Now that the Erasmus negotiations have started and vocational education is more and more being recognized as an important part of education systems in Europe, and in the context of the Vocational Skills Week, the ReSET-network (Regions: skills, education and training) is having a timely debate on a new feature of the Erasmus+-programme that wants to elevate the quality and availability of VET-education: Centers of Vocational Excellence. 

These centers of vocational excellence will support the development of trans-national platforms of centres of vocational excellence closely integrated in local and regional strategies for growth, innovation and competitiveness. They will act as drivers of quality vocational skills in a context of national, regional/local, and sectorial challenges, while supporting overall structural changes and socio-economic policies in the European Union. 

We start with an update on the Erasmus negotiations. We then turn to our topic and dive into the specifics of this new initiative, explained by officials from the European Commission. We also have a look at the practice and listen to the experience of one of the first selected projects and listen to how they see this centres taking shape in the field.

Registration is available here. If there are any questions you can send them to maarten.libeer@vleva.eu.