Projects & Services


Projects & Services

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

From intended to achieved learning outcomes

3s takes part in a major Cedefop study on the processes of how to achieve intended learning outcomes in initial voca­tio­nal education and training in schools and apprenticeships.

Reflecting on the future of CVET with design fiction

What will con­ti­nuing voca­tio­nal education and training (CVET) look like in 2040? In an Erasmus+ project, we are deve­lo­ping future scenarios with an inno­va­ti­ve approach.

Webinar on over­co­ming obstacles in trans­na­tio­nal VET mobi­li­ties for young people

The ESF Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills hosts a webinar pre­sen­ting good practices. Jörg Markowitsch was closely involved as expert from the first idea to moderation.

Using film as a medium to promote democracy and media literacy in VET schools

This project promotes democracy and media com­pe­tence as well as pro­fes­sio­nal identity deve­lo­p­ment of app­ren­ti­ces by the use of the medium film in voca­tio­nal schools.

EQAVET Peer Review Initiative

3s supports the European Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training Network (EQAVET) in carrying out peer reviews in the field of quality assurance of national VET systems.

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the European Social Fund

3s supports the ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the 2014–2020 European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative under the multiple framework contracts related to the imple­men­ta­ti­on of Better Regulation guidelines.

Inclusion and Diversity in Erasmus+ practice

3s conducts research to provide valuable insights for the newly estab­lished SALTO Resource Centre to help design and shape their future offer.

Promoting the green trans­for­ma­ti­on in European VET

The EU project GREENOVET supports the estab­lish­ment of “Centres of Vocational Excellence” to enhance the deve­lo­p­ment of an inno­va­ti­ve, inclusive and sus­tainable economy in Europe. 

Enhancing the deve­lo­p­ment of skills in Europe

The European Union’s “Pact for Skills” calls both public and private stake­hol­ders to launch or streng­then coll­ec­ti­ve education and training initia­ti­ves. 3s supports the implementation.

Skill shortages in Vienna

In pre­pa­ra­ti­on for a Vienna Centre for Skilled Workers, the foun­da­ti­ons for regular reporting on the topic are being laid. 3s is deve­lo­ping a handbook on the relevant strategic fields of action in Vienna.

Progress on vali­da­ti­on in the EU?

The objective of this study is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning. The study is coor­di­na­ted by ICF (BE) with 3s as con­sor­ti­um partner.

Quality labels for Centres of Vocational Excellence

The deve­lo­p­ment of two labels and a Vocational Excellence Award are the subject of a project com­mis­sio­ned by ETF with 3s as coordinator.

Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence

3s supports the ETF in the promotion of out­stan­ding practice in voca­tio­nal education and training by designing a self-asses­s­­ment tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence.

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

The future of voca­tio­nal education and training


Under the lea­der­ship of 3s, more than 100 rese­ar­chers from all EU member states are inve­sti­ga­ting the status and per­spec­ti­ves of voca­tio­nal education and training in Europe and preparing future direc­tions in education policy. 

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Making the EQAMOB label fit for digitalisation

The European Quality Assurance Label EQAMOB for companies and orga­ni­sa­ti­ons engaged in trans­na­tio­nal learning mobility is adapted for digital use.

New VET model for Greece

This project supports the Greek govern­ment in deve­lo­ping a new model for VET schools to improve the quality, labour market relevance and attrac­ti­ve­ness of voca­tio­nal education and training.

Strengthening the Jean Monnet Community

This project aims to assess the nature of existing community work within the Jean Monnet Actions and present a plan for a refur­bis­hed Jean Monnet community that includes a user-friendly platform.

The Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the business co-operation of European universities

3s is examining the current state of European higher education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on uni­­ver­­­si­­ty-business cooperation.

Transversal skills for the 21st century

The Erasmus+ project TRANSVAL-EU tests inno­va­ti­ve approa­ches to validate trans­ver­sal com­pe­ten­ces in the field of non-formal and informal learning in five EU pilot countries.

Networking and exchange on app­ren­ti­ce­ship training

Everything you always wanted to know about app­ren­ti­ce­ships in other countries, in a series of events moderated by 3s for the European Commission.

What is sus­tainable voca­tio­nal education and training?

3s rese­ar­ches sus­tainable deve­lo­p­ment in the field of voca­tio­nal education and training and analyses good practices.

The best Erasmus+ projects promoting inclusion in education

This project aims to syste­ma­ti­cal­ly survey and analyse Erasmus+ projects focusing on promoting inclusion in different areas of education, pre­ven­ting early drop-out and streng­thening belonging.

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Appetite for further training


How can the appetite for further education and training be sti­mu­la­ted by money or other measures? 3s rese­ar­ches the broad spectrum of different approa­ches within the EU and lays the foun­da­ti­ons for more sup­port­i­ve policies. 

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Learning for the green transition

3s is involved in two projects on learning for envi­ron­men­tal sus­taina­bi­li­ty, one analysing Erasmus+ projects and the other sup­port­ing the European Commission in this field.

Innovative approa­ches to e‑learning: International Good Practices in Adult Education

The Covid-19 pandemic also chal­lenges adult education with regard to distance learning. On behalf of the Vienna Adult Education Centres, we identify inno­va­ti­ve role models.

Supporting digi­ta­li­sa­ti­on at school

In the DigiMe project, pupils are prepared for the digital requi­re­ments of the future world of work and teachers are supported in teaching the cor­re­spon­ding com­pe­ten­ces. 3s evaluates the results of the project.

Socially Responsible Research?

It remains a highly topical issue at most uni­ver­si­ties: how can a com­mit­ment to social respon­si­bi­li­ty and with it, respon­si­ble research and inno­va­ti­on, be shaped?

