The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa took part in the 33rd EfVET Annual Conference held in Amersfoort, Netherlands, from October 23 to 26. Titled “Training Generation Z: New Horizons for VET”, the event aimed to discuss ways to prepare young people for the job market and the new skills needed for future professions. Javier Serrano, FPEmpresa’s regional coordinator for Andalusia, IES La Zafra school’s teachers and EfVET treasurer, has stated that “the event is an important meeting point to build new networks, learn about projects being developed in other countries, and introduce new dynamics to national VET.”

More than 320 experts, educators, and international VET professionals gathered to explore how the next generation of students can prepare for the future job market. Serrano highlighted “the potential new generations bring to innovation”. “As digital natives exposed to international culture, they become highly proficient with digital tools”, has added.

Leerhotel Het Klooster, a hotel school run by VET students, served as the venue where attendees could share their ideas, projects, and experiences.

EfVET’s Vision for VET

Joachim James Calleja, president of EfVET, has emphasized in his opening speech the three key pillars for the future of VET. First, he stressed “the importance of focusing programs on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity, as Generation Z understands that these skills will be crucial for their career development”. He also has highlighted “the entrepreneurial spirit of this generation, which aspires to create its own businesses, making it essential for VET to foster management and innovation skills”.

Finally, Calleja has addressed “the relevance of global competence, promoting international exchanges, language learning, and intercultural skills for a generation increasingly aware of globalization”.

Development of the EfVET Annual Conference

The Annual Conference tackled the challenges of future jobs, skills, and qualifications, providing attendees and the VET ecosystem with concrete tools to successfully adapt to new educational and training realities.

Internationalization in VET, focusing on building strong local business networks; well-being in VET, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and student engagement; and gender equality guidance, addressing inclusion issues, were some of the workshops in which EfVET members participated during the event. Additionally, innovative educational methodologies such as virtual reality and mobile-based learning were explored, giving participants hands-on experience in the digitalization of Vocational Training.

Among the different sessions, Laureen Rwatirera, Vice President of Organizational Development at ASML; Nick Jordan, Head of Learning at Vestas; and Chiara Rondino, Head of the European Commission’s Education and Vocational Training Unit participated as speakers.

2024 General Assembly

Alongside the Annual Conference, EfVET members attended the 2024 General Assembly, where the Strategic Plan through 2026, the annual activity report, the annual work plan, and the 2025 economic plan were presented by Javier Serrano of FPEmpresa’s Board of Directors.

One of EfVET’s main goals is to strengthen its representation in Europe, opening the possibility of international collaboration. Finally, all shared documents were approved by an absolute majority, allowing the Executive Board to continue working to address current challenges.