1. Vocational Education and Training Empowering people with "skills for life" Presentation at the Seminar on CONNECTING EUROPEAN CHAMBERS: Enhancing Chambers’ performance in times of change Brussels, European Parliament, 29 and 30 June 2017
Joao SANTOS
Deputy Head of Unit
European Commission,
Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Unit E3, Vocational training, Apprenticeships and Adult learning 1

2. ErasmusPRO supporting long-duration VET/apprentices mobility
Content of presentation
ErasmusPRO supporting long-duration VET/apprentices mobility
Vocational Skills Week raising the attractiveness and excellence in VET 2

3. ErasmusPRO supporting long duration mobility YOUTH INITIATIVE
The "Investing in Europe's Youth" initiative adopted by the Commission on 7 December 2016, includes
Proposal on "ErasmusPRO" on mobility of apprentices (work-placements) 
A Quality framework for apprenticeships
Apprenticeships support services (bench-learning model)
Proposal for tracking of outcomes for graduates (including VET) 3

4. Youth initiative Adopted 7 December 2016
VET/Apprenticeship mobility
Policy context: call for action !
Youth initiative Adopted 7 December 2016
Communication on
"Investing in Europe's Youth", includes a
Proposal on "ErasmusPRO" for mobility of apprentices (work-placements)
Erasmus Pro
For a million young
”European apprentices”
by 2020
MEP Jean Arthuis
Pilot project - Towards a single European apprenticeship framework
Youth Mobility Programme
To make VET/apprenticeship an attractive,
quality and equal choice for transitions to jobs
Evidence in existing studies (e.g. effects of LdV)
Analysis of the Erasmus+ participants survey (> 200,000 responses)
Analysis of projects supporting long-duration mobility not currently financed by Erasmus+ (e.g. PIU, MobiPRO, Arthuis Pilot project, etc.)
Analysis of current Erasmus+ beneficiaries
Discussions with VET provider associations
Discussions with Experts in VET mobility (including E+ NA's WG on VET mobility)
Discussions with other VET stakeholders (e.g. ECVET, EAFA, P4Y, etc.)
…short-term placements (less than six months) help to improve personal and social skills, while longer placements also considerably improve professional skills. The willingness to improve foreign language skills or learn another language also increases perceptibly with the duration of the stay abroad…
In final report from: WSF Economic and Social Research, in Analysis of the Effects of LdV 4

5. For Learners For Society For VET Institutions
Proven benefits of VET learner mobility
For Learners
Promote sense of European citizenship
Develop foreign language and professional skills
Develop general soft skills, adapting to new challenges, improve self-confidence, inter-cultural awareness, communication
Facilitates school to work transition
Boost Employability - First "job Experience"
Readiness for labour market mobility
For Companies
Access to foreign skills and know-how
Opportunity to influence VET curricula
Involvement of SME as sending/receiving organizations
Internationalization of enterprise activity
For VET Institutions
Internationalization of institutions and qualifications
Trigger to innovation and improving teaching methods and learning materials
Development of methods for transfer of knowledge and skills
Recognition of learning outcomes (acquired abroad)
Greater involvement with companies and VET institutes abroad
Raise the attractiveness of VET schools and qualifications
VET Professionals/Teachers continuous professional development
For Society
European citizenship
Free movement of citizens - learner and labour mobility
Higher employability rates
Competitiveness and innovation
For Learners
Promote sense of European citizenship
Boost Employability
Promote labour market mobility
Raise personal, social, foreign language and professional skills
(First) Job Experience
Ability to adapt to new challenges, improve self-confidence, promote inter-culturality and soft skills in general"
Facilitates School to work Transition
For Society
European Citizenship
Free movement of Citizens
European convergence
Contributes to the recognition of the importance of international competencies
For VET Institutions
Internationalization of activity
Acceptance of foreign certifications
Greater involvement of SME as sending organizations
Trigger innovation and improvement of teaching methods and learning materials
Raise the attractiveness of Schools/VET
VET Professionals/Teachers involved have higher employability
Development of methods for transfer of knowledge and skills 5

6. Collecting evidence… VET learners’ motivation to take part in mobility
Source: Erasmus+ mid-term evaluation. ICF calculations based on Erasmus+ participant monitoring surveys. 6