Support for the European Graduate Tracking Initiative (EGTI)

3s supports the European Commission in improving the measures for graduate tracking in the EU.

Get involved! Democracy and active citi­zen­ship as topics in VET

The Erasmus+ project #GetInvolved aims to promote demo­cra­tic thinking and par­ti­ci­pa­ti­on in VET to streng­then common values in society. 

New stra­te­gies for VET in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE) has com­mis­sio­ned both an analysis of its current VET landscape and the deve­lo­p­ment of proposals for new VET strategies.

Bringing the EU closer to its citizens — the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach

The Altiero Spinelli Prize promotes inno­va­ti­ve projects in order to improve knowledge about the EU where up to sixteen projects receive an award.

Support for the ECVET network


The purpose of this project (coor­di­na­ted by ICF, Belgium) was to enable the European Commission to fulfill its tasks of sup­port­ing national aut­ho­ri­ties and VET stake­hol­ders to promote and apply the ECVET prin­ci­ples and tools. 

Alleviating the Agony of Choice for Young Adults


How can young adults during their early occu­pa­tio­nal years be encou­ra­ged and best supported? 3s conducts HORIZON 2020 research on young adult learning in Europe to provide answers. Learning also takes place at the workplace. 

Measuring skills systems and coun­ter­act skills mismatch


The purpose of this contract was twofold: On the one hand, the project developed a metho­do­lo­gy and a policy tool – a skills moni­to­ring index – that can be used to evaluate the per­for­mance of EU Member States’ skills systems. 

High-quality teaching about the EU – the Jan Amos Comenius Prize

3s supports the European Commission in the assess­ment of the appli­ca­ti­ons received for the Jan Amos Comenius Prize and related activities.

How well does automatic mutual reco­gni­ti­on of higher education qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons work in the EU?

This study analyses the mecha­nisms of automatic mutual reco­gni­ti­on of higher education qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons within the EU and explores the pos­si­bi­li­ties of a European reco­gni­ti­on system.

Further education funding that works

Throughout Europe, there is a multitude of subsidies and measures for indi­vi­du­al career deve­lo­p­ment. With this com­pa­ra­ti­ve research project, we are expanding our knowledge related to these measures and their impact.

New direc­tions for adult basic education

3s is leading an Erasmus+ project with the aim of improving the quality of basic education for adults. Together with partners from Italy, Slovakia and Switzerland, a pilot course for teachers is being developed.

European net­wor­king for VET

The Erasmus+ project VET UP streng­thens oppor­tu­ni­ties and pos­si­bi­li­ties in VET through net­wor­king to meet current economic, social and societal needs.

Mould4Plast – Training in Plastic Mould Making

3s is deve­lo­ping further training for tech­ni­ci­ans in plastic mould making in the Erasmus+ project Mould4Plast . 

Agile learning in the workplace — deve­lo­ping new approaches

In the Erasmus+ project HoWARP, 3s is working with European partners to develop a new approach to workplace-inte­­gra­ted learning in the workplace, based on the concept of Agile Learning.

Quo vadis uni­ver­si­ty graduate?

Policies and practices of EU Member States in tracking the careers of graduates from higher education or higher voca­tio­nal education are the subject of this study funded by the European Commission. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Transforming European Women’s Entrepreneurship


The Women Entrepreneurs project was a 4‑year research, inno­va­ti­on and staff exchange programme in the Horizon 2020 framework of the European Union which started in 2015. 

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Digitalisation for Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Austria

Learning in and for a digi­ta­li­sed world of work is changing con­ti­nuous­ly. This study explores how Austrian VET actors can learn from inter­na­tio­nal role models.

IVET graduates ‘OnTrack’

The Erasmus + project OnTrack aims to develop a tracking system for graduates of Initial Vocational Education and Training (IVET) at schools and institutes.

Job profiles in the future mobility sector

The study deals with the emerging and coming changes in the job descrip­ti­ons relevant for the Austrian mobility sector up to the year 2040.

Social impact of work-related training

The ATWORK project developed an ICT based eva­lua­ti­on metho­do­lo­gy to assess the social impact of work-linked training.

Validation of non-formal and informal learning

3s supported the Austrian Ministry of Education in the pre­pa­ra­ti­on of the national report on the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the Council Recommendation on the vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning.

European VET instruments

The study focused on two instru­ments: the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET).

Circular Economy for Adult Education

In the Erasmus+ project CYCLE CC, infor­ma­ti­on and teaching materials for circular economy are compiled and made available on an online platform in six languages. 3s is deve­lo­ping the Austrian version CYCLE CC Österreich.

Skills audits across EU member states

Skills audits are proposed as a procedure for iden­ti­fy­ing and docu­men­ting knowledge, skills and com­pe­ten­ces. In this study, their use in practice is analysed and sug­ge­sti­ons for impro­ve­ment are developed.

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

Analysing regional effects of further education and related public support schemes

The three-year research project aimed at deve­lo­ping a framework for studying the rela­ti­on­ship between further education and its support by public funding schemes and the economic deve­lo­p­ment on regional level.

How can youth work support entre­pre­neu­ri­al thinking?

The overall purpose of the study was to ‘explore how youth work and non-formal learning can help to foster entre­pre­neur­ship and so com­ple­ment initia­ti­ves under­ta­ken in other sectors.

The Future of Professional Driving

The ERASMUS + project ‚FutureDRV’aimed at deve­lo­ping a profile on com­pe­tence, skills and knowledge requi­re­ments related to pro­fes­sio­nal drivers witin a timeframe up to the year 2035.

