Definition

Decentralised European Union agency set up to support the promotion, development and implementation of Union policies in vocational education and training, as well as skills and qualifications policies, by working together with the Commission, EU Member States (plus Iceland and Norway) and social partners.

Comment:

Cedefop's mission is to:

• analyse trends in vocational education and training, skills and qualification policies and systems, and provide comparative analyses across countries;
• analyse labour market trends in relation to skills and qualifications, and vocational education and training;
• analyse and contribute to developments related to the design and award of qualifications, their organisation into frameworks, and their function in the labour market, and in relation to vocational education and training, with a view to enhancing their transparency and recognition;
• analyse and contribute to developments in validation of non-formal and informal learning;
• carry out or commission studies and carry out research on relevant socioeconomic developments and related policy issues;
• provide forums for exchange of experiences and information between governments, the social partners and other stakeholders at national level;
• contribute, including through evidence-based information and analyses, to the implementation of reforms and policies at national level;
• disseminate information with a view to contributing to policies and to raising awareness and understanding of the potential of vocational education and training in promoting and supporting the employability of people, productivity and lifelong learning;
• manage and make available tools, datasets and services for vocational education and training, skills, occupations and qualifications to citizens, companies, policy makers, the social partners and other stakeholders;
• establish a strategy for relations with third countries and international organisations concerning matters for which Cedefop is competent.