The European Commission has launched an initiative to establish transnational Platforms of Centres of Vocational Excellence with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.
The Erasmus+ calls 2021 and the programme guide were published on 25 March 2021. With a budget of 44 million EUR in 2021, the key action ‘cooperation among organisations and institutions’ will support the establishment and development of European platforms of Centres of Vocational Excellence, through international collaborative platforms, that contribute to regional development, innovation, and smart specialisation strategies, as well as to social inclusion. The deadline for applications is 7 September 2021.
Centres of Vocational Excellence bring together a wide range of local partners, such as providers of vocational education and training, (among others), to co-create “skills ecosystems” that contribute to regional, economic and social development, innovation, and smart specialisation strategies.
Centres of Vocational Excellence are intended to be world-class reference points for training in specific areas for both initial training of young people as well as for continuing up-skilling and re-skilling of adults, through flexible and timely offer of training for the skills needs of companies.
They operate locally, being closely embedded in the local innovation ecosystems. CoVEs act as catalysts for local business investment, and ensure supply of high-quality skilled workers. They also support entrepreneurial initiatives of their learners (incubators), and act as knowledge and innovation hubs for companies (in particular SMEs).
VET excellence ensures high quality skills and competences that lead to quality employment and career-long opportunities, which meet the needs of an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy.
For further information on the CoVE initiative check out the Commission’s website https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1501.