Global com­pa­ra­ti­ve study of qualifications

This study was based on the com­pa­ra­ti­ve analysis of the profile and content of four voca­tio­nal education and training qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons in 26 countries across the world, and from four different continents.

Coaching Schools To Face Change Ahead

The project aimed at designing and con­duc­ting a blended Continuing Professional Development Programme in 10 modules to introduce a new role in education: the ‘school coach’.

Personal driver trainings

The project aimed at incre­a­sing the acce­s­si­bi­li­ty and effec­ti­ve­ness of PD (pro­fes­sio­nal driver) trainings with the use of ICT-based tools which took into account the needs of some dis­ad­van­ta­ged groups.

How to track the career paths of VET graduates?

Initiative on graduate tracking with regard to the “New Skills Agenda for Europe”.

Mapping of initial VET qualifications

The key objective of this study was to con­tri­bu­te to better under­stan­ding of the com­pa­ra­bi­li­ty of qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons from initial voca­tio­nal education and training (IVET).

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Successful European mobility projects

The SPREAD Projects aimed at promoting inter­na­tio­na­li­sa­ti­on and mobility in VET insti­tu­ti­ons and organisations.

Sustainability for Environmental Testing Laboratories

‘ECVET-Lab’ addressed one of the main project chal­lenges i.e. providing oppor­tu­ni­ties for reco­gni­ti­on and vali­da­ti­on of com­pe­ten­ces acquired in the workplace or through alter­na­ti­ve learning pathways.

Network ‘Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships’

The thematic network ‘Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships’ (NetWBL) focuses on the iden­ti­fi­ca­ti­on and promotion of good or inte­re­st­ing practices and products relevant to the deve­lo­p­ment and delivery of work-based learning.

Evalauation of Austrian study pro­gram­mes with limited admission

In 2014, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (bmwfw) com­mis­sio­ned 3s to evaluate the effects of paragraph § 124b UG (University Act) 2002.

Evaluation of top-scho­lar­­ships in Lower Austria

3s was com­mis­sio­ned by the province of Lower Austria to evaluate its ‘TOP Stipendien NÖ’ (TOP scho­lar­ships Lower Austria) that support excellent and labour market oriented study pro­gram­mes in demand by the job market.

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

From intended to achieved learning outcomes

3s takes part in a major Cedefop study on the processes of how to achieve intended learning outcomes in initial voca­tio­nal education and training in schools and apprenticeships.

Reflecting on the future of CVET with design fiction

What will con­ti­nuing voca­tio­nal education and training (CVET) look like in 2040? In an Erasmus+ project, we are deve­lo­ping future scenarios with an inno­va­ti­ve approach.

Webinar on over­co­ming obstacles in trans­na­tio­nal VET mobi­li­ties for young people

The ESF Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills hosts a webinar pre­sen­ting good practices. Jörg Markowitsch was closely involved as expert from the first idea to moderation.

Using film as a medium to promote democracy and media literacy in VET schools

This project promotes democracy and media com­pe­tence as well as pro­fes­sio­nal identity deve­lo­p­ment of app­ren­ti­ces by the use of the medium film in voca­tio­nal schools.

EQAVET Peer Review Initiative

3s supports the European Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training Network (EQAVET) in carrying out peer reviews in the field of quality assurance of national VET systems.

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the European Social Fund

3s supports the ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the 2014–2020 European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative under the multiple framework contracts related to the imple­men­ta­ti­on of Better Regulation guidelines.

Inclusion and Diversity in Erasmus+ practice

3s conducts research to provide valuable insights for the newly estab­lished SALTO Resource Centre to help design and shape their future offer.

Promoting the green trans­for­ma­ti­on in European VET

The EU project GREENOVET supports the estab­lish­ment of “Centres of Vocational Excellence” to enhance the deve­lo­p­ment of an inno­va­ti­ve, inclusive and sus­tainable economy in Europe. 

Enhancing the deve­lo­p­ment of skills in Europe

The European Union’s “Pact for Skills” calls both public and private stake­hol­ders to launch or streng­then coll­ec­ti­ve education and training initia­ti­ves. 3s supports the implementation.

Skill shortages in Vienna

In pre­pa­ra­ti­on for a Vienna Centre for Skilled Workers, the foun­da­ti­ons for regular reporting on the topic are being laid. 3s is deve­lo­ping a handbook on the relevant strategic fields of action in Vienna.

Progress on vali­da­ti­on in the EU?

The objective of this study is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning. The study is coor­di­na­ted by ICF (BE) with 3s as con­sor­ti­um partner.

Quality labels for Centres of Vocational Excellence

The deve­lo­p­ment of two labels and a Vocational Excellence Award are the subject of a project com­mis­sio­ned by ETF with 3s as coordinator.

Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence

3s supports the ETF in the promotion of out­stan­ding practice in voca­tio­nal education and training by designing a self-asses­s­­ment tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence.

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

The future of voca­tio­nal education and training


Under the lea­der­ship of 3s, more than 100 rese­ar­chers from all EU member states are inve­sti­ga­ting the status and per­spec­ti­ves of voca­tio­nal education and training in Europe and preparing future direc­tions in education policy. 

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Making the EQAMOB label fit for digitalisation

The European Quality Assurance Label EQAMOB for companies and orga­ni­sa­ti­ons engaged in trans­na­tio­nal learning mobility is adapted for digital use.

New VET model for Greece

This project supports the Greek govern­ment in deve­lo­ping a new model for VET schools to improve the quality, labour market relevance and attrac­ti­ve­ness of voca­tio­nal education and training.

