In 2017, the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) organized its annual conference in Malta, centering on issues of vital importance for policymakers, VET providers, and the labor market. The conference showcased exemplary practices in vocational education, with a particular focus on the integration of migrants and refugees. Discussions revolved around the challenges faced by all stakeholders – companies, VET providers, and politicians – in fostering inclusive growth within the European Union.
As an organization, EVBB experienced remarkable growth since establishing its Secretary General’s office in Brussels. This strategic move facilitated closer collaboration with key EU departments, including DG EMPL, DG EAC, DG CONNECT, and DG DEVCO. By participating in expert working groups, EVBB harmonized its efforts with other major European VET provider organizations, most notably the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA), which is actively engaged in political and project-related matters in Brussels.
One of EVBB’s primary objectives is to improve the perception of VET across the EU and beyond. The association also aimed to assess the requirements of the digital era and actively contribute to implementing necessary tools to help companies, particularly SMEs, navigate the challenges posed by the impending digital revolution.
The chosen conference theme, “Vocational Training in the Context of an Inclusive Society – Experiences, Demands, and Perspectives,” aligned with EVBB’s overarching goals. The conference hosted 120 participants from October 4th to 7th, 2017, at the Excelsior Hotel in Valletta. Capitalizing on Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU and the results achieved in the VET and education fields during that period, the conference welcomed distinguished guests from the Maltese political sphere.
The conference provided a platform for robust discussions on how vocational training can contribute to building an inclusive society and address the needs of vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. Participants explored experiences and best practices from various contexts and delved into the demands and perspectives for a more inclusive approach to VET.
The EVBB Annual Conference 2017 epitomized the association’s commitment to driving positive change in vocational education and training. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, EVBB sought to shape a more inclusive and forward-looking European VET landscape, capable of meeting the challenges of the digital era while upholding the values of inclusivity and social cohesion.
Documents from here: https://evbb.eu/conferences/2017/05/24/malta-2017-vocational-training-in-the-context-of-an-inclusive-society/