EU, be proud of your trainers : supporting those who train for improving skills, employment and competitiveness : guiding principles on professional development of trainers in VET.
Date: 2014-10-14
Institutions: Cedefop
Subjects: professional qualifications, teacher, updating of skills, vocational training

WHO CAN DO WHAT

EU and national policy-making and framework for implementation:

• take forward the guiding principles for future cooperation  in VET (Bruges short-term deliverables, thematic      

groups, ET 2020 priorities and EU initiatives); 

• support embedding trainers’ competence development in national legislation and financial incentives/

strategies/social partners and sectoral agreements; 

• ensure competence development (and if needed further profiling) of skilled workers with training functions 

in national systems when introducing/improving WBL;

• set a framework for minimum standards/qualifications for VET trainers;
• establish incentives to involve and support companies in trainers’ competence development;
• ’open up’ formal education for training trainers and validation of their non-formal and informal learning;
• create one-stop-shop information services and nominate coordination bodies. 

Provision (VET providers and companies):

• follow all steps of competence development: define training needs based on trainer profiles/standards/

qualifications; ensure varied and flexible training provision; validate learning outcomes;

• build partnerships and share responsibilities for competence development curricula and training 

programmes for trainers;

• use commonly agreed and piloted tools: guidelines, methodological handbooks; 
• introduce/improve quality assurance and validation of trainers’ skills in cooperation with authorities and 

social partners;

• compensate for SMEs’ limited capacity through networking, partnerships, training centres and alliances;
• introduce ‘learning enabling functions’ in companies: innovation officers, counsellors, education advisors.

Awareness raising, research and communication: 

• use EU events (summits, Euroskills, European business forum, etc.) and national campaigns to nominate 

and award EU training companies and best VET trainers;

• make research outcomes and examples of good practice known to companies;
• provide common virtual knowledge and resource centre space (for example, EPALE platform); 
• raise awareness of available opportunities for training, mobility and validation of competences;
• communicate and consult on latest developments in European principles, tools and initiatives at EU and 

national levels.

The guiding principles are a contribution of the European Commission, Cedefop and the thematic working 
group on professional development of trainers in VET to the objective set in the Bruges communiqué of 
collecting good practice and developing guiding principles on changing roles, competences and professional 
development of VET teachers and trainers (Council of the European Union; European Commission, 2010).

The guiding principles give policy pointers on how to support VET trainers in companies in developing 
their competences. They are addressed to education and training policy- and decision-makers, illustrated 
by concrete examples of practice from Member States. These can be further translated into actions for all 
stakeholders, depending on national situations and contexts.

The full text (with examples) is available at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/Files/TWG_Guiding_
principles_on_professional_development_of_trainers_in_VET_
FINAL.pdf 

More results from the thematic working group can be found at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/projects/vet-
teachers-and-trainers/index.aspx 

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European Centre for the Development
of Vocational Training

Europe 123, 570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea), GREECE
PO Box 22427, 551 02 Thessaloniki, GREECE
Tel. +30 2310490111, Fax +30 2310490020, E-mail: info@cedefop.europa.eu

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 2014
All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-92-896-1667-6

9

789289

616683

EU, be proud of your trainers:
supporting those who train for improving skills, 
employment and competitiveness

Guiding principles on professional
development of trainers in VET

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HOW TO SUPPORT TRAINERS IN ENTERPRISES IN ACQUIRING 
AND UPDATING THEIR COMPETENCES

1. Trainers are lifelong learners: recognise their identity and work; support their 
lifelong learning
Most work-based learning (WBL) is done by skilled workers who train in addition to their main work, which 
should be recognised. Policy action and initiatives of various players (sectoral organisations, employers’ and 
trainers’ associations) should aim at developing and encouraging their lifelong learning attitudes. Reflective 
practice should be encouraged. EU and national authorities should consider awareness-raising campaigns and 
awards to acknowledge successful training companies and their trainers.

3. Trainers’ competence development benefits from a systematic approach: 
define what trainers need, provide training and learning opportunities, recognise 
competences.

