European VET organizations
In Europe, there are various organizations that work with VET Educational systems in various European countries to monitor and set guidelines for VET education. This structure allows students to be qualified in their specific trade throughout the European Union and allows easy travel for students working or studying in Europe.
- Click on the organization's name or on the box and it will link you to their webpage
European Commission
"In the field of education and training the mission of the European Commission is to reinforce and promote lifelong learning."1.
1. European Commission.. European Commission. 2013. http://ec.europa.eu/education/who-we-are/our-mission_en.htm (accessed April 22, 2013).
European Centre for development of Vocational education
"Cedefop’s mission is to support development of European VET policies and contribute to their implementation.
Cedefop’s strategic objective is to ‘strengthen European cooperation and support the European Commission, Member States and social partners in designing and implementing policies for an attractive VET that promotes excellence and social inclusion’."1 CEDEFOP also
1. CEDEFOP. CEDEFOP mission. 2013. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/mission.aspx (accessed April 22, 2013).
2. CEDEFOP. CEDEFOP mission. 2013. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/mission.aspx (accessed April 22, 2013).
Cedefop’s strategic objective is to ‘strengthen European cooperation and support the European Commission, Member States and social partners in designing and implementing policies for an attractive VET that promotes excellence and social inclusion’."1 CEDEFOP also
- "Supporting modernisation of VET systems
- Careers and transitions – Continuing VET, adult and work-based learning
- Analysing skills and competence needs to inform VET provision"2
1. CEDEFOP. CEDEFOP mission. 2013. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/mission.aspx (accessed April 22, 2013).
2. CEDEFOP. CEDEFOP mission. 2013. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/mission.aspx (accessed April 22, 2013).
European Training Foundation
"The ETF - European Training Foundation is an EU agency that helps transition and developing countries to harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education, training and labour market systems in the context of the EU's external relations policy. We are based in Turin, Italy, and are operational since 1994."1
1.European Training Foundation. ETF. http://www.etf.europa.eu/web.nsf/pages/home (accessed April 22, 2013).
1.European Training Foundation. ETF. http://www.etf.europa.eu/web.nsf/pages/home (accessed April 22, 2013).
The European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET)
"The European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) aims to give people greater control over their individual learning experiences and make it more attractive to move between different countries and different learning environments.The system aims to facilitate the validation, recognition and accumulation of work-related skills and knowledge acquired during a stay in another country or in different situations. It should ensure that these experiences contribute to vocational qualifications." 1
1. European Commission. The European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning- policy/ecvet_en.htm (accessed April 22, 2013).
1. European Commission. The European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning- policy/ecvet_en.htm (accessed April 22, 2013).
The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF)
"The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) provides a common reference framework which assists in comparing the national qualifications systems, frameworks and their levels. It serves as a translation device to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems in Europe, and thus promote lifelong and life-wide learning, and the mobility of European citizens whether for studying or working abroad." 1
1. European Commission. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_en.htm (accessed April 22, 2013).
1. European Commission. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_en.htm (accessed April 22, 2013).
European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET)
EQAVET - mission
"European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) brings together the EU Member States, the Social Partners and the European Commission to develop and improve quality assurance in European VET systems within the context of the implementation of the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework by:
"European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) brings together the EU Member States, the Social Partners and the European Commission to develop and improve quality assurance in European VET systems within the context of the implementation of the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework by:
- Assisting the Member States in developing effective approaches to support the implementation of the Reference Framework
- Developing a culture of quality, to be embedded at European level and other levels with the help of the Quality Assurance National Reference Points and other Network members
- Supporting the Member States and the European Commission in the monitoring and implementation of the Reference Framework within the context of the Education and Training 2020 Strategy
- Supporting the quality assurance dimension of work in EQF and ECVET" 1