7. Erasmus+ VET Mobility (Ka1)
Average duration of VET mobility (in days)
Registered VET mobilities in the period 7

8. Erasmus+ VET Mobility (Ka1)
Facts on current use of
Erasmus+ VET Mobility (Ka1)
Even if Erasmus+ allows for mobility from 2 weeks to 12 months, more than 93% of VET mobility is for a duration of less than 3 months.
ErasmusPRO aims to create incentives to increase the average duration of VET mobility, by supporting at least 50,000 new opportunities in the period , without reducing the current support for shorter duration mobility
Duration of mobility Registered participants (Erasmus+ VET KA )
Duration
Number of mobilities %
Average cost per participant
Less than 1 month
71,5%
1.378
1 to 3 months
60.782
21,6%
2.187
3 to 12 months
19.238
6,8%
3.910
Total
1.726
Average cost of mobility per day, depending on duration
Duration
Up to 2 weeks
2 weeks to 1 month
1 to 3 months
3 to 6 months
6 months and more
Cost per day ($)
161 74 47 33 26
Average daily cost of mobility decreases with duration (increased efficiency and wider portfolio of skills acquired by the learner)
Evidence in existing studies (e.g. effects of LdV)
Analysis of the Erasmus+ participants survey (> 200,000 responses)
Analysis of projects supporting long-duration mobility not currently financed by Erasmus+ (e.g. PIU, MobiPRO, Arthuis Pilot project, etc.)
Analysis of current Erasmus+ beneficiaries
Discussions with VET provider associations
Discussions with Experts in VET mobility (including E+ NA's WG on VET mobility)
Discussions with other VET stakeholders (e.g. ECVET, EAFA, P4Y, etc.)
…short-term placements (less than six months) help to improve personal and social skills, while longer placements also considerably improve professional skills. The willingness to improve foreign language skills or learn another language also increases perceptibly with the duration of the stay abroad…
In final report from: WSF Economic and Social Research, in Analysis of the Effects of LdV
Source: Erasmus+ Dashboard. Data extracted on 23 June 2017 8

9. ErasmusPRO revised proposal: E+ Committee meeting 27 June 2017
Purpose of ErasmusPRO :
To increase the number of long-duration (3 to 12 months) VET mobility in work-placements abroad
How will ErasmusPRO be supported by EU funding:
A proposal for a specific activity within Erasmus+ VET Key Action 1 - Not a new programme
Target participants:
VET learners, Apprentices and recent VET graduates (less than 12 months after graduation)
Evidence in existing studies (e.g. effects of LdV)
Analysis of the Erasmus+ participants survey (> 200,000 responses)
Analysis of projects supporting long-duration mobility not currently financed by Erasmus+ (e.g. PIU, MobiPRO, Arthuis Pilot project, etc.)
Analysis of current Erasmus+ beneficiaries
Discussions with VET provider associations
Discussions with Experts in VET mobility (including E+ NA's WG on VET mobility)
Discussions with other VET stakeholders (e.g. ECVET, EAFA, P4Y, etc.)
…short-term placements (less than six months) help to improve personal and social skills, while longer placements also considerably improve professional skills. The willingness to improve foreign language skills or learn another language also increases perceptibly with the duration of the stay abroad…
In final report from: WSF Economic and Social Research, in Analysis of the Effects of LdV
Fostering demand for "ErasmusPRO" Mobilising offers of work-placements:
Companies and chambers – making use of EU initiatives and networks (e.g. EAfA, Pact for Youth, VET Skills Week)
VET providers – through expert network, and "VET4EU2" Association
Member states and Agencies - DGVT, ACVT, Erasmus+ NA, ESF authorities
Other stakeholders - Social partners, Sector Skills Councils, Intermediary organisations, etc. 9

