Labour markets are in constant change; demands for a higher skilled and flexible workforce are paramount; employability, entrepreneurship and digital skills are pre-requisites to those seeking to enter the labour market.

In several European member states, participation rates in Vocational Education and Training are significant but have the potential to grow more. According to EU research (CEDEFOP 2015) the EU average participation of young people who follow an IVET pathway compared to the more traditional ‘academic’ pathway into employment or Higher Education is 50.4%, with some member states being over 70%. In others, rates are relatively low. What makes the difference – how has the academic/VET divide been addressed? There is increasing recognition across Businesses and employers that there is increasing value afforded to them through VET, especially with the increasing shift toward Apprenticeships and work based learning.

Vocational Education and Training, based as it is on practical skills development, offers a very attractive route to success for many. The emphasis of Apprenticeship opportunities in partnership between training providers and business is a good example of this, whereby young people gain relevant skills and transferable skills in a work environment.

Programme

Keynote Speakers

• EU VET policy – Progress toward VET reform across Europe – the importance of internationalisation in a global marketplace – the role of national governments and stakeholders – Download 
• Mr. João Santos – Acting Head of Unit, Vocational Training, DG-Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission Challenges and Opportunities for VET: Where are we now and how do we respond to change? – Download
•  Mr. Joachim James Calleja – Director, CEDEFOP A Business perspective: Valuing Vocational Education, especially Apprenticeships, as a pathway to success – Download
• Mr. Stephen Rooney, Confederation of British Industry, UK – Business Sector Advice and guidance – a vital approach to career opportunities in a changing world – Download 
• Mr. Raimo Vuorinen – Finnish Institute for Educational Resear University of Jyväskylä

Workshops

1. Higher VET and its role in enhancing excellence in VET Mr. Hans Daale, EURASHE – Moderator
2. The importance of good quality Advice and Guidance – Why do learners make the choices they do? Why is VET cool/ not cool? Who is advising whom? Mr. Elias Markadjis, Director of Secondary Vocational Schools, Ministry of Education Cyprus / Moderator
3. Quality Assurance and its role in VET Ms. Lea Bergsted, Roskilde Technical School / Moderator
4. Digital skills and excellence – the business case digital skills. How do we communicate that VET also needs new learner profiles in response to this kind of skill Mr. Roni Keren & Mr. Einat Itin, Europe at CISCO Systems & Mr. Jamal Dahneem, National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance for Education and Training – Moderator
5. Skills updating through workforce development programmes – a partnership approach Mr. Victor Arias, TKNIKA – Moderator
6. The shift toward building on learning outcomes – approaches to learning methodologies – how do we adopt? Ms. Kirsi Lounela, Seinäjoen koulutuskuntayhtymä – Moderator

• Download all presentations
• Download all reports

Roundtables

• Brochure – Download

Other

• Programme – Download