VET teachers’ and trainers’ professional development in the European Union

Abstract

In the article, the attention is paid to the issues of establishing VET teachers‘ and trainers‘ professional development in the countries of the European Union (EU). The attention is also dragged to their functional duties in VET institutions. The emphasis is placed on the fact that teachers and trainers strengthen the links between vocational education and employers by means of designing new curricula, provision better educational services, high-quality apprenticeship in the system of dual professional training and implementation of other training forms in the workplace.

The provisions of the Bruges communiqué regarding flexible systems for pedagogical personnel training are disclosed. It is proved that VET teachers in the EU usually improve their knowledge and skills and receive new qualifications. In contrast, coaches carry out their professional development at their work, in particular in companies/firms/enterprises.

Established by the legislation of the EU countries qualification requirements for VET teachers are analysed. Teacher training programs are covered. The attention is paid to the fact that teachers‘ and coaches‘ professional development is their right but not always protected by collective agreements. Thus, training programs for VET teachers‘ professional development in the EU countries those are implemented in universities, institutes and other educational institutions are represented in the article.

It has been found that such EU countries as Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Austria, Sweden implement programs financed by public funds of supporting the teachers‘ and trainers‘ professional development.