Strengthening the Jean Monnet Community

This project aims to assess the nature of existing community work within the Jean Monnet Actions and present a plan for a refur­bis­hed Jean Monnet community that includes a user-friendly platform.

The Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the business co-operation of European universities

3s is examining the current state of European higher education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on uni­­ver­­­si­­ty-business cooperation.

Transversal skills for the 21st century

The Erasmus+ project TRANSVAL-EU tests inno­va­ti­ve approa­ches to validate trans­ver­sal com­pe­ten­ces in the field of non-formal and informal learning in five EU pilot countries.

Networking and exchange on app­ren­ti­ce­ship training

Everything you always wanted to know about app­ren­ti­ce­ships in other countries, in a series of events moderated by 3s for the European Commission.

What is sus­tainable voca­tio­nal education and training?

3s rese­ar­ches sus­tainable deve­lo­p­ment in the field of voca­tio­nal education and training and analyses good practices.

The best Erasmus+ projects promoting inclusion in education

This project aims to syste­ma­ti­cal­ly survey and analyse Erasmus+ projects focusing on promoting inclusion in different areas of education, pre­ven­ting early drop-out and streng­thening belonging.

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Appetite for further training


How can the appetite for further education and training be sti­mu­la­ted by money or other measures? 3s rese­ar­ches the broad spectrum of different approa­ches within the EU and lays the foun­da­ti­ons for more sup­port­i­ve policies. 

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Learning for the green transition

3s is involved in two projects on learning for envi­ron­men­tal sus­taina­bi­li­ty, one analysing Erasmus+ projects and the other sup­port­ing the European Commission in this field.

Innovative approa­ches to e‑learning: International Good Practices in Adult Education

The Covid-19 pandemic also chal­lenges adult education with regard to distance learning. On behalf of the Vienna Adult Education Centres, we identify inno­va­ti­ve role models.

Supporting digi­ta­li­sa­ti­on at school

In the DigiMe project, pupils are prepared for the digital requi­re­ments of the future world of work and teachers are supported in teaching the cor­re­spon­ding com­pe­ten­ces. 3s evaluates the results of the project.

Socially Responsible Research?

It remains a highly topical issue at most uni­ver­si­ties: how can a com­mit­ment to social respon­si­bi­li­ty and with it, respon­si­ble research and inno­va­ti­on, be shaped?

Support for the European Graduate Tracking Initiative (EGTI)

3s supports the European Commission in improving the measures for graduate tracking in the EU.

Get involved! Democracy and active citi­zen­ship as topics in VET

The Erasmus+ project #GetInvolved aims to promote demo­cra­tic thinking and par­ti­ci­pa­ti­on in VET to streng­then common values in society. 

New stra­te­gies for VET in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE) has com­mis­sio­ned both an analysis of its current VET landscape and the deve­lo­p­ment of proposals for new VET strategies.

Bringing the EU closer to its citizens — the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach

The Altiero Spinelli Prize promotes inno­va­ti­ve projects in order to improve knowledge about the EU where up to sixteen projects receive an award.

Support for the ECVET network


The purpose of this project (coor­di­na­ted by ICF, Belgium) was to enable the European Commission to fulfill its tasks of sup­port­ing national aut­ho­ri­ties and VET stake­hol­ders to promote and apply the ECVET prin­ci­ples and tools. 

Alleviating the Agony of Choice for Young Adults


How can young adults during their early occu­pa­tio­nal years be encou­ra­ged and best supported? 3s conducts HORIZON 2020 research on young adult learning in Europe to provide answers. Learning also takes place at the workplace. 

Measuring skills systems and coun­ter­act skills mismatch


The purpose of this contract was twofold: On the one hand, the project developed a metho­do­lo­gy and a policy tool – a skills moni­to­ring index – that can be used to evaluate the per­for­mance of EU Member States’ skills systems. 

High-quality teaching about the EU – the Jan Amos Comenius Prize

3s supports the European Commission in the assess­ment of the appli­ca­ti­ons received for the Jan Amos Comenius Prize and related activities.

How well does automatic mutual reco­gni­ti­on of higher education qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons work in the EU?

This study analyses the mecha­nisms of automatic mutual reco­gni­ti­on of higher education qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons within the EU and explores the pos­si­bi­li­ties of a European reco­gni­ti­on system.

Further education funding that works

Throughout Europe, there is a multitude of subsidies and measures for indi­vi­du­al career deve­lo­p­ment. With this com­pa­ra­ti­ve research project, we are expanding our knowledge related to these measures and their impact.

New direc­tions for adult basic education

3s is leading an Erasmus+ project with the aim of improving the quality of basic education for adults. Together with partners from Italy, Slovakia and Switzerland, a pilot course for teachers is being developed.

European net­wor­king for VET

The Erasmus+ project VET UP streng­thens oppor­tu­ni­ties and pos­si­bi­li­ties in VET through net­wor­king to meet current economic, social and societal needs.

Mould4Plast – Training in Plastic Mould Making

3s is deve­lo­ping further training for tech­ni­ci­ans in plastic mould making in the Erasmus+ project Mould4Plast . 

Agile learning in the workplace — deve­lo­ping new approaches

In the Erasmus+ project HoWARP, 3s is working with European partners to develop a new approach to workplace-inte­­gra­ted learning in the workplace, based on the concept of Agile Learning.

Quo vadis uni­ver­si­ty graduate?

Policies and practices of EU Member States in tracking the careers of graduates from higher education or higher voca­tio­nal education are the subject of this study funded by the European Commission. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Transforming European Women’s Entrepreneurship


The Women Entrepreneurs project was a 4‑year research, inno­va­ti­on and staff exchange programme in the Horizon 2020 framework of the European Union which started in 2015. 

