Newsroom
Vocational education and training (VET) should be given the same level of recognition as other forms of education, Athena Michaelidou stressed during a high-level European meeting in Brussels.
The event, a two-day gathering of Directors-General responsible for VET, is taking place under the auspices of the Council of the European Union during Cyprus’ rotating presidency. Opening the meeting, the minister emphasized the growing importance of vocational education in strengthening Europe’s workforce and economy.
She noted that VET is vital in developing a robust and adaptable skills base across Europe, while also supporting social inclusion, environmentally sustainable growth, and access to high-quality employment opportunities.
Outlining the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, Michaelidou said efforts are focused on helping shape a cohesive European strategy that promotes competitiveness, sustainability, and social unity. A key part of this vision, she added, is ensuring vocational education is valued equally alongside academic routes, offering meaningful career pathways and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The minister also emphasised that maintaining high standards must remain a cornerstone of VET systems. She pointed to the importance of innovation and collaboration, describing vocational education as a platform where educators, businesses, research bodies, and social stakeholders can work together effectively.
Addressing technological developments, Michaelidou drew attention to the impact of artificial intelligence, noting that it is rapidly transforming job roles, generating new fields of expertise, and altering workplace structures. At the same time, she said AI has the potential to enhance teaching methods and improve how education systems are managed.
In closing, she reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and dialogue across Europe in the area of skills development and vocational training, with the goal of building a more resilient and competitive European workforce.
The Brussels meeting will primarily focus on how to make vocational education more appealing. Participants will review recent findings from the European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey, as well as research conducted by the Cedefop. Further discussions will explore different dimensions of VET attractiveness and examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in the sector.
