What is ReferNet
ReferNet is
• A European network created by Cedefop – to provide information on national vocational education and training (VET) systems and policies in EU member states, Iceland and Norway.
• With National partners – each member of the network is a key organisation involved in VET in the country it represents.
• To share knowledge, insights and analysis of how each country is progressing in its implantation of common European VET policy objectives
Read more about ReferNet here
Read more about Cedefop here. There is also a specific section for Ireland on the Cedefop Country pages here
In Ireland the use of the term “VET” is not commonly used – instead VET is known as the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.
What are the European policy objectives for VET?
Vocational education and training has been identified as a focus area for cooperation under the European Education Area initiative for the period 2021-2030.
The main policy drivers are:
2020 Council Recommendation on VET - on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. The Recommendation defines key principles for ensuring that vocational education and training is agile in that it adapts swiftly to labour market needs and provides quality learning opportunities for young people and adults alike.
It places a strong focus on the increased flexibility of vocational education and training, reinforced opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and improved quality assurance.
Osnabruk Declaration 2020 set out new policy actions for the period of 2021-2025 to complement the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience:
promoting resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive and flexible VET
establishing a new lifelong learning culture emphasising the relevance of C-VET and digitalisation
fostering the sustainability of VET
develop a European Education and Training Area and international VET
Herning Declaration 2025 on attractive and inclusive Vocational Education and Training for increased competitiveness and quality jobs 2026-2030. The Declaration reaffirmed the commitment to 2020 Council Recommendation on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, as well as the Osnabrück Declaration on vocational education and training as an enabler of recovery and just transitions to digital, green and sustainable economies.
