Future-proofing VET in Europe – Progress, challenges and policy directions

The report Future-proofing VET in Europe: Progress, challenges and policy directions examines how vocational education and training (VET) systems across Europe have developed between 2020 and 2025. It assesses progress in implementing six European priorities: making VET agile and resilient, flexible, innovative and excellent, attractive, inclusive, and quality-assured. It also considers how VET systems are responding to changing labour market demands, technological developments, the digital and green transitions, and the need for lifelong learning opportunities.

The report finds that European countries have made substantial progress in modernising VET. Key developments include updating curricula to incorporate digital and green skills, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, introducing more flexible and modular training pathways, and investing in digital infrastructure. Countries are also strengthening links between education providers, employers and other stakeholders to better align training with labour market needs. However, progress varies across countries, particularly in improving the attractiveness and inclusiveness of VET.

The report identifies persistent barriers to further progress, including fragmented governance, inadequate long-term funding, shortages of qualified teachers and trainers, and the low social recognition of vocational education. To address these challenges, it recommends more coordinated policymaking, sustainable investment, greater use of modular learning and microcredentials, stronger support for teachers, and targeted measures to improve inclusion and the public image of VET. Overall, the report calls for a more integrated and socially inclusive approach to ensure that VET remains relevant to changing labour markets and supports both economic competitiveness and social fairness.