Continuity, Consolidation and Change

This third review of joint work to modernise VET endorsed in 2002 by European countries, the EC and European social partners indicates that the coordinated approach in the Copenhagen process is driving change forward. Since 2006, work on common principles, guidelines and tools has significantly progressed. European and national agendas for VET are aligning. Countries have worked on quality, attractiveness and good governance to make VET more equitable and more relevant to labour market needs. But progress varies. Policy learning and support are gaining in importance. Looking to the future, countries see a need to continue work on current priorities. To ensure Europe will have the highly skilled workforce it needs in an ever uncertain future requires even stronger focus on education and training. Investing more in skills in times of economic downturn is paramount to be ready for the recovery. Cedefop's analysis is based on country self-assessment reports from Directors-General for VET, reports provided by Cedefop's reference network (ReferNet) and other available expertise and evidence, including Cedefop and other research findings and statistical data.