Internationalising vocational excellence
Since 2021, the ETF has been supporting the international dimension of centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
Building on the work of the ETF’s Network for Excellence (ENE) and two Service Level Agreements with DG EMPL, the new “Internationalising Vocational Excellence: CoVEs as engines for innovation and implementation of VET reforms” action (3 December 2025–2 June 2028) is part of the EU’s wider Union of Skills initiative and forthcoming EU VET strategy.
It aims to enhance CoVEs as engines for internationalisation, innovation and VET reforms, in Europe and beyond.
Through the project, we are developing support services for centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) and centres aiming to become one, such as:
- Curating and creating knowledge on vocational excellence
- continuously updating an e‑library of resources
- developing knowledge packages including success stories, case studies, guidelines and research
- Update of the short version of the Cookbook on vocational excellence: A taste of vocational excellence.
- Organising events and capacity‑building activities
- peer‑learning, thematic webinars and an annual Camp on Vocational Excellence
- a third Internationalising Vocational Excellence (IntVE) conference: “CoVEs as Engines for Innovation and Implementation of VET Reforms”
- Supporting networking and partnerships
- facilitating collaboration around CoVEs and Erasmus+ calls and other international initiatives
- connecting CoVEs, aspiring CoVEs and their ecosystems (VET providers, companies, authorities, civil society) across ETF partner countries, EU Member States and beyond
- Strengthening the policy role of CoVEs
- conducting studies on vocational excellence and CoVE partnerships,
- Implementing and further developing ISATCOVE and recognition mechanisms
- opening the International Self‑Assessment Tool for CoVEs (ISATCOVE) for independent use by finalising a user manual and creating instruction , videos and an online course
- further refining and rolling out the recognition system that includes a “Committed to Excellence” badge and certificate and a “Vocational Excellence” certificate.
These activities support the Union of Skills by contributing to international cooperation on skills development, particularly in areas such as green and digital transitions, shortage occupations and STEM excellence.
Learn more on Centres of vocational excellence and/or contact us at IntVE@etf.europa.eu
Related ETF studies supporting vocational excellence
The following studies were developed under previous Service Level Agreements. The current work will build upon the analysis and evidence presented in these studies.
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