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Digitalisation for Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Austria

Learning in and for a digi­ta­li­sed world of work is changing con­ti­nuous­ly. This study explores how Austrian VET actors can learn from inter­na­tio­nal role models.

IVET graduates ‘OnTrack’

The Erasmus + project OnTrack aims to develop a tracking system for graduates of Initial Vocational Education and Training (IVET) at schools and institutes.

Job profiles in the future mobility sector

The study deals with the emerging and coming changes in the job descrip­ti­ons relevant for the Austrian mobility sector up to the year 2040.

Social impact of work-related training

The ATWORK project developed an ICT based eva­lua­ti­on metho­do­lo­gy to assess the social impact of work-linked training.

Validation of non-formal and informal learning

3s supported the Austrian Ministry of Education in the pre­pa­ra­ti­on of the national report on the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the Council Recommendation on the vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning.

European VET instruments

The study focused on two instru­ments: the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET).

Circular Economy for Adult Education

In the Erasmus+ project CYCLE CC, infor­ma­ti­on and teaching materials for circular economy are compiled and made available on an online platform in six languages. 3s is deve­lo­ping the Austrian version CYCLE CC Österreich.

Skills audits across EU member states

Skills audits are proposed as a procedure for iden­ti­fy­ing and docu­men­ting knowledge, skills and com­pe­ten­ces. In this study, their use in practice is analysed and sug­ge­sti­ons for impro­ve­ment are developed.

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

Analysing regional effects of further education and related public support schemes

The three-year research project aimed at deve­lo­ping a framework for studying the rela­ti­on­ship between further education and its support by public funding schemes and the economic deve­lo­p­ment on regional level.

How can youth work support entre­pre­neu­ri­al thinking?

The overall purpose of the study was to ‘explore how youth work and non-formal learning can help to foster entre­pre­neur­ship and so com­ple­ment initia­ti­ves under­ta­ken in other sectors.

The Future of Professional Driving

The ERASMUS + project ‚FutureDRV’aimed at deve­lo­ping a profile on com­pe­tence, skills and knowledge requi­re­ments related to pro­fes­sio­nal drivers witin a timeframe up to the year 2035.

Global com­pa­ra­ti­ve study of qualifications

This study was based on the com­pa­ra­ti­ve analysis of the profile and content of four voca­tio­nal education and training qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons in 26 countries across the world, and from four different continents.

Coaching Schools To Face Change Ahead

The project aimed at designing and con­duc­ting a blended Continuing Professional Development Programme in 10 modules to introduce a new role in education: the ‘school coach’.

Personal driver trainings

The project aimed at incre­a­sing the acce­s­si­bi­li­ty and effec­ti­ve­ness of PD (pro­fes­sio­nal driver) trainings with the use of ICT-based tools which took into account the needs of some dis­ad­van­ta­ged groups.

How to track the career paths of VET graduates?

Initiative on graduate tracking with regard to the “New Skills Agenda for Europe”.

Mapping of initial VET qualifications

The key objective of this study was to con­tri­bu­te to better under­stan­ding of the com­pa­ra­bi­li­ty of qua­li­fi­ca­ti­ons from initial voca­tio­nal education and training (IVET).

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Successful European mobility projects

The SPREAD Projects aimed at promoting inter­na­tio­na­li­sa­ti­on and mobility in VET insti­tu­ti­ons and organisations.

Sustainability for Environmental Testing Laboratories

‘ECVET-Lab’ addressed one of the main project chal­lenges i.e. providing oppor­tu­ni­ties for reco­gni­ti­on and vali­da­ti­on of com­pe­ten­ces acquired in the workplace or through alter­na­ti­ve learning pathways.

Network ‘Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships’

The thematic network ‘Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships’ (NetWBL) focuses on the iden­ti­fi­ca­ti­on and promotion of good or inte­re­st­ing practices and products relevant to the deve­lo­p­ment and delivery of work-based learning.

Evalauation of Austrian study pro­gram­mes with limited admission

In 2014, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (bmwfw) com­mis­sio­ned 3s to evaluate the effects of paragraph § 124b UG (University Act) 2002.

Evaluation of top-scho­lar­­ships in Lower Austria

3s was com­mis­sio­ned by the province of Lower Austria to evaluate its ‘TOP Stipendien NÖ’ (TOP scho­lar­ships Lower Austria) that support excellent and labour market oriented study pro­gram­mes in demand by the job market.

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

From intended to achieved learning outcomes

3s takes part in a major Cedefop study on the processes of how to achieve intended learning outcomes in initial voca­tio­nal education and training in schools and apprenticeships.

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Reflecting on the future of CVET with design fiction

What will con­ti­nuing voca­tio­nal education and training (CVET) look like in 2040? In an Erasmus+ project, we are deve­lo­ping future scenarios with an inno­va­ti­ve approach.

Webinar on over­co­ming obstacles in trans­na­tio­nal VET mobi­li­ties for young people

The ESF Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills hosts a webinar pre­sen­ting good practices. Jörg Markowitsch was closely involved as expert from the first idea to moderation.

Using film as a medium to promote democracy and media literacy in VET schools

This project promotes democracy and media com­pe­tence as well as pro­fes­sio­nal identity deve­lo­p­ment of app­ren­ti­ces by the use of the medium film in voca­tio­nal schools.

EQAVET Peer Review Initiative

3s supports the European Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training Network (EQAVET) in carrying out peer reviews in the field of quality assurance of national VET systems.

