Vocational education and training: Closing skills gaps though stronger cooperation with employers

BusinessEurope has expressed its support for the European Commission’s new Vocational Educational and Training (VET) Strategy, which was launched today. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:

“Vocational education and training (VET) help companies find skilled workers and give people the skills to enter employment and progress in their careers. The Commission is right to focus on basic skills, which is a key responsibility of public authorities, on investment in vocational excellence, and the use of digital and advanced technologies in VET.

The Strategy’s emphasis on employers’ role in helping to shape training is also positive. Faster updating of curricula, with meaningful involvement of social partners, is key to ensuring that training responds to changing labour market needs. The proposed sectoral apprenticeship clusters and VET Business Partnerships could make it easier for companies, particularly SMEs, to provide training and access modern equipment.

Finally, the proposed EU marketplace could help organise placements abroad. To deliver results, the marketplace must be backed by sustainable funding for VET learners’ mobility and simpler procedures for learners and host companies.”