Celebrating Vocational Education and Training (VET) with a focus on skills for the green transition

Did you know that VET is one of the best pathways to employment? Across the EU, recent graduates of VET programmes at upper secondary level and post-secondary level tend to be significantly more employable than recent graduates of general education: the employment rate of VET graduates was 76.1 % in 2020, compared to just 58.3 % for general education graduates.

With vocational skills at the heart of the EU’s youth and jobs agenda, the European Commission announces the return of European Vocational Skills Week (EVSW). National, regional and local authorities and other stakeholders across Europe will organise VET-related events during the coming months, and during the Week itself, between 16 and 20 May 2022, where the Commission will also host a conference on 18 and 19 May.

EVSW, now in its sixth year and coinciding with the 2022 European Year of Youth, will culminate with the flagship VET Excellence Awards.

Skills for the green transition

The theme for this year’s EVSW is ‘Skills for the Green Transition’, in line with the European Green Deal – the EU’s commitment to take all necessary steps to become carbon neutral by 2050 – which includes measures for equipping people with the appropriate skills for employment in the green economy.

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, said: "To succeed in making Europe greener and climate neutral, people need the right skills. Vocational education and training can be the solution people are looking for. It is suitable for learners of all ages.

“Join us for VET Week and help us raise awareness about the advantages of vocational education and training. You can contribute by organising and participating in national or local events, and by encouraging people you know to invest in their skills and in their future."

Click here to view the EVSW video message from Commissioner Schmit.