A recent Eurobarometer report has delved into public attitudes towards vocational education and training across Europe, finding some positive overall results despite great variations across the EU:

• 71% of people in the EU believe vocational education and training (VET) has a positive image in their country. 
  - Highest: Malta (92%), Finland (90%) and Austria (88%)
  - Lowest: Slovenia (50%) and Netherlands (50%).
    
• 82% believe that VET provides employable skills
  - Highest: Cyprus (95%), Sweden (91%) and Austria (89%)
  - Lowest: Hungary (62%) and Romania (68%).

The report shows a gap between how vocational education is viewed (71% positive) and its value, measured in terms of employability (82%). Interestingly, the report did not find a correlation between these two factors; in the Netherlands, for example, only 50% believed VET has a positive image, but 81% said VET provided the skills employers need.

You can see the full report here.

At Edexcel, we strongly believe in the need for rigorous vocational education that provides learners with the skills they need to be successful in today’s labour market - and we believe our vocational BTEC qualifications are a fantastic example of this.

Find out about successful BTEC centres in Europe