Ad Hoc Query on vocational education and training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection
This ad hoc query, which informed the preparation of an EMN Inform, collected information on how Member and Observer Countries organise vocational education and training (VET) for applicants and beneficiaries of international protection. It covers programme structures, admission conditions, support measures, incentives, obligations, and the recognition of prior skills, as well as good practices and key challenges in delivering VET.
Background:
The European Migration Network, following a vote by its Steering Board, decided to develop an Inform on Vocational Education and Training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection as part of its 2024 work programme. The aim of this Inform was to identify how EMN Member and Observer Countries implement vocational education and training as a measure to support the integration of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection. To gather reliable and up-to-date information for drafting the Inform, this ad hoc question was issued.
Respondents:
25 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.
Findings:
A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:
- Most EMN Member Countries, along with Serbia, allow beneficiaries of international protection and, in many cases, applicants for international protection to access mainstream VET programmes under the same conditions as nationals. In addition, eleven countries have developed specific VET programmes for these groups.
- Many countries provide mainstream incentives for participants in VET, such as financial allowances or transport support, and a few offer additional, targeted incentives specifically for beneficiaries and applicants for international protection. Separately, four countries provide incentives to employers—including subsidies, tax relief, or support measures such as mentoring and translation services—to encourage them to host or hire VET participants.
- Good practices include collaboration with the private sector, combination of VET programmes with work, creation of one-stop-shops for VET provision, recognition of prior learning, involvement of support persons, and use of communication materials.
- Constraints and challenges include language barriers, challenges in the recognition of prior learning, and the lack of VET programmes adapted for BIP and applicants for international protection.
For concise and comparative information, please refer to the Inform on the subject. For detailed country-specific information, please consult the compilation of responses attached above.