10. ErasmusPRO proposal: Building blocks for designing ErasmusPRO
Characteristic
Description
Duration
ErasmusPRO is aimed at mobility with a minimum duration of 3 months
Target public
VET learners (includes apprentices) as well as recent VET graduates (< 12 months after graduation)
Identity and activities
Clear sub-identity for ErasmusPRO within Erasmus+ VET KA1. Two basic Activities for learner mobility: Activity 1 - VET mobility from 2 weeks to less than 3 months; Activity 2 – ErasmusPRO long-duration mobility from 3 to 12 months
Complementarity
ErasmusPRO adds new opportunities for LDM, without reducing support for shorter mobility
Budget and flexibility
Indicative budget earmarking aimed at additional learners in long-duration mobility. The indicative budget for Activity 2 can be moved to Activity 1, in case of insufficient demand
Incentives and Priority
New incentives for ErasmusPRO projects ("Advance Planning Visits", and award criteria). ErasmusPRO activities financed as a matter of priority, as long as reserved funds are available
Simplification
Application procedure and analysis simple for applicants, and National agencies (same forms)
Monitoring and reporting
Data-base and electronic forms adapted to allow for easy monitoring and reporting. ErasmusPRO requires no additional reporting by E+ National Agencies (same reports as before) 10

11. ErasmusPRO The next steps…
27-28 June Discussion of Commission proposal at Erasmus+ Programme Committee
October 2017 Publication of General call for Erasmus+ (including ErasmusPRO)
February Deadline for presentation of applications for ErasmusPRO
June First VET Learners/apprentices in ErasmusPRO long-duration mobility
VERY IMPORTANT  Mobilize companies and VET providers to make use of this opportunity
The debate
The first opportunity for a debate was provided by the meeting of the Erasmus+ Committee, on 3 April 2017, which also addressed the outline of the 2018 Erasmus+ annual work programme and budget.
The discussion was extensive and constructive, with more than 20 delegates taking the floor and commenting on the various features of the proposal.
Countries welcome the renewed policy emphasis on VET mobility, of both short and long duration. They strongly reaffirmed that short-duration mobility is cost-effective and is proven to bring benefits to the mobile learners, to VET providers, and to the VET systems. It is therefore vital that no resources are diverted from short-mobility, while developing new opportunities and incentives for long duration mobility.
The discussions highlighted some issues of particular relevance for the Member states:
The indicative budget assigned for ErasmusPRO projects should include a flexibility mechanism that allows any non-used resources to become available to support short‑duration mobility. National delegates appreciated that this was already envisaged in the proposal of the Commission.
ErasmusPRO could cover projects with a duration ranging from 3 to 12 months, instead of the 6 to 12 months as proposed by the Commission. Delegates highlighted the institutional and practical challenges– such as VET programme structure or contractual arrangements for apprentices.
Accompanying measures to prepare the long-duration mobility should also be foreseen. An example could be the support for staff mobility to prepare, to follow‑up, and to assess VET learner mobility experiences.
In preparation for the discussions at the next Erasmus+ committee meeting of June 2017, the Commission will continue to discuss the ErasmusPRO initiative with various VET stakeholders. At that meeting not only will a revised ErasmusPRO proposal be discussed, but also the 2017 annual work programme and budget will be approved. 11 11

12. The European Vocational Skills Week
Why an urgent need for action?
In 2015, more than 6,6 million young people (aged years) were neither in employment nor in education or training (NEETs) in the EU.
In August 2016, more than 4.2 million young people (aged years) were unemployed
Although it has decreased from more than 23% in February 2013 to less than 19% in August 2016 – the youth unemployment rate is still very high in the EU (with peaks of more than 40% in several countries). Long-term youth unemployment is still at record highs.
In 2016 EU youth unemployment rate is still more than double overall unemployment rate
Quality VET contribute to address the challenge
MS with well-developed VET Apprenticeship systems and other forms of WBL, are usually characterised by low youth unemployment levels and high economic competitiveness.
Skills enhance a person’s employability and employment prospects through the acquisition of skills and competences that are needed on the labour markets.
VET Apprenticeships support personal development and are a springboard to jobs and active citizenship
VET learner mobility provides opportunities for acquiring large set of transversal and job specific skills 12

