Empowering Managers Through VET: A Call to the Danish EU Presidency
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. It refers to education and training programmes that prepare individuals for specific trades, crafts, and careers at various levels, particularly those that do not typically require a university degree.
VET combines theoretical learning, such as technical knowledge and safety regulations, with practical skills like electrical installation, renewable energy systems, or construction, and often includes work-based learning through apprenticeships or internships.
In Europe, VET plays a key role in equipping young people, adult learners, and workers changing careers with skills that match labour market needs.
Within the context of the green transition, VET is essential for developing the capabilities needed to support environmentally sustainable jobs and industries, including clean energy, energy-efficient construction, and circular economy practices.
The Danish Presidency of the Council
Denmark brings a unique take to European VET policy, having long championed vocational education—a commitment demonstrated through the Copenhagen Process in 2002, the Osnabrück Declaration, and now today’s transformative moment.
The Presidency has articulated four strategic priorities that will drive this transformation:
• enhancing the attractiveness of VET to ensure it becomes the pathway of choice for learners
• supporting green and digital transitions that align skills with Europe’s sustainability and technological goals
• promoting learning mobility that breaks down barriers and enriches educational experiences
• fostering democratic participation in education to strengthen citizenship and social cohesion
What’s in it for Managers?: Transformative Practices for Tomorrow’s Workforce
VET’s Role in the Green Transition: Transformative Practices for Tomorrow’s Workforce is the final outcome of the European Education Area Working Group on VET and the Green Transition, which has been active since 2021.
Its message is clear: the green transition is not just about new technologies—it’s about people. And more specifically, it’s about equipping people with the right skills to thrive in a low-carbon economy.
The report addresses managers—especially those in companies and educational institutions—directly, identifying them as key facilitators of the green transition.
It emphasises that school leaders and company managers need a strong understanding of sustainability to support teachers and trainers effectively.
Managers are not just passive enablers but can act as “multipliers of change” when properly trained.
The report emphasizes the importance of targeted upskilling and reskilling opportunities for entrepreneurs, CSR professionals, and environmental managers, including those focused on sustainable business practices.
It also points to initiatives like the “Sustainable Mentor” training, which develops leadership capacity in sustainable development, stakeholder engagement, and change communication.
VET is empowering today’s leaders to become champions of climate action within their organisations.
From renewable energy systems and sustainable construction to waste management and electric vehicles, the green economy needs hands-on, practical skills.
That’s where VET comes in—connecting education with real-world needs through tailored programmes, apprenticeships, and public-private partnerships
One of the report’s central themes is that company managers must become “change agents” for the green transition.
Upskilling and reskilling must be available to adults across sectors, especially as some carbon-intensive industries decline. VET is uniquely placed to support these transitions, thanks to its close ties to the labour market.
CEC’s pledge
CEC European Managers calls on the current Danish Presidency to recognise leaders and managers not only as implementers but as strategic partners in VET policy and reform.
More precisely, CEC European Managers urges the Danish Presidency to:
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Champion the role of managers in the implementation of VET for sustainability and digitalisation;
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Ensure targeted support and upskilling pathways for managerial roles across sectors;
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Embed the report’s recommendations into Council conclusions and future work programmes;
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Foster dialogue with social partners, including organisations representing managers, to co-create solutions.
