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Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
  • News article
  • 6 March 2025
  • Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
  • 2 min read

Strengthening Vocational Excellence: Key Takeaways from the VET Winter Camp 2024

From 10-13 February 2024, vocational education and training (VET) professionals gathered in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, for the first VET Winter Camp, an initiative under the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). 

Defining Vocational  Excellence? Rethinking Vocational Education and Training
Images courtesy of Pexels, freely available for non-commercial and editorial use.

From 10-13 February 2024, vocational education and training (VET) professionals gathered in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, for the first VET Winter Camp, an initiative under the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). This event brought together teachers, trainers, and institutional leaders to explore strategies for advancing VET excellence through collaborative learning, hands-on workshops, and cross-border exchange.

A Platform for Peer Learning and Exchange

The Winter Camp provided a dynamic environment for VET professionals to share best practices, discuss emerging trends in skills development, and test innovative approaches to teaching and training. 

Participants from different European regions engaged in interactive sessions that focused on green and digital transitions, industry collaboration, and self-assessment for institutional growth.

Enhancing Practical Training and Innovation

Workshops and discussions at the event underscored the importance of aligning VET with labour market needs. Educators and institutional leaders explored innovative teaching methodologies, entrepreneurial education, and ways to integrate digitalisation into vocational training. A key highlight was the peer-learning model, which encouraged collaboration between institutions and helped strengthen the CoVEs network.

What’s Next?

The Winter Camp was just the beginning. Moving forward, participants will apply their learnings within their institutions, contributing to stronger vocational training systems across Europe

Stay updated on upcoming events and how to engage with the CoVEs community by visiting the ETF website and following us on LinkedIn.

📢 Strengthening Vocational Excellence: Key Takeaways from the VET Winter Camp 2024

How can vocational education and training (VET) professionals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving skills landscape? The VET Winter Camp 2024, held in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, brought together teachers, trainers, and institutional leaders from across Europe to exchange best practices, explore digital and green transitions, and enhance industry collaboration.

Over four days, participants engaged in peer-learning workshops, interactive discussions, and practical sessions, focusing on:
✅ Aligning VET programmes with labour market demands
✅ Strengthening cross-border cooperation between CoVEs
✅ Integrating entrepreneurial education and digital tools into teaching
✅ Supporting institutions in self-assessment and continuous improvement

The event marks an important step in building a stronger, more connected VET community across Europe. But the work doesn’t stop here! 💡


📍 Stay engaged with the CoVEs network: ETF Website Centres of Vocational Excellence

Let’s continue shaping the future of vocational excellence together. If you attended the Winter Camp, what were your key takeaways? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇 #VocationalExcellence #VET #CoVEs #ETF #SkillsDevelopment #DigitalTransition #GreenTransition

 

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