Cedefop, the European Agency to promote the development of vocational education and training (VET) in the EU, presented its medium-term priorities which mainly focus in supporting modernisation of vocational education and training systems and continuing training, adult and work-based.

Cedefop (European Centre for the development of the vocational training) is the centre of expertise to support the development of VET and evidence based policy making. It provides advice, research, analysis, information, and stimulates European cooperation and common learning. Its networks allow the centre to keep abreast of recent developments and to cooperate and share information.

Its medium-term priorities set out the main areas of Cedefop's work in 2012-2014, including how the Centre will support the modernisation of vocational education and training systems, its skills forecasting activities and its study of adult and work-based learning. Therefore, it has defined priorities by looking at vocational education and training from different perspectives which includes: supporting modernisation of vocational education and training, systems, examines developments in such systems across Europe; careers and transitions – continuing training, adult and work-based learning, looks at training from the standpoint of learners; and analysing skills and competence needs to inform VET provision, focuses on the impact of external factors on skills and competence.

In addition, the Centre will be working to generate new insights and fill knowledge gaps, providing policy advice to and raising awareness among stakeholders and the wider public. Thus, Cedefop will aim to promote European VET and lifelong learning policy by providing evidence and analysis; and strengthen European cooperation, by supporting Member States to implement European tools and principles, share policy priorities, and exchange experience.