Vocational Education and Training

Our research in this theme focuses on analysing and supporting the role of vocational education within a dynamic context. Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a pivotal role in preparing a substantial share of students each year for careers that are essential to society. VET graduates are central to addressing pressing societal challenges such as the energy transition, increasing demand for healthcare, the construction of new housing, and the provision of high-quality education. The demand for VET graduates is particularly high: labour shortages are historically high, and forecasts indicate that this demand will remain high in the coming years. At the same time, VET faces significant challenges. The number of students enrolling in VET is declining, while labour and skill demands are rapidly changing due to demographic shifts, technological progress, and the transition to a more sustainable economy. Given these dynamics, it is crucial to continue investing in VET programmes and strengthening them, so that they align with the evolving needs of the labour market and ensure that graduates are equipped for the future. Our research focuses on understanding and supporting the role of VET in this changing context.

In this theme, among other things, we look at transitions to, within and from vocational education, the transition from education to the labour market, matching skills to labour market demand, the quality of practical learning in companies, inclusion and early school leaving, and international comparisons of vocational education systems.