Rethinking Europe’s VET strategy

In the position, CESI welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to develop a new European Strategy on Vocational Education and Training (VET), as a cornerstone of Europe’s social model, economic competitiveness and societal as well as military resilience.

CESI notes in particular that shortages of qualified VET teachers and trainers represent a critical bottleneck, and that in many Member States VET teaching professions face unattractive pay levels, precarious employment, high workloads and limited career prospects. CESI emphasies that insufficient access to continuous professional development – particularly in digital, AI-related and sustainabilitycompetences – further weakens VET system responsiveness.

As a result, acording to CESI, the role of teachers and trainers must be the strengthened. A new VET Strategy should explicitly address teacher shortages, support the improvement of employment and working conditions, and seek to enhance access to high-quality initial and continuous professional development within working time. Safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments, free from violence and harassment, should be guaranteed.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: "Successful VET systems cannot be achieved without qualified, well‑trained and well‑supported teachers and trainers, decent employment working conditions, supportive teaching and learning environments, and well-resourced teaching and learning infrastructure. Only excellently supported VET systems and teachers will beable to educate and form highly skilled workforces that Europe needs."

The full position is available here.