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

The future of voca­tio­nal education and training


Under the lea­der­ship of 3s, more than 100 rese­ar­chers from all EU member states are inve­sti­ga­ting the status and per­spec­ti­ves of voca­tio­nal education and training in Europe and preparing future direc­tions in education policy. 

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the European Social Fund

3s supports the ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the 2014–2020 European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative under the multiple framework contracts related to the imple­men­ta­ti­on of Better Regulation guidelines.

Inclusion and Diversity in Erasmus+ practice

3s conducts research to provide valuable insights for the newly estab­lished SALTO Resource Centre to help design and shape their future offer.

Promoting the green trans­for­ma­ti­on in European VET

The EU project GREENOVET supports the estab­lish­ment of “Centres of Vocational Excellence” to enhance the deve­lo­p­ment of an inno­va­ti­ve, inclusive and sus­tainable economy in Europe. 

Enhancing the deve­lo­p­ment of skills in Europe

The European Union’s “Pact for Skills” calls both public and private stake­hol­ders to launch or streng­then coll­ec­ti­ve education and training initia­ti­ves. 3s supports the implementation.

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Appetite for further training


How can the appetite for further education and training be sti­mu­la­ted by money or other measures? 3s rese­ar­ches the broad spectrum of different approa­ches within the EU and lays the foun­da­ti­ons for more sup­port­i­ve policies. 

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Skill shortages in Vienna

In pre­pa­ra­ti­on for a Vienna Centre for Skilled Workers, the foun­da­ti­ons for regular reporting on the topic are being laid. 3s is deve­lo­ping a handbook on the relevant strategic fields of action in Vienna.

Progress on vali­da­ti­on in the EU?

The objective of this study is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning. The study is coor­di­na­ted by ICF (BE) with 3s as con­sor­ti­um partner.

Quality labels for Centres of Vocational Excellence

The deve­lo­p­ment of two labels and a Vocational Excellence Award are the subject of a project com­mis­sio­ned by ETF with 3s as coordinator.

Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence

3s supports the ETF in the promotion of out­stan­ding practice in voca­tio­nal education and training by designing a self-asses­s­­ment tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence.

Support for the ECVET network


The purpose of this project (coor­di­na­ted by ICF, Belgium) was to enable the European Commission to fulfill its tasks of sup­port­ing national aut­ho­ri­ties and VET stake­hol­ders to promote and apply the ECVET prin­ci­ples and tools. 

Alleviating the Agony of Choice for Young Adults


How can young adults during their early occu­pa­tio­nal years be encou­ra­ged and best supported? 3s conducts HORIZON 2020 research on young adult learning in Europe to provide answers. Learning also takes place at the workplace. 

Measuring skills systems and coun­ter­act skills mismatch


The purpose of this contract was twofold: On the one hand, the project developed a metho­do­lo­gy and a policy tool – a skills moni­to­ring index – that can be used to evaluate the per­for­mance of EU Member States’ skills systems. 

Making the EQAMOB label fit for digitalisation

The European Quality Assurance Label EQAMOB for companies and orga­ni­sa­ti­ons engaged in trans­na­tio­nal learning mobility is adapted for digital use.

New VET model for Greece

This project supports the Greek govern­ment in deve­lo­ping a new model for VET schools to improve the quality, labour market relevance and attrac­ti­ve­ness of voca­tio­nal education and training.

Strengthening the Jean Monnet Community

This project aims to assess the nature of existing community work within the Jean Monnet Actions and present a plan for a refur­bis­hed Jean Monnet community that includes a user-friendly platform.

The Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the business co-operation of European universities

3s is examining the current state of European higher education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on uni­­ver­­­si­­ty-business cooperation.

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations


The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content. 

Transforming European Women’s Entrepreneurship


The Women Entrepreneurs project was a 4‑year research, inno­va­ti­on and staff exchange programme in the Horizon 2020 framework of the European Union which started in 2015. 

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes


Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market 

Transversal skills for the 21st century

The Erasmus+ project TRANSVAL-EU tests inno­va­ti­ve approa­ches to validate trans­ver­sal com­pe­ten­ces in the field of non-formal and informal learning in five EU pilot countries.

Networking and exchange on app­ren­ti­ce­ship training

Everything you always wanted to know about app­ren­ti­ce­ships in other countries, in a series of events moderated by 3s for the European Commission.

What is sus­tainable voca­tio­nal education and training?

3s rese­ar­ches sus­tainable deve­lo­p­ment in the field of voca­tio­nal education and training and analyses good practices.

The best Erasmus+ projects promoting inclusion in education

This project aims to syste­ma­ti­cal­ly survey and analyse Erasmus+ projects focusing on promoting inclusion in different areas of education, pre­ven­ting early drop-out and streng­thening belonging.

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way


Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets


3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test


The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

Learning for the green transition

3s is involved in two projects on learning for envi­ron­men­tal sus­taina­bi­li­ty, one analysing Erasmus+ projects and the other sup­port­ing the European Commission in this field.

Innovative approa­ches to e‑learning: International Good Practices in Adult Education

The Covid-19 pandemic also chal­lenges adult education with regard to distance learning. On behalf of the Vienna Adult Education Centres, we identify inno­va­ti­ve role models.

Supporting digi­ta­li­sa­ti­on at school

In the DigiMe project, pupils are prepared for the digital requi­re­ments of the future world of work and teachers are supported in teaching the cor­re­spon­ding com­pe­ten­ces. 3s evaluates the results of the project.

Socially Responsible Research?

It remains a highly topical issue at most uni­ver­si­ties: how can a com­mit­ment to social respon­si­bi­li­ty and with it, respon­si­ble research and inno­va­ti­on, be shaped?

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications


The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications. 

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts


In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation. 

