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

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 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

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

Die Europass Stakeholder Veranstaltung 2026 bietet den Rahmen, um die Potentiale von Microcredentials sowie digitalen Kompetenznachweisen in der europäischen – und vor allem in der österreichischen Berufsbildung zu diskutieren. Durch Fachinputs, Diskussionen und Praxisbeispiele werden Chancen, Herausforderungen und mögliche Umsetzungspfade aufgezeigt. Ziel ist es, ein gemeinsames Verständnis zu fördern und ein klareres Bild davon zu gewinnen, wie Microcredentials und European Digital Credentials for Learning (EDC) die Berufsbildung der Zukunft – besonders im Hinblick auf den Fachkräftemangel und Skills Gap - unterstützen können. Karin Luomi-Messerer hält die Einführung unter dem Titel "Microcredentials in Europa – Wo stehen wir bei der Umsetzung?" und nimmt an der Podiumsdiskussion teil.

In November 2026, Cedefop and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will organise the sixth Policy Learning Forum on upskilling pathways for all adults. Policy Learning Fora (PLF) on upskilling pathways are a series of policy learning events aimed at providing a platform for countries to share experiences and explore common challenges in upskilling adults. The Sixth Policy Learning Forum (PLF) on upskilling pathways will focus on understanding participation in adult training and discussing forward-looking approaches to supporting lifelong and life-wide adult upskilling.