FUTUREPROOFING VET IN THE NORDICS

The project is run by the Think Tank Mandag Morgen in collaboration with the Danish National Center for Vocational Education and Training on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers in the period 2023-2025. To make the Nordics more sustainable and connected, we need to strengthen Vocational Education and Training (VET). VET is key for equipping young people with the skills necessary for a greener future. That’s why Think Tank Mandag Morgen and the Danish National Center for Vocational Education and Training are carrying out the Futureproofing VET project on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The project will engage Nordic youth in discussions on how to encourage greater participation in VET and how education can support well-being and inclusion. To do this we’ll host youth workshops (Nordic Youth Relays) across the region together with local partners. Our goal is to gather youth perspectives and insights on education and well-being and link these with the political discussions on the challenges facing VET. To further include youth voices we are also establishing a youth panel (Nordic Youth Sounding Board) to share their insights and perspectives on project results and to help facilitate the Nordic Youth Relays.

We also plan to showcase successful VET programs that focus on green skills and conduct study tours and invite policymakers and experts to learn from these examples.

The findings from the relays, best practice cases, and study tours will culminate in a comprehensive report with suggestions on how to make VET future-ready in the Nordics and in a variety of events.

BACKGROUND

Rapid global changes, including environmental shifts and a well-being crisis among youth, demand a reevaluation of how to maintain our societal welfare and sustainability. The Nordic job market is feeling the impact of these global shifts, with a looming skilled labor shortage, especially in sectors essential for environmental sustainability. Many young people are also disconnected from education and training opportunities.

VET is central to addressing these issues and for preparing the workforce and our young people to meet these challenges and to support a good life. However, VET’s future is challenged by negative perceptions, and low enrollment and completion rates. By tackling these issues, we can support the green transition and improve youth engagement.

We must shift from viewing these challenges through the lens of experts and policymakers and instead prioritize the voices and ideas of the Nordic youth, fostering inspiring conversations across borders.