13. What do the Europeans think of VET ?
What is the scope of the survey?
The survey addressed European citizens aged over 15, resident in the EU. All member States are covered. The survey focuses on initial VET (IVET), more specifically on IVET at upper secondary education and training, and addresses a wide range of topics in four main areas: citizens’ awareness and knowledge of VET; attractiveness of and access to VET; satisfaction and experience of VET users; perceived outcomes and effectiveness of VET.
So, what do Europeans think of vocational education and training?
In many cases the opinions we collected meet or even exceed our expectations. most of those surveyed have a positive opinion of VET; more specifically, they value VET at upper secondary level as a way to strengthen the economy, help reduce unemployment, and tackle social inclusion. Almost nine in 10 VET graduates at upper secondary level are happy with the work related skills they acquired during their studies, and eight out of 10 consider VET in general a good choice both for personal and professional development. Finding a job is the number one reason for choosing a VET programme. However, there are also cases where the citizens’ voice is less clear and rather contradictory. For instance, in spite of the positive opinions on many of the aspects addressed in the survey, most of the respondents still continue to see VET as a second choice for second-rate students.
How can survey results help to shape VET policies?
As an example, one of the findings from the survey is that one in two people who opted for general education at upper secondary level stated they had little information about VET options. VET is also often perceived to offer few progression opportunities to higher education, while we know that this is not really the case in EU member States due to reforms in recent decades. In many countries there is still a need to address negative public discourse on VET which tends to reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions. When we look at survey results across countries, we see a strong correlation between the level of information people receive and their participation in VET programmes. The potential of lifelong guidance is not fully used, which suggests that this is an area for further policy developments in the immediate future.
Source: Cedefop’s opinion survey on VET,, exploring European citizens perceptions of VET. Based on interviews 13

14. 1,733 events were registered and 983 were accepted
2016 Week Results: Evaluation (in numbers)
1,733 events were registered and 983 were accepted
784,569 participants in national events and activities
1500 attendees in Brussels, plus 1021 views online
Total media reach: 71,288,481 (68,116,412 online, 3,172,069 print)
Social media campaign targets were all exceeded
Nearly 300 online + print media items in 37 countries
Most successful video: Norwegian Minister of Education
The first European Vocational Skills Week on 5-9 December 2016 has been considered a success. Harnessing events in Brussels in parallel with events or activities at local, regional or national levels, underpinned by a sustained communications strategy lead to 983 parallel events/activities in Member States reaching out to 785,000 people, and 71 million media reaches – all focusing on raising the attractiveness of VET. In addition around 1500 people participated at the European events organised in Brussels by the Commission (plus 1021 views online).
There were a number of highlights:
The wide mobilisation and collaborative approach – The initiative clearly responded to a pressing need to raise VET attractiveness. Much of the success of the event was due to the very constructive and engaging approach of VET stakeholders. The VET providers, companies, EAFA stakeholders, the social partners, Erasmus+ national agencies, ESF managing authorities, and the VET research community were among the most engaging contributors to the initiative. The two European agencies working on VET (Cedefop and the European Training Foundation), linked many of their events to the initiative, and contributed to the Brussels events with their expertise.
The national and local events – there was a very high level of grass-roots enthusiasm for the initiative. Registration of events and activities from Member States, candidate and EFTA countries, as well as from the ETF partner countries exceeded by far our initial expectations. We had 983 parallel events and activities taking place all over Europe, compared to an initial target of around 300 events for this first year of the initiative. In fact events were registered but many did not pass the established quality control standards.
The Commission led events - This ranged from the opening event in Antwerp at a VET school in the Maritime sector, exhibitions highlighting Erasmus+ and ESF projects, the social media usage, the production and presentation of videos, the giving of VET awards (first time ever), to the Closing conference ending with a musical performance by VET students. The reaction of those attending the meetings in Brussels was very positive.
High-level support – the Cabinet of Commissioner Thyssen was very closely involved throughout the process, and played a critical role in mobilising 2 Commission Vice Presidents and 3 Commissioners to actively take part in the events. The contribution of external high-level speakers ranging from Ministers and other political leaders (e.g. Norway and US Department of Labor), to Business leaders (e.g. Mr Davignon, and executives of Siemens, Disney, Nestle, etc.), played a critical role in the success of the initiative.
A final report and an external evaluation of this first Week are being prepared by our communications contractor, Ecorys. Submission of both is expected early March In our contacts with Ecorys we received preliminary indications that have already been taken into account in this note. When the final reports are submitted, we may further improve our proposal. 14

15. announcing the 2017 Week http://europa.eu/!Kc37jF
Commissioner Thyssen
announcing the 2017 Week 15