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update


The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation. 

Support for the European Graduate Tracking Initiative (EGTI)

3s supports the European Commission in improving the measures for graduate tracking in the EU.

Get involved! Democracy and active citi­zen­ship as topics in VET

The Erasmus+ project #GetInvolved aims to promote demo­cra­tic thinking and par­ti­ci­pa­ti­on in VET to streng­then common values in society. 

New stra­te­gies for VET in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE) has com­mis­sio­ned both an analysis of its current VET landscape and the deve­lo­p­ment of proposals for new VET strategies.

Bringing the EU closer to its citizens — the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach

The Altiero Spinelli Prize promotes inno­va­ti­ve projects in order to improve knowledge about the EU where up to sixteen projects receive an award.

The Social Dimension in Higher Education


In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey. 

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets

3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations

The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content.

Exploring excel­lence and inclusion in voca­tio­nal education and training

3s coor­di­na­tes a signi­fi­cant study com­mis­sio­ned by Cedefop titled ‘European VET for the 21st Century: The Balancing of Excellence and Inclusion’.

Expert support on VET issues for the European Commission

3s experts are involved in providing a number of support services in the field of quality assurance in VET to the Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

eNaBlS: Collaborative Learning for Environmental Sustainability

This three-year Horizon project follows a trans­for­ma­ti­ve approach to tackle chal­lenges of the bio­di­ver­si­ty and climate crises.

From intended to achieved learning outcomes

3s takes part in a major Cedefop study on the processes of how to achieve intended learning outcomes in initial voca­tio­nal education and training in schools and apprenticeships.

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes

Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts

In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation.

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way

Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring.

Reflecting on the future of CVET with design fiction

What will con­ti­nuing voca­tio­nal education and training (CVET) look like in 2040? In an Erasmus+ project, we are deve­lo­ping future scenarios with an inno­va­ti­ve approach.

Webinar on over­co­ming obstacles in trans­na­tio­nal VET mobi­li­ties for young people

The ESF Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills hosts a webinar pre­sen­ting good practices. Jörg Markowitsch was closely involved as expert from the first idea to moderation.

Using film as a medium to promote democracy and media literacy in VET schools

This project promotes democracy and media com­pe­tence as well as pro­fes­sio­nal identity deve­lo­p­ment of app­ren­ti­ces by the use of the medium film in voca­tio­nal schools.

EQAVET Peer Review Initiative

3s supports the European Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training Network (EQAVET) in carrying out peer reviews in the field of quality assurance of national VET systems.

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test

The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

The future of voca­tio­nal education and training

Under the lea­der­ship of 3s, more than 100 rese­ar­chers from all EU member states are inve­sti­ga­ting the status and per­spec­ti­ves of voca­tio­nal education and training in Europe and preparing future direc­tions in education policy.

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications

The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications.

Ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the European Social Fund

3s supports the ex-post eva­lua­ti­on of the 2014–2020 European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative under the multiple framework contracts related to the imple­men­ta­ti­on of Better Regulation guidelines.

Inclusion and Diversity in Erasmus+ practice

3s conducts research to provide valuable insights for the newly estab­lished SALTO Resource Centre to help design and shape their future offer.

Promoting the green trans­for­ma­ti­on in European VET

The EU project GREENOVET supports the estab­lish­ment of “Centres of Vocational Excellence” to enhance the deve­lo­p­ment of an inno­va­ti­ve, inclusive and sus­tainable economy in Europe. 

Enhancing the deve­lo­p­ment of skills in Europe

The European Union’s “Pact for Skills” calls both public and private stake­hol­ders to launch or streng­then coll­ec­ti­ve education and training initia­ti­ves. 3s supports the implementation.

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update

The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation.

Appetite for further training

How can the appetite for further education and training be sti­mu­la­ted by money or other measures? 3s rese­ar­ches the broad spectrum of different approa­ches within the EU and lays the foun­da­ti­ons for more sup­port­i­ve policies.

The Social Dimension in Higher Education

In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey.

Skill shortages in Vienna

In pre­pa­ra­ti­on for a Vienna Centre for Skilled Workers, the foun­da­ti­ons for regular reporting on the topic are being laid. 3s is deve­lo­ping a handbook on the relevant strategic fields of action in Vienna.

Progress on vali­da­ti­on in the EU?

The objective of this study is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning. The study is coor­di­na­ted by ICF (BE) with 3s as con­sor­ti­um partner.

Quality labels for Centres of Vocational Excellence

The deve­lo­p­ment of two labels and a Vocational Excellence Award are the subject of a project com­mis­sio­ned by ETF with 3s as coordinator.

Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence

3s supports the ETF in the promotion of out­stan­ding practice in voca­tio­nal education and training by designing a self-asses­s­­ment tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence.

Support for the ECVET network

The purpose of this project (coor­di­na­ted by ICF, Belgium) was to enable the European Commission to fulfill its tasks of sup­port­ing national aut­ho­ri­ties and VET stake­hol­ders to promote and apply the ECVET prin­ci­ples and tools.

Alleviating the Agony of Choice for Young Adults

How can young adults during their early occu­pa­tio­nal years be encou­ra­ged and best supported? 3s conducts HORIZON 2020 research on young adult learning in Europe to provide answers. Learning also takes place at the workplace.

Measuring skills systems and coun­ter­act skills mismatch

The purpose of this contract was twofold: On the one hand, the project developed a metho­do­lo­gy and a policy tool – a skills moni­to­ring index – that can be used to evaluate the per­for­mance of EU Member States’ skills systems.

