Under the leadership of Brigitte van den Berg MEP (D66, NL), the European Parliament adopted an own initiative report with a fundamentally new approach to Vocational Education Training (VET) this month.
The report’s adoption could not be timelier with the upcoming European Commission proposal for a new EU VET Strategy and the negotiations on the Skills Portability Act.
In the report, the European Parliament calls for major investment in modern, high-quality vocational training, stronger apprenticeships, closer cooperation between training providers and employers, easier recognition of qualifications across Europe and real opportunities for mobility and lifelong learning.
Liberals are strongly pushing for VET that is an equally valued pathway, equipping people with the skills for the green, digital and industrial transitions.
Workers gain better skills and quality jobs and businesses gain the workforce they need to compete. By closing skills gaps, Europe strengthens competitiveness, drives growth and ensures workers are equipped for the jobs of the future.
van den Berg, who also will take the lead in the newly presented Skills Portability Act, says:
"Europe cannot be competitive if it undervalues the people and skills that keep our industries running. We need to break down the barriers between academic and vocational education and give every talent the opportunity to contribute to Europe’s future."