The EESC wants to make VET more attractive

On the 19th of January the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on post-secondary vocational education and training (VET). This opinion aims to clarify how VET can have an added value in terms of labour market, learning outcomes, opening new educational pathways and social mobility in the European Union.

In the future, the EU will need more labour force with medium and high level qualifications which puts pressure on the current VET systems in EU member states. The Committee calls upon the European Commission to improve the quality and efficiency of VET so as to enhance its attractiveness and relevance.

During this plenary session the EESC also adopted another, related opinion: on youth employment, technical skills and mobility. This opinion presents measures to facilitate young people’s entry and mobility within the market. The Committee focuses on the importance of closer cooperation between business and the education sector. Among the opinion’s recommendations is a “dual system” for vocational training; using a combination of classroom teaching and on-the-job learning.