Exploring excellence and inclusion in vocational education and training
In recent times, European VET policy has continuously emphasised the crucial aspects of excellence and inclusion. This new research projects aims to compare how various countries navigate the overarching VET-policy goals of ‘excellence’ and ‘inclusion’ and to determine whether these seemingly opposing priorities complement or contradict each other.
The study builds upon the insights gleaned from Cedefop’s prior projects, namely ‘The changing nature and role of VET in Europe’ (2015–18) and the ‘Future of VET’ (2019–22) – both of which were also coordinated by 3s. Leveraging the three-perspective analytical model for understanding and comparing VET developed in previous Cedefop projects, this current research aims to elaborate on the concepts of excellence and inclusion.
The study covers three distinct work strands:
- Evolving national VET objectives and priorities: This involves mapping how national VET systems have addressed the objectives of excellence and inclusion over the past 25 years.
- Excellence and inclusion – concept exploration and inclusion in national VET objectives: Building on comparative and historical data collected, this strand delves into the conceptual underpinnings of these objectives and how they manifest in practical policies and reforms.
- Expanding VET at higher levels and the implications for excellence and inclusion: Focusing on the evolving role and characteristics of VET expansion at higher levels, this strand explores its influence on the objectives of excellence and inclusion.
This comprehensive research project is orchestrated by 3s in collaboration with Ockham IPS (NL) as a consortium partner. The research involves a team of country experts spanning all EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway, and the UK.
Project: European VET for the 21st century the balancing of excellence and Inclusion
Contact: Karin Luomi-Messerer
Client: Cedefop
Duration: 12/2023-12/2026
