The aim of this report is to stimulate debate on vocational training policy at European level.
Vocational training is an important policy tool.
It is used to help realise many diverse economic and social aims, in particular, a high level of employment, social cohesion and the maintenance of competitiveness in support of sustainable economic development. If it is to contribute successfully to these aims, the policy framework that defines its objectives, organisation and content must be effective. A context of change Vocational training has developed as an instrument of employment policy in response to economic and social change to facilitate adaptation to the changing structure of activity and content of jobs, to integrate young people and other groups into the labour market and to promote equal opportunities. This development has been supported by successive policy frameworks at European level which have encouraged debate and the identification of issues of common interest and which have acted as an important reference point for national vocational training policies. These, in turn, have provided both the support and context for practical measures of cooperation, such as over pilot projects and the exchange of people and information, in a wide range of programmes.