Following last year's Forum on Vocational Excellence in Graz "Dual Education and Training for Competitive Regions", the 2027 webinar will focus on key messages from Graz Forum on the role of dual education and training, how cooperation beetween VET providers and regional stakeholders can aid in driving vocational excellence as well as perspectives on developing dual education and training approaches to especially respond to regional skills needs, skills development and competitiveness. The webinar will provide an opportunity to discuss emerging trends, share lessons learned and identify ideas that can inspire and strengthen Centres of Vocational Excellence across ETF partner countries. The ETF Network for Excellence (ENE) promotes peer learning and knowledge exchange among Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), helping members learn from each other's experiences and translate innovative practices into action.

The conference will address current issues and findings within the context of sustainability in VET. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), initiated in 2015 in the United Nations’ publication ‘Transforming our World’, declare VET as a central aspect of Goal 4 of the SDGs, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” (UN, 2015, 17). Within the context of the conference, a broad understanding of the concept of sustainability will be applied, integrating scientific papers from a wide range of perspectives. Consequently, both conceptual and empirical contributions are welcomed. In addition to ecological topics, social and economic issues can also be the focus of investigation, whether at the macro, meso or micro-level of VET. Contributions may also focus on formal, non-formal, or informal learning, as well as on topics such as green VET, gender, migration, demographic change, AI, or other areas that can be meaningfully linked to sustainability in VET. The call for papers is open until 15 January 2026

The WorldSkills Conference 2026 is the premier global platform where leaders, experts, and young people come together to shape the future of skills. Taking place alongside WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the Conference will unite diverse voices to accelerate innovation, equity, and excellence in skills development worldwide. This is not only a gathering, but a call to action – empowering policy makers, industry, and education to share best practices and deliver skills solutions in a rapidly changing world and shape the United Nation’s post-2030 agenda.

The event aims to discuss achievements and challenges related to the implementation of SDG4 at the global level, with a particular focus on access to and equity in education. It seeks to promote critical examination of the topic from multiple perspectives and to contribute to the further development of dialogue among diverse stakeholder groups, including policy makers, researchers, education workers, and civil society. Call for papers open until 30 April 2026

A virtual get-together is organised by Cedefop on 29 September 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 (CET) bringing together policy-makers, social partners, researchers, education and training experts, and industry representatives to explore the growing role of microcredentials in supporting lifelong learning and skills development. The programme will highlight findings from ongoing Cedefop research on microcredentials, focusing on the following on the sector of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) as well as construction, and will aim to advance understanding of how microcredentials can respond to labour market needs, enhance access to learning opportunities and promote social inclusion. Register to the online discussion here.

Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, acts as a bridge between data producers, users and policymakers to strengthen the discussion on adult learning. It contributes to this work by: -  using existing data provided by the wider international statistical infrastructure to monitor and report on key indicators on VET and policy developments, and conducting the Centre’s own analysis and research to support policies related to adult education; - developing and organising surveys to answer questions that existing data do not sufficiently cover, in order to respond to policy needs or the Centre’s research questions; - contributing to improving the data already collected by Eurostat and the OECD. The seminar intends to constitute an avenue for presentations and discussions of work, ideas, needs and developments, as well as for exchanges, mutual learning and networking opportunities. Call for abstracts is open until 15 May 2026