Countries aiming at better professionalisation of in-company trainers’ and wider recognition of their work should 
consider a systematic approach, comprising: 

•  availability of qualification or competence standards; 
•  flexible and relevant training provision; 
•  opportunities to get competences validated and recognised.

4. Supporting trainers in companies is a shared responsibility: ensure effective 
cooperation and coordination.
Effective cooperation and shared responsibility among all stakeholders is the main success factor to effective 
support for professional development of trainers in companies. The EU, national authorities, sectoral 
organisations, social partners, VET institutions/providers, companies and trainers themselves have a role 
to play. Responsibilities and actions should be clearly distributed among all. The education and training 
sector at national and regional levels should open up; training should be made available to companies. A 
coordinating body with a leadership role is crucial.

2. Companies’ support is crucial for trainers’ competence development: raise 
awareness of benefits and get companies on board in supporting training and 
trainers. 
Companies’ involvement and participation are crucial for successful initiatives aimed at increasing 
apprenticeship opportunities and improving work-based learning. Policies should support companies who wish 
to train apprentices or develop their employees’ skills.

3.1 Qualification or competence standards are sound reference points for trainers’ 
professional development.
Qualification or competence standards for trainers in companies serve as sound reference points for training 
programmes and validation of prior learning. Regulations should set only minimum requirements to guarantee 
quality of training; all other options could be available as add-ons. Trainer qualifications should be linked to 
national qualifications frameworks (NQFs).

2.1 Small and medium-sized enterprises are important players: provide targeted 
support.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important players and need targeted support SMEs depend 
more on external support mechanisms and SME-friendly environments. Support measures should help SMEs 
to overcome external and internal barriers and compensate for their limited capacity to identify and respond to 
their learning needs, where competence development of those who train others in the workplace can be part.

3.2 Trainers should benefit from varied and flexible training provision.
Trainers should have access to various flexible training programmes that provide opportunities to develop their 
competences, update existing ones to the required level or close competence gaps. This is especially needed 
if requirements are set at regulatory level. In this case, training programmes should be provided by the State 
or the relevant social partner. Competence development should cover all areas of competence. Respective 
programmes should be closer linked to trainers’ actual working contexts and tasks in companies.

3.3 Validation of trainers’ competences should be anintegral part of any support 
system.
Validation of competences acquired through professional practice should be an integral part of any support 
system for competence development of trainers in companies. Policy action should support creating and 
expanding opportunities for validation and certification of trainers’ prior learning and competences acquired at 
work as valid alternatives to formal training.

5. Competent trainers in companies matter: make them part of a broader agenda 
and use all available funds and programmes.

Support for in-company trainers should be part of a broader agenda and national priorities for employment 
and economic growth, more specifically, of lifelong learning, VET and skills development strategies, policies 
and reform processes. Sustainable use of available EU funds (such as the European Social Fund (ESF), 
Erasmus+, etc.) should be targeted at competence development of in-company trainers. The EU can provide 
special provisions/allocations within such programmes for training staff in companies in most critical skills 
and areas, for example, for apprentice tutors in SMEs.

WHY TRAINERS ARE IMPORTANT

In initial vocational education and training (IVET), trainers (tutors, instructors, 
mentors and teachers) contribute to raising young people’s employability. They 
reinforce the link between education and actual working life; the stronger the link, 
the easier is job-seeking and job offering. In continuing VET (CVET), in-company 
trainers (full-time trainers, skilled workers and owners of enterprises) contribute 
to raising productivity and competitiveness of companies. They help newcomers 
integrate into the work environment and cater for updating and upgrading their 
co-workers’ skills.

HOW TO SUPPORT TRAINERS IN ENTERPRISES IN ACQUIRING 
AND UPDATING THEIR COMPETENCES

1. Trainers are lifelong learners: recognise their identity and work; support their 
lifelong learning
Most work-based learning (WBL) is done by skilled workers who train in addition to their main work, which 
should be recognised. Policy action and initiatives of various players (sectoral organisations, employers’ and 
trainers’ associations) should aim at developing and encouraging their lifelong learning attitudes. Reflective 
practice should be encouraged. EU and national authorities should consider awareness-raising campaigns and 
awards to acknowledge successful training companies and their trainers.

