Vocational Education and Training (VET)

UNESCO defines technical and vocational education and training as comprising education, training and skills development relating to a wide range of occupational fields, production, services and livelihoods (2005). 

When properly designed and delivered, Vocational education and training (VET) programmes develop people’s abilities, including social competences and personal skills, provide better chances to enter the labour market and better employment prospects. By bolstering both social and job-related skills, people in VET programmes have better chances to be fully included and participate in society.

People with disabilities have the right to access quality VET programmes and training as recognised by Art 27 (d) UNCRPD, however, they might experience barriers to access. Lack of inclusion in education and skills development initiatives for people with disabilities can prevent them to finding a job and actively participate in society, leading to possible further marginalization and exclusion.

VET providers therefore have a crucial role to develop services that ensure inclusion and promote participation of people with disabilities in VET. By working closely with employers and taking into account trainees’ capacities, VET providers can develop services to progress more people with disabilities into the open labour market. Providers are constantly required to innovate and anticipate trends to ensure that VET programmes provide concrete opportunities to improve the life of all their students, including those with disabilities.

EPR membership is well-suited to support VET service providers in tackling these challenges and continuously improving the VET services offered. Thanks to the expertise and collaboration of leading VET providers in different countries, the support of internationally renowned experts, EPR offers the opportunity to learn and contribute to the design and delivery of services that bring about a meaningful impact on people’s life, promoting full participation in VET programmes.