The VETCompass project was recently presented during Civil Society Week 2026, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels under the theme “People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!”.
The event brought together a wide range of civil society organisations, policymakers, and European stakeholders to discuss how collaboration and civic engagement can help strengthen democratic values and resilient societies across Europe.
During the week, the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) hosted a stand where participants had the opportunity to learn more about initiatives that support skills development, vocational education and training (VET), and lifelong learning. Among the projects presented was VETCompass, which focuses on strengthening the transversal skills of VET teachers, trainers, and staff.
VETCompass aims to improve the quality and attractiveness of VET systems by identifying and assessing key transversal competences needed by educators today. Through the development of a Transversal Skills Assessment Framework, an innovative game-based assessment tool, and a toolbox of resources for continuous professional development, the project supports educators in adapting to the changing needs of learners and labour markets.
Civil Society Week also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with organisations working across different sectors, exploring how education and skills development contribute to democratic participation, social cohesion, and community resilience.
In addition to presenting projects at the EVBB stand, the organisation co-organised a workshop titled “Educating Citizenship for Resilient Societies.” The session, organised together with partners including the European Parents’ Association (EPA), ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, Lifelong Learning Platform, OBESSU, Inclusion Europe, Union of European Federalists (UEF), and YES Forum, highlighted the crucial role of education and training in empowering citizens and strengthening democratic engagement.
Participation in Civil Society Week 2026 reinforced the importance of collaboration between education stakeholders and civil society actors in building inclusive and resilient communities across Europe. Initiatives like VETCompass demonstrate how strengthening educators’ competences can contribute not only to better learning environments but also to more active and engaged societies.