Centres for vocational excellence

Centres for vocational excellence are European platforms which aim to contribute to regional development, innovations and smart specialisation strategies, as well as to international collaborative platforms. They promote a a bottom-up approach to excellence where institutions for vocational education and training (VET) are capable of rapidly adapting skills provision to evolving economic and social needs. These centres operate at both national and transnational level and are open for the involvement of countries with well-developed vocational excellence systems, as well as those in the process of developing similar approaches.

What types of activities are supported in these projects?

Centres for Vocational Excellence are characterized by a systemic approach and are expected to go further than simply providing quality vocational qualifications. Their activities are grouped into three clusters:

  • Teaching and learning
  • Cooperation and partnerships
  • Governance and funding

Projects must include the design of a long-term action plan for the progressive roll-out of project deliverables after the project has finished.

Who can participate in the project?

Any public or private organisation active in the field of vocational education and training, or in the world of work and legally established in an EU State or third country associated to the Programme* or in any third country not associated to the Programme** can participate in the project.

*All EU Member States, as well as Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Turkey.

**Third country not associated to the Programme are all other world countries.

Who can apply?

Any participating organisation legally established in an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme can be the applicant. This organisation applies on behalf of all participating organisations involved in the project.

Is there a specific number of partner organisations on the project?

The partnership must include at least 8 full partners from a minimum of 4 Erasmus+ EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme (including at least 2 EU Member States). Each EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme must involve: a) at least 1 enterprise, industry or sector representative organisation, and) at least 1 vocational education and training provider (at secondary and/or tertiary level).

Further composition of the partnership should reflect the specific nature of the proposal.

What is the duration of these projects?

The projects last four years.

Where to apply?

Applications should be submitted to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The applications are submitted electronically through a prescribed online form on the platform.

What is the application deadline?

The 2022 call for proposals for Centres for Vocational Excellence will be open until 8 June at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

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