VET Systems, Policies, and Strategies in European Contexts
Exploring Vocational Education and Training Systems, Policies, and Strategies (WP2) of the VETprep project is a critical component in understanding the diverse landscape of vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. This work package focuses on exploring and comparing the various approaches to support systems and policy repertoires that are applied to the VET sector in different national, regional, and local contexts.
The primary objectives of WP2 are threefold. First, it aims to collect and analyse ‘white’ papers and ‘grey’ literature related to VET systems, policies, and strategies across the participating countries. Second, it seeks to extract relevant data from the collected literature to inform the project’s framework and subsequent work packages. Finally, it strives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the VET landscape, which will serve as a foundation for developing targeted recommendations for future VET programs.
To achieve these objectives, WP2 consists of several key tasks. The first task involves developing a data collection and extraction plan to ensure a systematic and consistent approach across all participating countries. This plan will be designed with input from all partners, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities present in each context. The second task focuses on collecting ‘white’ papers and ‘grey’ literature
related to VET systems, policies, and strategies from various sources, including government publications, academic journals, and stakeholder reports. This process will be conducted by a dedicated team of researchers with expertise in the field of VET. The third task involves extracting relevant data from the collected literature to inform the project’s framework and subsequent work packages. This data will be analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of the VET landscape.
Our findings from WP2 will directly inform all other work packages, helping to define cross-country and country-specific themes for the surveys and interviews conducted in later stages of the project. Moreover, the results will feed directly into activities where stakeholders from across the VET ecosystem will come together to develop qualified recommendations for the future of VET. This collaborative approach ensures that the project’s findings are grounded in the real-world experiences and perspectives of those who are most directly impacted by VET policies and practices.
By providing a comprehensive understanding of the current VET landscape, we will lay the groundwork for the VETprep project’s mission to identify, analyse, and address the factors that contribute to or challenge the identification, participation, and retention of students in VET programs. This knowledge will be instrumental in developing targeted, evidence-based strategies to enhance the attractiveness and effectiveness of VET, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
The importance of WP2 cannot be overstated. In a rapidly changing world, where technological advancements and globalization are transforming the nature of work, VET programs play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. By understanding the current state of VET systems, policies, and strategies across Europe, we can identify best practices and areas for improvement, ensuring that VET programs are accessible, inclusive, and effective for all learners.
Furthermore, our findings will have the potential to inform policy decisions at the national and European levels. By providing policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the VET landscape, we can help to shape the future of VET in a way that promotes equity, inclusion, and social mobility. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of more cohesive and resilient communities, where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Lead Partner
