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Castilla y León shares regional VET Excellence with Central Asia through ETF’s project

01/07/2025

From 20 to 22 May 2025, the European Training Foundation (ETF) hosted a peer-learning workshop in Turin, Italy, as part of the EU-funded DARYA project (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia). The event brought together more than 30 representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to explore and exchange on the concept of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)—a transformative model helping to shape future-ready VET systems across the globe.

In this context, the region of Castilla y León (Spain) made a significant contribution by sharing its pioneering approach to excellence in vocational education and training. Representing the region, Agustín Francisco Sigüenza Molina, Director General of Vocational Training, took part in the discussions and peer-learning sessions with key stakeholders from Central Asia.

Castilla y León: A Regional Model of VET Innovation

Mr. Sigüenza Molina presented Castilla y León’s regional model of excellence, highlighting how the region has:

  • Developed its own certification system for CoVEs,
  • Implemented ISATCOVE, a self-assessment tool used to support continuous quality improvement,
  • And fostered strong collaboration between VET providers, industry, and public authorities.

This structured and regionally driven approach resonated strongly with participants, offering concrete inspiration for how national systems can leverage regional know-how to build responsive, inclusive, and innovative VET ecosystems.

Regional Contributions to Global Learning

The participation of Castilla y León in DARYA reflects a broader recognition: regional authorities play a key role in advancing international cooperation on skills and lifelong learning. Through this collaboration with the ETF, Castilla y León continues to demonstrate how territorial-level expertise can contribute to global education reforms—particularly in contexts where youth employment, innovation, and sustainable development are top priorities.