3. Trainers’ competence development benefits from a systematic approach: 
define what trainers need, provide training and learning opportunities, recognise 
competences.

Countries aiming at better professionalisation of in-company trainers’ and wider recognition of their work should 
consider a systematic approach, comprising: 

•  availability of qualification or competence standards; 
•  flexible and relevant training provision; 
•  opportunities to get competences validated and recognised.

4. Supporting trainers in companies is a shared responsibility: ensure effective 
cooperation and coordination.
Effective cooperation and shared responsibility among all stakeholders is the main success factor to effective 
support for professional development of trainers in companies. The EU, national authorities, sectoral 
organisations, social partners, VET institutions/providers, companies and trainers themselves have a role 
to play. Responsibilities and actions should be clearly distributed among all. The education and training 
sector at national and regional levels should open up; training should be made available to companies. A 
coordinating body with a leadership role is crucial.

2. Companies’ support is crucial for trainers’ competence development: raise 
awareness of benefits and get companies on board in supporting training and 
trainers. 
Companies’ involvement and participation are crucial for successful initiatives aimed at increasing 
apprenticeship opportunities and improving work-based learning. Policies should support companies who wish 
to train apprentices or develop their employees’ skills.

3.1 Qualification or competence standards are sound reference points for trainers’ 
professional development.
Qualification or competence standards for trainers in companies serve as sound reference points for training 
programmes and validation of prior learning. Regulations should set only minimum requirements to guarantee 
quality of training; all other options could be available as add-ons. Trainer qualifications should be linked to 
national qualifications frameworks (NQFs).

2.1 Small and medium-sized enterprises are important players: provide targeted 
support.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important players and need targeted support SMEs depend 
more on external support mechanisms and SME-friendly environments. Support measures should help SMEs 
to overcome external and internal barriers and compensate for their limited capacity to identify and respond to 
their learning needs, where competence development of those who train others in the workplace can be part.

3.2 Trainers should benefit from varied and flexible training provision.
Trainers should have access to various flexible training programmes that provide opportunities to develop their 
competences, update existing ones to the required level or close competence gaps. This is especially needed 
if requirements are set at regulatory level. In this case, training programmes should be provided by the State 
or the relevant social partner. Competence development should cover all areas of competence. Respective 
programmes should be closer linked to trainers’ actual working contexts and tasks in companies.

3.3 Validation of trainers’ competences should be anintegral part of any support 
system.
Validation of competences acquired through professional practice should be an integral part of any support 
system for competence development of trainers in companies. Policy action should support creating and 
expanding opportunities for validation and certification of trainers’ prior learning and competences acquired at 
work as valid alternatives to formal training.

5. Competent trainers in companies matter: make them part of a broader agenda 
and use all available funds and programmes.

Support for in-company trainers should be part of a broader agenda and national priorities for employment 
and economic growth, more specifically, of lifelong learning, VET and skills development strategies, policies 
and reform processes. Sustainable use of available EU funds (such as the European Social Fund (ESF), 
Erasmus+, etc.) should be targeted at competence development of in-company trainers. The EU can provide 
special provisions/allocations within such programmes for training staff in companies in most critical skills 
and areas, for example, for apprentice tutors in SMEs.

WHY TRAINERS ARE IMPORTANT

In initial vocational education and training (IVET), trainers (tutors, instructors, 
mentors and teachers) contribute to raising young people’s employability. They 
reinforce the link between education and actual working life; the stronger the link, 
the easier is job-seeking and job offering. In continuing VET (CVET), in-company 
trainers (full-time trainers, skilled workers and owners of enterprises) contribute 
to raising productivity and competitiveness of companies. They help newcomers 
integrate into the work environment and cater for updating and upgrading their 
co-workers’ skills.

