LCAMP Highlights Learner-Centric Excellence at the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025
10/09/2025
The Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025, held in Kolding, Denmark, on 8–9 September, brought together over 350 participants from across Europe and beyond. Policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and students gathered to explore how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) can strengthen skills ecosystems, support digital and green transitions, and make vocational education and training (VET) more inclusive and attractive.
Plenary discussions underscored the need to align vocational training with labour market demands, integrate digital and green skills, and enhance the visibility of VET across Europe.
Manuela Geleng (European Commission, DG EMPL) emphasized that “skills are at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness,” highlighting VET’s critical role in addressing labour shortages and supporting economic resilience.
A particularly contribution came from Mads Haugsbøll, Secretary General of the Danish VET Student’s Association, who emphasized that VET still faces an image challenge. Too often seen as a “second choice,” VET needs better storytelling, stronger integration of practical and theoretical learning, and more opportunities for cross-border mobility. He stressed that students gain not only skills but also confidence, intercultural awareness, and meaningful connections to the world of work—key markers of vocational excellence.
Alicia emphasized that true excellence in CoVEs is not defined solely by structures, governance, or funding—but by the opportunities created for learners and workers.
“In LCAMP, mobility and inclusiveness aren’t challenges—they’re opportunities,” Alicia noted. “Learners don’t just gain technical knowledge; they build confidence, intercultural awareness, and a sense of belonging to a European and global skills ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead
Alicia concluded her session by announcing the next LCAMP Networking Conference and Students Hub, scheduled for 21–23 April 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain, inviting stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of vocational excellence.
The Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025 highlighted that achieving excellence in VET requires collaboration, innovation, and a clear focus on learners’ needs. LCAMP’s approach, showcased by Alicia, reinforces the principle that putting learners at the centre ensures vocational education is relevant, impactful, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the European labour market.
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