Making the EQAMOB label fit for digitalisation

The European Quality Assurance Label EQAMOB for companies and orga­ni­sa­ti­ons engaged in trans­na­tio­nal learning mobility is adapted for digital use.

New VET model for Greece

This project supports the Greek govern­ment in deve­lo­ping a new model for VET schools to improve the quality, labour market relevance and attrac­ti­ve­ness of voca­tio­nal education and training.

Strengthening the Jean Monnet Community

This project aims to assess the nature of existing community work within the Jean Monnet Actions and present a plan for a refur­bis­hed Jean Monnet community that includes a user-friendly platform.

The Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the business co-operation of European universities

3s is examining the current state of European higher education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on uni­­ver­­­si­­ty-business cooperation.

All occu­pa­ti­ons in one click — The AMS world of occupations

The online Occupational Information System of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) provides details on all occu­pa­ti­ons and app­ren­ti­ce­ships. 3s experts are con­stant­ly deve­lo­ping this tool and main­tai­ning its content.

Transforming European Women’s Entrepreneurship

The Women Entrepreneurs project was a 4‑year research, inno­va­ti­on and staff exchange programme in the Horizon 2020 framework of the European Union which started in 2015.

Feasibility studies for new higher education programmes

Since the estab­lish­ment of uni­ver­si­ties of applied sciences, 3s supported the accre­di­ta­ti­on of new study pro­gram­mes through fea­si­bi­li­ty studies. These provide infor­ma­ti­on on the future demand for study places or the labour market

Transversal skills for the 21st century

The Erasmus+ project TRANSVAL-EU tests inno­va­ti­ve approa­ches to validate trans­ver­sal com­pe­ten­ces in the field of non-formal and informal learning in five EU pilot countries.

Networking and exchange on app­ren­ti­ce­ship training

Everything you always wanted to know about app­ren­ti­ce­ships in other countries, in a series of events moderated by 3s for the European Commission.

What is sus­tainable voca­tio­nal education and training?

3s rese­ar­ches sus­tainable deve­lo­p­ment in the field of voca­tio­nal education and training and analyses good practices.

The best Erasmus+ projects promoting inclusion in education

This project aims to syste­ma­ti­cal­ly survey and analyse Erasmus+ projects focusing on promoting inclusion in different areas of education, pre­ven­ting early drop-out and streng­thening belonging.

Where to turn in your career? The Vienna Weeks show the way

Since 2015, the ‛Vienna Employment Promotion Fund’ – waff organises the ‛Vienna Weeks for Career and Continuing Education’, annual career guidance events. 3s supports the ‛Vienna Weeks’ con­duc­ting a quality monitoring.

Tackling incre­a­sing skill mis­mat­ches in European labour markets

3s receives 2.4 million Euros from the pre­sti­gious Horizon Europe programme to explore how skill systems across Europe can reduce the level of skill mismatch and better respond to deve­lo­p­ments in their labour markets. 

The Lifelong Learning Strategy of the Austrian Federal Government put to the test

The ‛Austrian Strategy for Lifelong Learning LLL:2020’ launched in 2011 set in motion new impulses for learning across the entire lifespan – monitored by 3s. 

Learning for the green transition

3s is involved in two projects on learning for envi­ron­men­tal sus­taina­bi­li­ty, one analysing Erasmus+ projects and the other sup­port­ing the European Commission in this field.

Innovative approa­ches to e‑learning: International Good Practices in Adult Education

The Covid-19 pandemic also chal­lenges adult education with regard to distance learning. On behalf of the Vienna Adult Education Centres, we identify inno­va­ti­ve role models.

Supporting digi­ta­li­sa­ti­on at school

In the DigiMe project, pupils are prepared for the digital requi­re­ments of the future world of work and teachers are supported in teaching the cor­re­spon­ding com­pe­ten­ces. 3s evaluates the results of the project.

Socially Responsible Research?

It remains a highly topical issue at most uni­ver­si­ties: how can a com­mit­ment to social respon­si­bi­li­ty and with it, respon­si­ble research and inno­va­ti­on, be shaped?

Comparing Vocational Education and Training Qualifications

The purpose of the contract coor­di­na­ted by 3s is to faci­li­ta­te the deve­lo­p­ment of metho­do­lo­gies for com­pa­ri­son of national VET qualifications.

Towards a new gene­ra­ti­on of Individual Learning Accounts

In a study for Cedefop, a 3s led research con­sor­ti­um explores the potential of the new Council Recommendation on Individual Learning Accounts and aims to develop tailored gui­de­lines for working towards the implementation.

European Inventory on Validation: 2018 Update

The aim of this project is to update the European Inventory on vali­da­ti­on of non-formal and informal learning for 32 countries in order to support the moni­to­ring of the imple­men­ta­ti­on of the 2012 Council Recommendation.

Support for the European Graduate Tracking Initiative (EGTI)

3s supports the European Commission in improving the measures for graduate tracking in the EU.

Get involved! Democracy and active citi­zen­ship as topics in VET

The Erasmus+ project #GetInvolved aims to promote demo­cra­tic thinking and par­ti­ci­pa­ti­on in VET to streng­then common values in society. 

New stra­te­gies for VET in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE) has com­mis­sio­ned both an analysis of its current VET landscape and the deve­lo­p­ment of proposals for new VET strategies.

Bringing the EU closer to its citizens — the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach

The Altiero Spinelli Prize promotes inno­va­ti­ve projects in order to improve knowledge about the EU where up to sixteen projects receive an award.

The Social Dimension in Higher Education

In the context of the deve­lo­p­ment process for a “National Strategy for the Social Dimension at Universities”, 3s examined measures that con­tri­bu­te to the social dimension in higher education in Austria via a survey.