievements and lessons learnt, and with a view to help policymakers in the EU services, in the Partner countries and beyond to build Entrepreneurial Centres of vocational excellence across VET systems ETF has produced a Policy brief including key recommendations for action.

Members of the partnership

• Azerbaijan, Goychay Vocational Training Centre
• Georgia, LEPL College Modus
• Moldova, Centre of Excellence in Economy and Finance
• Morocco, École supérieure des industries du textile et de l’habillement – ESITH    
• North Macedonia, Nikola Karev Regional VET Centre
• North Macedonia, DSU RCSOO (Secondary Vocational Municipal School) Kole Nedelkovski
• Tunisia, Centre de formation et d’apprentissage de Bizerte – CFA Bizerte 

To learn more about the partnership

• Join our online community on Open Space
• Watch the video on entrepreneurial CoVEs