Monitoring progress: key developments in national VET implementation

In response to the 2020 Council Recommendation on VET for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience, along with the Osnabrück Declaration, EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland have launched national initiatives to align VET and skills with the evolving world of work.

As part of its core work, Cedefop has been actively monitoring and analysing national progress in achieving European VET priorities.

Cedefop's recent ReferNet thematic perspectives "Implementing European priorities in VET: making national VET agile, flexible, innovative, attractive, inclusive and quality-assured" provide an overview of how countries - 25 EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland - have moved from planning and design to the implementation phase, highlighting key measures taken in 2023. The national thematic perspectives look at:

1. the most significant developments in initial and continuing VET;
2. the main achievements and challenges from 2020 to 2023, and
3. the role of national VET stakeholders in implementing National Implementation Plans (NIPs).

Some of the common trends captured across European countries, include:

• Aligning VET with labour market needs: countries have increasingly tailored VET curricula to meet workforce demands, supporting individuals’ learning pathways and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Curriculum reforms and modernisation: many countries have updated and introduced new VET programmes incorporating emerging technologies and green and digital skills.
• Expanding work-based learning: strengthening apprenticeships and other work-based learning models is seen as crucial for bridging education and employment.
• Flexible and modular learning: more countries are implementing micro-credentials, modular training programs, and recognition of prior learning to enhance learning flexibility.
• Investing in VET infrastructure and advocacy: governments are modernising VET facilities, promoting VET careers through success stories, and encouraging participation in national and international skills competitions.

The changing landscape of learning in VET

The evolution of learning methods has significantly contributed to making VET more attractive. Key trends include:

• Digitalisation of learning: increased adoption of blended and distance learning models.
• Enhanced mobility programmes: greater support for cross-border learning experiences.
• Stronger progression pathways: easier transitions between VET and higher education.
• Better-equipped teachers: ongoing professional development for teachers and trainers.
• Investment in digital infrastructure: development of online learning platforms to improve accessibility.

Shaping VET

Engaging various stakeholders—local governments, employers, VET providers, and experts—has been crucial in shaping and implementing VET policies. Efforts have been made to strengthen partnerships, with employers playing a key role in defining work-based learning demands and trade unions advocating for apprentices’ rights and training quality.

While national priorities and measures vary based on individual contexts, some common challenges persist:

• Sustaining reforms and ensuring policy continuity despite shifts in government.
• Financial planning and securing long-term investments in VET reforms.
• Strengthening stakeholders’ collaboration and the involvement of employers, educators, and policymakers in VET development.

Moving forward, the overarching goal remains clear: to establish an attractive, responsive, flexible, inclusive, and quality-assured VET system that supports both personal development and economic competitiveness.

For a more comprehensive overview of the Thematic perspectives, please consult the policy developments presented in the Timeline of VET policies in Europe, VET policy briefs, and the briefing notes Working together towards attractive, inclusive, innovative, agile and flexible VET (2023) and Moving towards common policy goals and aligned progress reporting (2024). Look for more information on monitoring and analysis at the project website and on national VET systems in the VET in Europe online database.