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In 1997, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) began a project to produce financing portraits of the vocational education and training (VET) systems within the individual Member States of the European Union (EU). This report focuses on Ireland and provides a qualitative description of the movement of funding through VET structures, identifying funding sources and allocation mechanisms. This information is combined with quantitative data on expenditure for different training types, particularly initial vocational training, continuing vocational training and training for the unemployed. As there is no legal definition of vocational training in Ireland, for the purposes of this report, all programs with a vocational emphasis undertaken after compulsory schooling have been included within the scope of vocational training. The authors also stress that the data provided in the report is not comprehensive for all VET funding in Ireland due to the lack of a comprehensive, reliable source. However, the information presented for initial training and training for the unemployed is representative of the majority of these types of training as nearly all of it receives public funding. Show less

This paper focuses on some of the main aspects of vocational education and training (VET) in Croatia. It provides an outline of the structure and characteristics of the training system and the challenges it faces. The paper includes a chart of the Croatian education system and some education and training figures. Show less

Convinced of the need to modernise education and training systems, as part of the Lisbon strategy, the European Union launched the Copenhagen process in 2002 to strengthen cooperation in vocational education and training (VET). The Copenhagen process has coordinated technical and political support for voluntary cooperation and brought together the European Commission and participating countries and European social partners to work on common objectives, priorities and benchmarks for VET. As Europe embarks on a new strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth from now to 2020, this report examines the achievements and impact of Europe’s efforts to modernise VET and ease mobility for learning and working.

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'Skillset and match' is Cedefop's magazine promoting learning for work. This special issue looking at European vocational education and training (VET) post-2020. It includes: Exclusive interviews on the challenges ahead with the Education Ministers of the previous and current EU Presidency holders, Croatia and Germany, and of Cedefop's host country Greece; A report on the joint Cedefop/European Training Foundation high-level conference which discussed ways to enhance European cooperation in VET; Messages from the speeches at the conference of European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit; An article on the joint discussion paper by Cedefop and European Training Foundation (ETF) which explores the challenges and opportunities for VET in the next decade; Cedefop Executive Director's editorial on why VET is centre stage in the coronavirus pandemic era. Readers can also browse through the latest Cedefop publications and upcoming events.

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This publication aims to contribute to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Slovakia, providing an insight into its main features and highlighting recent VET policy developments. The Slovak economy is largely driven by manufacturing and could benefit from more diversification to make it less sensitive to economic shocks and more skill-intensive jobs, encouraging innovation. VET has traditionally played a strong role, responsible for around two-thirds of graduates at upper secondary level. But qualifications do not always match labour market needs. A 'dual' VET scheme was introduced in 2015-16 as one way to address mismatch. First results show greater involvement of employers in VET: it is now in their interest to attract learners and to deliver job-relevant training. The government also intends to promote VET at higher levels to make it more attractive.

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Vocational education and training (VET) in Sweden is in the midst of a series of major reforms to ensure labour market relevance and increase quality. The current system of integrated upper secondary education will be replaced in 2011 by a system with three broad orientations: (a) general education, mainly for those intending to pursue higher education; (b) school-based vocational programs; and (c) work-based apprenticeship. The new upper secondary system will ensure that VET students acquire more vocationally specific knowledge and skills while retaining a strong theoretical core. Another major VET reform is creation of a new Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshogskolan) on 1 July, 2009. The new agency will being together postsecondary VET types under one administrative structure, apply more robust quality assurance procedures and ensure that VET more closely meets labour market skill needs. The economic crisis which hit Europe in 2008 lends urgency to the need for VET to respond to the immediate needs of learners and the labour market. The crisis also presents Sweden with an opportunity to reskill and upskill to improve its economic competitiveness in the coming years.

Published summary.

The chapters are: General policy context; Policy development; Institutional framework; Initial vocational education and training; Vocational education and training for adults; Training VET teachers and trainers; Skills and competence development and innovative pedagogy; Validation of learning; Guidance and counselling; Investment in human resources; European and international dimensions; Appendices. Show less

Microcredentials are not new. They have been in use in various countries and education and training sectors; they have played a role, among others, in the certification of IT courses or health workers' professional development. Ireland has awarded them for more than 20 years, in areas such as college education. In more recent years, microcredentials have proliferated across Europe and are now offered at various levels in public and private general and vocational education and training (VET). However, only recently have microcredentials gained EU-wide attention in policy debates.

Cedefop carried out a comprehensive study on microcredentials, which looked at their characteristics, how they are designed, delivered and recognised, why they are in demand, how they are being used, and what their advantages and limitations are. This briefing note outlines the study's interim results.

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This research paper is the fifth in a series produced as part of the Cedefop project 'The changing nature and role of VET (2016-18)'. Based on comparative analysis of labour force survey data from 2014, the report analyses the vocational effect on labour market and education outcomes, asking whether any advantages conferred by vocational qualifications in early career would be offset by disadvantages later in life. The report explores the functioning of the safety net and the diversion effects across countries, demonstrating how these vary considerably with the specific institutional structure of schooling and work-based training. The results indicate that VET graduates are potentially sacrificing the longer-term gains associated with further education in favour of short-term benefits.

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This booklet focuses on some of the main aspects of vocational education and training (VET) in Denmark. It provides an outline of the structure and characteristics of the training system and the challenges it faces. The booklet includes a chart of the Danish education system and some education and training figures. Show less

This paper focuses on some of the main aspects of vocational education and training (VET) in Denmark. It provides an outline of the structure and characteristics of the training system and the challenges it faces. The paper includes a chart of the Danish education system and some education and training figures. Show less