Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) offer specialist training and support for employers and learners in defined vocational areas and are developing into an important component of EU vocational education and training (VET) policy. CoVE networks reflect national and regional economic priorities and vary in their sectoral coverage. Notwithstanding this diversity, two broad types of CoVEs can be identified: (1) CoVEs that are 'purpose built' or designated entities as part of national/regional arrangements for vocational excellence; and (2) CoVEs that are individual VET providers,... [+] Show more
Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) offer specialist training and support for employers and learners in defined vocational areas and are developing into an important component of EU vocational education and training (VET) policy. CoVE networks reflect national and regional economic priorities and vary in their sectoral coverage. Notwithstanding this diversity, two broad types of CoVEs can be identified: (1) CoVEs that are 'purpose built' or designated entities as part of national/regional arrangements for vocational excellence; and (2) CoVEs that are individual VET providers, functioning as CoVEs for a region, sub-region or sector. During late 2018 and early 2019, an exercise was conducted to delineate CoVEs in terms of their main characteristics, with a view to informing the concept and the development of EU support plans. This report presents the findings of this mapping exercise. It provides an introductory overview to CoVEs, demonstrating the broad differences between the two main types of CoVE identified, the varied labels applied to CoVEs and their sector coverage. The report examines CoVE teaching and learning activities, cooperation with businesses, universities and other stakeholders, and governance and funding issues. It also looks across the evidence presented to identify key success factors, strengths and weaknesses, and to elaborate a development model.
There are three key factors that underpin the success of CoVEs: strong and enduring relationships between stakeholders; being firmly anchored into frameworks of regional development; and integration of activities. The CoVE mapping helps to elaborate a clearer concept of vocational excellence and of the distinctive contribution VET can make to regional development, and also to draw conclusions about how the EU could add value.
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