Centres of Vocational Excellence

The Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative supports reforms in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Europe by promoting high-quality, learner-centred skills provision aligned with labour market needs and the green and digital transitions. The initiative supports the creation of transnational partnerships bringing together VET providers, companies, social partners, public authorities, higher education institutions, research centres, and other stakeholders to develop regional skills ecosystems for innovation, competitiveness, and social inclusion.

Topics

Projects must address three clusters of activities:
 

• Teaching and learning

• Cooperation and partnerships

• Governance and funding

Activities may include the development of innovative VET practices, micro-credentials, applied research, mobility, entrepreneurship, AI and digital technologies, and professional development for teachers and trainers. Projects must also include a long-term sustainability and scalability plan.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated to the Erasmus+ Programme

2. Eligible organisations include VET providers, companies, sector organisations, research institutes, innovation agencies, and public authorities

Consortium Requirements

The application must be submitted by a consortium with at least 8 applicants from a minimum of 4 eligible countries. Each country must include:

• 1 enterprise, industry, or sector organisation; and

• 1 VET provider

Funding

• Total funding: 68 000 000 EUR

Timeline

The deadline to submit applications is set to 3 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time