© Danube Strategy Point

On 18 April 2024, EU and national policymakers, experts and stakeholders in vocational education and training took part in the 3rd Meeting of the Danube Region Platform on Centres of Vocational Excellence in Vienna.

The event was organised under the title “Greening of VET in the Danube Region: Changing skill demands and the role of Centres of Vocational Excellence” and was hosted by EUSDR Priority Area 9 – People and Skills and the European Training Foundation (ETF) Network of Excellence (ENE).

Experts from various fields discussed the changing skill demands due to the green transition, and the crucial role Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) can play in adapting to these changing demands. Special focus was put on two sectors: construction and energy. Taking these two sectors as examples, the meeting highlighted key issues regarding the increased importance of greening economic sectors and meeting the arising green skills demands.

Following insightful presentations by experts keynote and a stimulating panel discussion, attendees actively engaged in a world café setting to delve into topics like “Identifying green skills needs effectively” or “Attracting students to green programmes”.

The Danube Region Platform on Centres of Vocational Excellence brings together representatives of responsible national institutions from Danube Region countries and experts from the European Commission, EUSDR Priority Area 9 and ETF. In recognition of its efforts in the implementation of the EUSDR, it was awarded a Danube Strategy Flagship in 2022.