VPET Congress 2018 (6 – 8 Jun) came to an end after two successful days. There were around 425 experts from 80 countries present. Also EurEta was represented by the president Urs Gassmann in its function as a managing director of the ODEC. Although the main focus of the congress was placed on VET vocational education, professional education was also dealt with at the tertiary level. It is clear that in many countries the skilled workers are in short supply and thus the VET must be promoted. Many countries have the problem of unqualified workers and academic qualifications not required in the labor market. For many, the solution lies with the unqualified workforce in setting up or expanding a VET education. And as a continuing education in the understanding of lifelong Professional development (CPD) and the labor market ability at a higher level the Professional Education (PE) at tertiary level. This PE should also serve to make the academic degrees compatible with the labor market.
Minister of Education
Important statement
An important statement from the congress comes from the Minister of Education of Singapore (analogous: VPET is worthwhile for every country, but it must be adapted to the culture of the country). Say a VET system from a country that is successful on the ground, the same VET system do not succeed in another country. It needs an adaptation.
EurEta represent practice-oriented Professional of higher Education, many countries all over the world are eager to have more of our professionals. It needs a mind change in the head of many stakeholder groups. In the coming digital transformations (digitalization) Professional education on higher Education will be a key education and the Professional are the key for the success.
Our members can help to change the culture “professional education” as equal pathway next to the “academic education”. It is not an easy way, but worth to go and to support.
VPET Congress and its experts