European Vocational Education and Training Initiative 2024

VET is an important lever of Europe’s digital and green transitions. Highly qualified and motivated employees are crucial if the industries are to become more sustainable and climate-friendly, while at the same time remaining efficient and competitive. We support high-quality vocational education and training, provided by competent teachers in state-of-the-art facilities — especially in areas relating to the digital and green transitions. 

Within Focus area 1 we typically fund:

Teacher training and professional development

We fund training, further education and professional development of teachers in order to strengthen their capability to offer high-quality teaching, especially in the fields of digital technologies and green solutions.

We also fund the development of new pedagogical and didactical approaches, organisational change and new organisational practices which increase the quality of teaching.

We expect training and professional development to be a large part of the project, and commitment and participation from management is imperative.

New student training programmes

The digital and green transitions require new competencies. We fund the development of training courses and educational pathways within the fields of digital technologies, climate adjustment and green solutions.

Inclusive study environments and diversity in recruiting

A thriving study environment that welcomes students and creates strong learning communities is a crucial feature of high-quality VET institutions. We encourage applicants to encompass inclusive practices and to implement measures of diverse recruitment as part of the project.

State-of-the-art equipment and facilities

We fund renovations and adjustments of existing buildings for workshops and training facilities especially aimed at digital technologies and green solutions. We do not fund property acquisitions or the building of new properties.

Europe’s digital and green transitions will require that citizens develop the necessary skills to use new technologies in everyday life and at work. And they must be able to translate knowledge about technology and the environment into qualified decisions – for the benefit of a greener and more sustainable society. In order to enable young people to acquire the skills and competencies needed in the future, we also fund initiatives building young people’s motivation for education, and interest in computer technology and sustainable environment.

Within Focus area 2 we typically fund:

Early curiosity for digital technologies and environmentally sustainable practices

We fund initiatives in the last years of elementary school and in high schools which promote digital competencies and interest in digital technologies, the climate and sustainable environment – both by teaching children and youth directly, and indirectly through training of teachers in new didactic methods. We favour initiatives which communicate new technologies and environmental knowledge in an untraditional, experimental and motivating way – preferably with a high level of hands-on experience. 

Promoting VET education in general

We fund initiatives which promotes VET education, e.g. through cooperation between schools and VET schools, regular school visits with a high degree of hands-on experience etc.

Strengthening social competencies and readiness for education

We support initiatives which empower at-risk youth to get ready for education and self reliance through networking, upgrading of social and professional skills etc. The target groups are migrants, minorities and other socio-economically challenged children and youth.

The green transition refers to a fundamental shift in VET programs and practices to prepare individuals for careers and employment opportunities in industries and sectors that prioritize environmental sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact. This transition aims to equip students/apprentices and staff with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to work/teach in environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

The digital transition equally refers to preparing students/apprentices and staff to thrive in a digital-first world. The digital transition equips students/apprentices with the digital literacy, problem solving skills and adaptability needed to excel in a wide range of career and industries.

The two transitions are interrelated and are often referred to as the “twin transition”. However projects might work exclusively with one or the other or both.

• Virtual information meetings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM on the 6th of December 2023, 6th of February 2024 and 12th of March 2024. Sign up through the links on the dates.
• February: The application portal opens for applications.
• May 23 2024: Deadline for applications, however applications can be submitted continuously until the application deadline. 
• June – August: Preparation of applications for reviewing
• September– October: The applications are reviewed by an external review committee
• December: The Board of Directors decide on grants and applicants are informed.

Who can apply?

Schools and educational institutions, civil society organisations, local innovators and public authorities can apply. Applicants cannot be individual persons.

We encourage collaboration with partners, that deliver supplementary competencies and capabilities.

Please note: English is our working language in everyday communications with applicants and grantees. Applications and appendixes must be submitted in English. When grants are given, communication with project managers and key persons must be possible without interpreters.

Which project setups are supported?

We prioritise projects that are:

• Developmental, i.e. having a real development perspective and seeking to change and improve a specific vocational educational challenge.
• Innovative. Please note that we do not only support new innovative initiatives, but also initiatives that in other contexts have proved their worth in promoting long-term sustainable and systemic developments.
• Long-term, preferably with a project period of several years, allowing for necessary time to increase chances for success and systemic impact.
• Directly including young people in its activities. Youth as a target group must benefit directly from the project, even though the main goal is organisational or sectoral development.

We encourage collaboration with partners, that deliver supplementary competencies and capabilities.

Which project costs are eligible?

All types of costs can be included in the project budget as long as the costs are relevant for the project. 

Renovation and construction costs are eligible, if this is necessary for the proposed activities and if it strengthens the continuity of the activities when our grant ends. 

Fees for consultants, specialists and advisers can be included. For instance, specialised assistance needed in relation to tenders, renovation projects, legal compliance etc. 

VAT costs are not supported. VAT costs must be financed by the applicant itself or by other funding sources in case the applicant is not VAT exempt or cannot have VAT costs reimbursed by national authorities.

All interested applicants must submit project proposals online through our application portal which opens early March 2024.

The foundation's application form and budget template must be used. 

Can projects span over both focus area 1 and 2?

Yes. But it is not a requirement.

Are cross-national projects eligible?

Yes but not necessary.

Can countries not mentioned in the current call apply?

Yes, however we do not consider it likely that projects from countries that are not prioritized will be granted.

Can I use my own templates?

No, you have to use the Foundation’s application form, budget template and as an option the cv template. You can download the templates from the website and in the application portal after login.

Can I get feedback before I apply?

No, but we’ll gladly read a one-page concept note and get back to you regarding its match with the call’s scope.

If more project partners in the application, who will be in charge for the grant? 

All projects will have one coordinating organization, which is responsible for the overall financial aspects and reports.

Should we attach a full application dossier?

No, only a filled out application form, budget, CV and annual report will be available for assessment by the expert committee.

When can we expect to start the project?

Late December the applicants are informed about the outcome of the application. If granted, leave time for paperwork and legal arrangements. 1^st of March is a realistic date to start the project.

Which age span is considered ‘youth’? 

We operate with a broad definition depending on a country’s educational system however reskilling of young adults is not within scope.

How is the funding procedure?

The grant is typically transferred in yearly or half-yearly instalments, always in advance.

How are the units in the application form counted?

All characters including spaces count towards the limit.

Should applicants upload letters of support together with the application?

It is not necessary, but we encourage formal agreements between collaborating partners. For larger consortiums or collaborations with authorities, letters of support can be helpful information for the foundation.

Motivations for collaboration and roles in projects should be described in the application form.

The Foundation doesn’t cover VAT. Can applicants register VAT-related expenses as own-financing/co-funding in the project budget?

YES – Applicants can register VAT as own-financing/co-funding in the budget.

In the budget template, there is a mandatory field called ‘Overhead’. What is that? 

The ‘Overhead’ budget line covers expenses not directly related to the project activities. It can also cover unexpected expenses which cannot be specified.