Higher Vocational Education and Training (HVET) is a valuable educational route offering practical, career-oriented learning that connects directly with labour market needs. Despite its benefits, HVET is still underrepresented in many countries’ education systems.
HVET offers programs that equip learners with strong technical and professional skills. They offer:
- Access to technical careers across sectors like health, engineering, and ICT.
- Quick transition into the workforce with high employment potential.
- Career-focused, hands-on learning that responds to industry demands.
- Opportunities for upskilling and lifelong learning.
This makes HVET an essential option for learners who prefer applied learning or are seeking alternative routes to stable careers.
The Awareness of HVET and the opportunities given remains low and the infographic you can see below highlights key gaps in HVET awareness among three groups:
- Students often lack exposure to HVET as a valid option.
- Teachers may not have the tools or knowledge to advise on HVET paths.
- School counsellors are frequently unaware of the full range of vocational pathways.
In addition, there’s limited understanding of switching options between general and vocational education, and HVET is often not well explained in schools.
QUAHVET project addresses these issues by promoting transparency, quality, and comparability in HVET across Europe. By tackling both structural and awareness challenges, QUAHVET helps make HVET more accessible, respected, and integrated within the national and European education systems.
In a rapidly evolving labour market, we need flexible, practical learning options. HVET offers just that. But until it is fully understood and promoted, many learners will miss out on opportunities that match their skills and goals. Projects like QUAHVET are essential in reshaping perceptions, improving quality, and ensuring that HVET takes its rightful place in the education landscape.
