EARLALL Annual meeting 2025 in Mechelen: Focusing on the Attractiveness of VET Systems
14/11/2025
From 5–7 November 2025, EARLALL’s Annual meeting took place in Mechelen, kindly hosted by GO! Education of the Flemish Community and Crescendo CVO, and led by EARLALL’s Presidency, Region Västra Götaland (VGR). This year’s theme focused on the attractiveness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems, a topic widely discussed at the European level.
The Annual meeting serves as an opportunity for the network to reflect on the past year, present upcoming activities and plan future work. This year’s meeting was opened by Marleen Mast, Director of Crescendo CVO, followed by Madeleine Jonsson, President of the Environment and Regional Development Committee of Region Västra Götaland and current EARLALL President.
Jonsson underlined the importance of strengthening the attractiveness of VET systems through a video message, reaffirming EARLALL’s commitment to influencing policy. Jonsson continued by highlighting EARLALL’s upcoming 25th Anniversary, to be celebrated in 2026 in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of the minutes from the previous General Assembly, followed by messages from the Board. Members were presented with the 2025 Activity Report and Executive Summary, showcased through a video presentation. The Action Plan for 2026 will focus on monitoring and evaluating the implementation of EARLALL’s strategic priorities and will introduce eight key themes for the year ahead:
- Enhancing the Attractiveness and Retention in VET and Adult Learning Amidst Demographic Changes
- Strengthening Governance and Cross-Border Recognition in VET and Lifelong Learning
- Navigating the Future of EU Funding: MFF, Cohesion Policy, and Competitiveness Funds
- Contributing to the “Union of Skills”
- Promoting Democratic Engagement, Citizenship, and Social Inclusion in Lifelong Learning
- Advancing STEM and Gender Equality in Regional Lifelong Learning Ecosystems
- Fostering Innovation in Education through AI, Digital, and Green Transitions
- Supporting Quality and Recognition of Apprenticeship Systems
The meeting continued with updates from EARLALL’s four Working Groups (WGs), each presenting their ongoing work and future activities aligned with the network’s strategic priorities:
- Working Group on Mobility, introduced by Borås Stad and Movetia, presented Mobility Matchmaking initiatives across Europe in Borås, Barcelona, Vestland County Council, and Taith, as well as the upcoming factsheet on mobility opportunities for people with fewer opportunities.
- WG on Skills and Labour Market, led by the Ministry for Education and Vocational Training of Catalonia, highlighted cooperation with Emilia-Romagna’s Skills Intelligence Team, participation in TRAILS meetings in Slovenia, Greece, and Sweden, and collaboration in LCAMP, including webinars such as “Advanced Manufacturing Skills Analysis: Understanding Skills Challenges and Opportunities in AM Sectors Across European Regions.”
- WG on Youth Policies, presented by the Tuscany Region, shared updates on two ongoing projects focused on empowering youth in European policymaking, including the Startup Meeting in Siena (Italy).
- WG on Lifelong Guidance and Ageing Societies, co-led by Baden-Württemberg and Camilla Winter AB, reported on four active projects, including participation in inclusive labour market workshops and the development of a Factsheet on Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
The EARLALL Academy, coordinated by Camilla Winter AB, successfully delivered five seminars this year and will continue with seven more addressing transversal themes and emerging topics, offering ongoing learning opportunities for members. EARLALL also celebrated the success of its communication and dissemination efforts, marking a 44% increase in LinkedIn engagement. Furthering presenting the logo for EARLALL’s upcoming 25 year anniversary 2026.
Looking ahead, Inge Gorostiaga (DG for Digital Transformation, Basque Government) highlighted LCAMP (Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform for CoVEs), the first Centre of Vocational Excellence project coordinated by a regional authority, with EARLALL as a proud partner. Further noting that although the EU-funded phase has ended, the work continues through the creation of the LCAMP Alliance, an association that will foster excellence in VET, support innovation and strengthen cooperation among VET centres and regional partners across Europe. She invited all EARLALL regions and their VET centres to join the Alliance, announcing the next LCAMP Conference taking place on 21–23 April 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, offering a key opportunity for regional actors to exchange best practices and shape the future of vocational excellence.
Following the meeting, participants took part in a knowledge-rich workshop co-organised by CVO Crescendo and EARLALL, featuring a diverse range of speakers sharing their work and research. The programme then continued with two days of in-depth study visits. On Thursday, the group visited Technisch Atheneum Keerbergen, where they met with the school’s leadership, explored innovative teaching practices, and joined hands-on workshops—from DiagnoseCar applications in automotive training to initiatives such as VOKA Stempact and VLAIO’s collaboration with education through the Flanders Technology & Innovation Festival.
On Friday, participants visited GO! Busleyden Atheneum’s Stassart Campus in Mechelen. The visit offered insight into the school’s pedagogical model, defense and security training and dual learning pathways, followed by a campus tour and demonstrations showcasing practical learning in fields including culinary arts, security and work-based learning. The study visits offered participants an immersive experience into the world of Vocational Education and Training centers throughout Mechelen and showcased new ways of making VET attractive.
Annual meeting 2025 materials
