Across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts, vocational education and training (VET) systems pursue a complex balance of aims.  While the economic aim of providing a skilled workforce for the labour market often dominates policy discourse, VET also serves important social aims. These aims, and the ways they are prioritized, are shaped by different political cultures, conflicting values and specific conceptions about education, work, and citizenship.

The 33rd VET & Culture meeting will provide an opportunity to examine from a comparative perspective, how social aims are understood and implemented in VET across different political and cultural contexts.

Call for papers open until 15 February 2026

The closing event of the Erasmus+ project Learning to Learn through Micro-Credentials in a Regional Setting (L2L MicroCred) will present the project results, further exploring possible implementation in the twinning regions. The project develops open-access micro-credentials to promote lifelong learning, employability and social inclusion. Launched in November 2024, the project brings together four partner universities – Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, University of Limerick, LUMSA University and Central Queensland University – in an international collaboration aimed at developing innovative, flexible and inclusive educational opportunities for adults in different regional contexts. The seminar will offer the opportunity to learn about and discuss the main results achieved during the project. The micro-credentials developed by the partner universities will be presented, together with the Learning Design Toolbox, a digital and operational guide for the design of short, inclusive training courses capable of fostering the involvement and motivation of adults in training. The program also includes a discussion on the possibilities of transferring, adapting and enhancing the results of the project in additional educational, professional and territorial contexts. Participation is free upon registration by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/ADY2LbY1Aojijrj29

Die berufliche Bildung obliegt einer besonderen Verantwortung, da sie die demokratische Teilhabe stärkt, gerechte Chancen ermöglicht und die Menschen auf eine vernetzte Welt vorbereitet. Mit der BWP 2026 möchten wir zeigen, wie Berufsbildungswissenschaft Orientierung bietet, und zwar evidenzbasiert, praxisnah und dialogisch. Der Call for Papers ist offen bis 28. Februar 2026

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.