Quality labels for Centres of Vocational Excellence

Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) are distin­gu­is­hed by remar­kab­ly high per­for­mance in their VET ope­ra­ti­ons. CoVEs might be indi­vi­du­al VET insti­tu­ti­ons, clusters, or networks having shared standards. The variety of CoVE con­stel­la­ti­ons is wide-ranging; they might be founded recently or have been around for a while, be asso­cia­ted with different indu­stries, be involved in regional networks or even nati­on­wi­de VET systems, etc.

In order to provide better guidance in this diverse field, ETF has com­mis­sio­ned a Feasability Study to look into the intro­duc­tion of a label for CoVEs or a Vocational Excellence Award. One aim asso­cia­ted with such labels and awards is the inter­na­tio­nal reco­gni­ti­on (and valo­rizati­on) of VET providers, clusters and part­ner­ships that have a proven track record of excel­lence. Such reco­gni­ti­on can also increase the visi­bi­li­ty of these insti­tu­ti­ons and their achie­ve­ments at the national level. It can further help those who are just beginning their journey in this deve­lo­p­ment or still have a long way to go, as the out­stan­ding CoVEs can provide them with tangible examples and role models of their achie­ve­ments and motivate  them to continue. The award of the quality label or the award is based, among other things, on the self-assess­ment of the insti­tu­ti­ons using the Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence.

3s is coor­di­na­ting the project and the col­la­bo­ra­ti­on with Ockham IPS. Building on a mapping of existing labels and awards and a con­cep­tua­li­sa­ti­on phase, the concrete proposals are tested in a simu­la­ti­on phase and adapted according to the lessons learned.