Vocational education and training: Skills for today and for the future

High-quality vocational education and training (VET) is essential to ensure that people have the correct skills needed for the jobs of now and in the future, as Europe goes through its green and digital transformations. The Council Recommendation, which was adopted in November 2020, on VET for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience sets out the EU’s complete vision and strategic objectives for the future of VET. 

Looking at this vision and the importance of national level reforms for VET, this publication also considers the EU initiatives which pioneer the path and the assistance available to Member States in this area. 

With a focused section on digital skills for green, the brochure recalls that the twin transitions are at the centre of the Commission’s political agenda. VET systems and institutions are well situated to facilitate upskilling and reskilling, which are necessary to ensure a fair and inclusive transition. Programmes, such as Erasmus+ and the Recovery and Resilience Fund, can be utilised to support people through VET for labour market opportunities which will come from the twin transitions.