Vocational education and innovations: the European Union countries’ experience

Abstract

The European Union policy on innovations in vocational education and training is analysed in the
paper. The current European initiatives on implementing the Europe 2020 Strategy
provisions aimed at strengthening cooperation and active inclusion of young people in
innovative processes are described. The results of the European Centre for the Development
of Vocational Training thematic network ―Innovation in vocational education and training‖
activities are enlightened. The main directions of EU countries‘ VET systems‘ innovations
development are characterized: innovations of the latest information technologies (digital
innovations) use; innovations of VET teachers and trainers training; innovations
related to qualifications (content, standardization, procedure and rules of provision);
innovative teaching and assessment innovations; curriculum innovations; system cooperation
initiatives (governments launch new institutions based on partnership with
employers, international cooperation; create national schemes for promoting cooperation
between vocational and higher education). A review of the best innovative practices in VET systems
of the EU countries is made. New VET institutions are examined: guidance, training and
employment centres (Italy), campuses of professions and qualifications (France), competence
centres (Latvia) etc. The ways of promoting innovations in VET at different levels
are outlined, including the use of new teaching methods and technologies,
implementation of new financing mechanisms, strengthening cooperation between vocational,
higher education institutions, research organizations and enterprises. The ideas of
positive European experience valuable for design and development of modern innovative policy
and practices in VET sector of Ukraine are
presented.