Second European Vocational Skills Week: 20 – 24/11/2017

From 20 to 24 November 2017, the European Commission is organising the second European Vocational Skills Week, building on the success of last year’s initiative.

The objective is to inspire people to discover, use and improve their talents and abilities through vocational education and training. Encouraging people to consider vocational education and training as first choice in their career path is one of the ten key actions proposed by the Commission under the New Skills Agenda for Europe, which has been rolled out since June 2016.

During the European Vocational Skills Week, the Commission showcases high-quality initiatives that aim at equipping people with the skills they need in a fast-changing labour market. More than 1000 events are taking place across Europe – in all 28 EU Member States, as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland and EU Candidate countries. The events will demonstrate not only the crucial role of vocational education and training in supporting skills, jobs, innovation and competitiveness but also in terms of personal fulfilment. The European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed only a few days ago by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Social Summit in Gothenburg, recognises the importance of acquiring the right skills, by putting education, training and life-long learning as very first principle of the twenty principles under the Pillar of Social Rights.

Events include a conference “Promoting the Vocational Skills Agenda –Together”, a European Business-Education Summit and the 4th meeting of the European Apprentices Network, a network of apprentices and youth representatives from across Europe which contributes to policy discussions at the European level. The closing event on 24 November will include a ceremony for the 2017 vocational education and training  awards highlighting excellence and quality in various categories.