Cedefop

Cedefop, European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, was founded in 1975. Based in Greece since 1995, it supports the development of European vocational education and training (VET) policies and contributes to their implementation.

Cedefop is committed to strengthening European cooperation and providing evidence for VET policy-making on the European level.

The added value of Cedefop is the high quality of its comparative analyses and expertise gathered through research and networking, directed at:

•   Providing technical advice and proposing VET policies;
•   Filling knowledge gaps and generating new insights on trends and challenges in VET
•   Increasing awareness on the image and importance of VET;
•   Bringing together policy-makers, social partners, researchers and practitioners to exchange views and discuss strategies for improving VET policies;
•    Supporting and encouraging joint European approaches, principles and tools for improving VET.

Cedefop works closely with the European Commission, Member State governments, representatives of employers and trade unions, VET researchers and practitioners. It provides them with up-to-date information on developments in VET as well as opportunities for policy debate. Cedefop disseminates information through its website, publications, networks, study visits, conferences and seminars.

Cedefop Networks
a) ReferNet is a network of institutions established by Cedefop in 2002 with the aim of providing information on national systems of vocational education and training in the EU Member States, Iceland and Norway.
b) Skillsnet network consists of researchers and experts in early identification of skills needs and in transferring research results on future skill requirements into policy and practice.

In 2015, Cedefop celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation – and the 20th of its relocation from Berlin to Thessaloniki. 'Old roots for new routes' is the anniversary theme, which draws inspiration from the past to continue the work of improving vocational education and training (VET).
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Cedefop disseminates its information through its website, publications, social media, networks, conferences and seminars.

Learn more about Cedefop´s activities:

Latest news

In May-June 2021, the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb conducted a survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education in Croatia. The survey concludes that the effects of the pandemic on learners’ wellbeing and learning progress were considerable; it calls for effective policy responses.

While facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the WorldSkills Croatia 2021 competition was held live from 11 to 13 May in Zagreb, Croatia, for over 300 IVET learners in 43 disciplines.

From March to June 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown and the school transition to distance learning, the Agency for VET and Adult Education (ASOO) conducted a survey on the experience, attitudes and needs associated with distance learning in Croatia. They asked 1348 IVET and CVET teachers to assess digital competences, distance learning delivery and available support. Further surveys were also conducted among pre-tertiary and provider levels to plan support and different scenarios for education and training delivery in 2020/21.

The Zagreb and Petrinja earthquakes that occurred in the spring and winter of 2020 respectively, caused major disruption in the education process at all levels, including VET.

Latest publications

Key competences in vocational education and training - Croatia

Vocational education and training in Europe: Croatia - country report

Apprenticeship-type schemes and structured work-based learning programmes

Innovation in vet - Croatia

Supporting teachers and trainers for successful reforms and quality of vet - Croatia

Rss feed

Cedefop turns 50: the countdown is on

In 1975, Cedefop - The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training - embarked on a mission to transform vocational education and training and skills for Europe’s future and prosperit

Malta: launching the national Career Guidance Network

Although the European Year of Skills officially came to an end in May 2024, Malta has concrete plans to build on the momentum it generated.

Malta: a new digital education strategy adopted

Malta has made substantial progress in vocational education and training (VET) in recent years.

Denmark: a new type of vocational upper secondary school announced

Denmark's Ministry of Children and Education has recently put forward a comprehensive reform proposal aimed at reshaping vocational education and training (VET) and upper secondary education.