The 4th European Vocational Skills Week takes place during the 14-18 October 2019 throughout Europe. At the time of writing, there are 1138 events taking place in 45 countries. A very informative interactive map is provided on the European Commission's dedicated Vocational Skills Week web space (click the image below).

Since 2016, the European Vocational Skills Week aims to improve the attractiveness and image of vocational education and training by highlighting excellence and quality. In addition, it promotes awareness raising about the multiple opportunities vocational education and training can offer.

Following the success of the previous three years, the fourth European Vocational Skills Week is planned to run from 14-18 October 2019. Key events and activities will take place in Helsinki this year, organised in close cooperation with the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU. A variety of national opening events are also being held in other EU Member States, along with hundreds of VET-related events and activities at local and regional level.
 

During the week, there is a conference for VET reseachersin Helsinki from 16-18 October; the preliminary agenda for the Helsinki event is outlined below.

Agenda

16 October
9.00 - 12.30 MEETING of the VET RESEARCHERS
14.00 - 18.00 VET for ALL - SKILLS for LIFE - CONFERENCE PART 1 - plenary only
18.00 - 21.00 MARKET PLACE, MEET THE AMBASSADORS AND OPEN MINDS

17 October
9.30 - 12.30 VET for ALL - SKILLS for LIFE - CONFERENCE PART 2
Parallel thematic sessions on:

1. Vocational Excellence;
2. Upskilling and reskilling;
3. Career guidance and validation;
4. Future-oriented policy-making;
5. Changing role of teachers and trainers;
6. Entrepreneurship for VET.

14.00 - 17.30 SITE VISITS (optional) or
14.00 - 17.30 VET in and for the WORLD - CONFERENCE plenary and parallel workshops on: 

1. Sustainable Development Goals;
2. VET for local development and inclusion;
3. International mobility of learners and staff;
4. International qualifications and standards;
5. International cooperation on VET Research.

18.30 - 22.00 VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD NOMINEES CELEBRATION

18 October 
9.00 - 12.30 CLOSING CONFERENCE 

Conference exhibits will be open from Tuesday to Friday during conference event times. Information on events and meetings and draft programmes will be updated continually on the Week’s website.