HOW TO SUPPORT TRAINERS IN ENTERPRISES IN ACQUIRING 
AND UPDATING THEIR COMPETENCES

1. Trainers are lifelong learners: recognise their identity and work; support their 
lifelong learning
Most work-based learning (WBL) is done by skilled workers who train in addition to their main work, which 
should be recognised. Policy action and initiatives of various players (sectoral organisations, employers’ and 
trainers’ associations) should aim at developing and encouraging their lifelong learning attitudes. Reflective 
practice should be encouraged. EU and national authorities should consider awareness-raising campaigns and 
awards to acknowledge successful training companies and their trainers.

3. Trainers’ competence development benefits from a systematic approach: 
define what trainers need, provide training and learning opportunities, recognise 
competences.

Countries aiming at better professionalisation of in-company trainers’ and wider recognition of their work should 
consider a systematic approach, comprising: 

•  availability of qualification or competence standards; 
•  flexible and relevant training provision; 
•  opportunities to get competences validated and recognised.

4. Supporting trainers in companies is a shared responsibility: ensure effective 
cooperation and coordination.
Effective cooperation and shared responsibility among all stakeholders is the main success factor to effective 
support for professional development of trainers in companies. The EU, national authorities, sectoral 
organisations, social partners, VET institutions/providers, companies and trainers themselves have a role 
to play. Responsibilities and actions should be clearly distributed among all. The education and training 
sector at national and regional levels should open up; training should be made available to companies. A 
coordinating body with a leadership role is crucial.

2. Companies’ support is crucial for trainers’ competence development: raise 
awareness of benefits and get companies on board in supporting training and 
trainers. 
Companies’ involvement and participation are crucial for successful initiatives aimed at increasing 
apprenticeship opportunities and improving work-based learning. Policies should support companies who wish 
to train apprentices or develop their employees’ skills.

3.1 Qualification or competence standards are sound reference points for trainers’ 
professional development.
Qualification or competence standards for trainers in companies serve as sound reference points for training 
programmes and validation of prior learning. Regulations should set only minimum requirements to guarantee 
quality of training; all other options could be available as add-ons. Trainer qualifications should be linked to 
national qualifications frameworks (NQFs).

2.1 Small and medium-sized enterprises are important players: provide targeted 
support.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important players and need targeted support SMEs depend 
more on external support mechanisms and SME-friendly environments. Support measures should help SMEs 
to overcome external and internal barriers and compensate for their limited capacity to identify and respond to 
their learning needs, where competence development of those who train others in the workplace can be part.

3.2 Trainers should benefit from varied and flexible training provision.
Trainers should have access to various flexible training programmes that provide opportunities to develop their 
competences, update existing ones to the required level or close competence gaps. This is especially needed 
if requirements are set at regulatory level. In this case, training programmes should be provided by the State 
or the relevant social partner. Competence development should cover all areas of competence. Respective 
programmes should be closer linked to trainers’ actual working contexts and tasks in companies.

3.3 Validation of trainers’ competences should be anintegral part of any support 
system.
Validation of competences acquired through professional practice should be an integral part of any support 
system for competence development of trainers in companies. Policy action should support creating and 
expanding opportunities for validation and certification of trainers’ prior learning and competences acquired at 
work as valid alternatives to formal training.

5. Competent trainers in companies matter: make them part of a broader agenda 
and use all available funds and programmes.

Support for in-company trainers should be part of a broader agenda and national priorities for employment 
and economic growth, more specifically, of lifelong learning, VET and skills development strategies, policies 
and reform processes. Sustainable use of available EU funds (such as the European Social Fund (ESF), 
Erasmus+, etc.) should be targeted at competence development of in-company trainers. The EU can provide 
special provisions/allocations within such programmes for training staff in companies in most critical skills 
and areas, for example, for apprentice tutors in SMEs.