16. 2017 Vocational Skills Week
Looking ahead
2017 Vocational Skills Week
When: 20 to 24 November 2017 (all local events taking place from September to December 2017 can be registered as part of the Week)
Where: Local, local and local… with 2 days of events in Brussels (plus closing)
VET Awards: Set of category of awards as "symbols" of VET excellence
Ambassadors: Network of Ambassadors, as role models and mobilisers
Targets:
People involved in events at national and local levels:
Number of events/activities at national and local levels:
Participations in events organised by the Commission in Brussels:
Thematic approach: Mobility, Partnerships, Sector approach to skills
The first European Vocational Skills Week on 5-9 December 2016 has been considered a success. Harnessing events in Brussels in parallel with events or activities at local, regional or national levels, underpinned by a sustained communications strategy lead to 983 parallel events/activities in Member States reaching out to 785,000 people, and 71 million media reaches – all focusing on raising the attractiveness of VET. In addition around 1500 people participated at the European events organised in Brussels by the Commission (plus 1021 views online).
There were a number of highlights:
The wide mobilisation and collaborative approach – The initiative clearly responded to a pressing need to raise VET attractiveness. Much of the success of the event was due to the very constructive and engaging approach of VET stakeholders. The VET providers, companies, EAFA stakeholders, the social partners, Erasmus+ national agencies, ESF managing authorities, and the VET research community were among the most engaging contributors to the initiative. The two European agencies working on VET (Cedefop and the European Training Foundation), linked many of their events to the initiative, and contributed to the Brussels events with their expertise.
The national and local events – there was a very high level of grass-roots enthusiasm for the initiative. Registration of events and activities from Member States, candidate and EFTA countries, as well as from the ETF partner countries exceeded by far our initial expectations. We had 983 parallel events and activities taking place all over Europe, compared to an initial target of around 300 events for this first year of the initiative. In fact events were registered but many did not pass the established quality control standards.
The Commission led events - This ranged from the opening event in Antwerp at a VET school in the Maritime sector, exhibitions highlighting Erasmus+ and ESF projects, the social media usage, the production and presentation of videos, the giving of VET awards (first time ever), to the Closing conference ending with a musical performance by VET students. The reaction of those attending the meetings in Brussels was very positive.
High-level support – the Cabinet of Commissioner Thyssen was very closely involved throughout the process, and played a critical role in mobilising 2 Commission Vice Presidents and 3 Commissioners to actively take part in the events. The contribution of external high-level speakers ranging from Ministers and other political leaders (e.g. Norway and US Department of Labor), to Business leaders (e.g. Mr Davignon, and executives of Siemens, Disney, Nestle, etc.), played a critical role in the success of the initiative.
A final report and an external evaluation of this first Week are being prepared by our communications contractor, Ecorys. Submission of both is expected early March In our contacts with Ecorys we received preliminary indications that have already been taken into account in this note. When the final reports are submitted, we may further improve our proposal. 16

17. 2017 Vocational Skills Week Outline of key events
Date
Detail
Venue
20/11
National opening events in the Member States with the participation of Commissioners and national authorities, VET learners, VET providers, companies, teachers and trainers, social partners
MS level
21/11
Day on “Employers for Skills” with a strong SME engagement and the involvement of the PES and VET providers. Focus on work-based learning (e.g. apprenticeships) as well as adults workplace learning. VET Week Ambassadors' to mobilise action for these events.
22/11
A full day VET Conference. To include a high-level plenary focussing on the three themes related to the 2017 VET week, i.e. mobility, partnerships, and sectoral skills approaches covering competitiveness, skills for the future, and smart specialisation. Includes workshops bringing together VET stakeholders,
Brussels
23/11
"Business-Education Summit" organised in the context of the Pact for Youth, together with CSR Europe.
At the same time a Public hearing will be held on career-long professional learning in Europe
24/11
Closing event including speakers from outside the EU and Europe, as well as a participation from a selected number of MS highlighting key national events. A VET awards ceremony, and an artistic performance or craft demonstration by vocational learners.
Brussels and MS 17

18. Find out more…
The New Skills Agenda for Europe Vocational Skills Week: European Alliance for Apprenticeships: Pact for Youth: Erasmus+ plus/node_en 18