WHY TRAINERS ARE IMPORTANT

In initial vocational education and training (IVET), trainers (tutors, instructors, 
mentors and teachers) contribute to raising young people’s employability. They 
reinforce the link between education and actual working life; the stronger the link, 
the easier is job-seeking and job offering. In continuing VET (CVET), in-company 
trainers (full-time trainers, skilled workers and owners of enterprises) contribute 
to raising productivity and competitiveness of companies. They help newcomers 
integrate into the work environment and cater for updating and upgrading their 
co-workers’ skills.

WHO CAN DO WHAT

EU and national policy-making and framework for implementation:

• take forward the guiding principles for future cooperation  in VET (Bruges short-term deliverables, thematic      

groups, ET 2020 priorities and EU initiatives); 

• support embedding trainers’ competence development in national legislation and financial incentives/

strategies/social partners and sectoral agreements; 

• ensure competence development (and if needed further profiling) of skilled workers with training functions 

in national systems when introducing/improving WBL;

• set a framework for minimum standards/qualifications for VET trainers;
• establish incentives to involve and support companies in trainers’ competence development;
• ’open up’ formal education for training trainers and validation of their non-formal and informal learning;
• create one-stop-shop information services and nominate coordination bodies. 

Provision (VET providers and companies):

• follow all steps of competence development: define training needs based on trainer profiles/standards/

qualifications; ensure varied and flexible training provision; validate learning outcomes;

• build partnerships and share responsibilities for competence development curricula and training 

programmes for trainers;

• use commonly agreed and piloted tools: guidelines, methodological handbooks; 
• introduce/improve quality assurance and validation of trainers’ skills in cooperation with authorities and 

social partners;

• compensate for SMEs’ limited capacity through networking, partnerships, training centres and alliances;
• introduce ‘learning enabling functions’ in companies: innovation officers, counsellors, education advisors.

Awareness raising, research and communication: 

• use EU events (summits, Euroskills, European business forum, etc.) and national campaigns to nominate 

and award EU training companies and best VET trainers;

• make research outcomes and examples of good practice known to companies;
• provide common virtual knowledge and resource centre space (for example, EPALE platform); 
• raise awareness of available opportunities for training, mobility and validation of competences;
• communicate and consult on latest developments in European principles, tools and initiatives at EU and 

national levels.

The guiding principles are a contribution of the European Commission, Cedefop and the thematic working 
group on professional development of trainers in VET to the objective set in the Bruges communiqué of 
collecting good practice and developing guiding principles on changing roles, competences and professional 
development of VET teachers and trainers (Council of the European Union; European Commission, 2010).

The guiding principles give policy pointers on how to support VET trainers in companies in developing 
their competences. They are addressed to education and training policy- and decision-makers, illustrated 
by concrete examples of practice from Member States. These can be further translated into actions for all 
stakeholders, depending on national situations and contexts.

The full text (with examples) is available at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/Files/TWG_Guiding_
principles_on_professional_development_of_trainers_in_VET_
FINAL.pdf 

More results from the thematic working group can be found at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/projects/vet-
teachers-and-trainers/index.aspx 

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European Centre for the Development
of Vocational Training

Europe 123, 570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea), GREECE
PO Box 22427, 551 02 Thessaloniki, GREECE
Tel. +30 2310490111, Fax +30 2310490020, E-mail: info@cedefop.europa.eu

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 2014
All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-92-896-1667-6

9

789289

616683

EU, be proud of your trainers:
supporting those who train for improving skills, 
employment and competitiveness

Guiding principles on professional
development of trainers in VET

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHO CAN DO WHAT

EU and national policy-making and framework for implementation:

• take forward the guiding principles for future cooperation  in VET (Bruges short-term deliverables, thematic      

groups, ET 2020 priorities and EU initiatives); 

• support embedding trainers’ competence development in national legislation and financial incentives/

strategies/social partners and sectoral agreements; 

• ensure competence development (and if needed further profiling) of skilled workers with training functions 

in national systems when introducing/improving WBL;

• set a framework for minimum standards/qualifications for VET trainers;
• establish incentives to involve and support companies in trainers’ competence development;
• ’open up’ formal education for training trainers and validation of their non-formal and informal learning;
• create one-stop-shop information services and nominate coordination bodies. 

Provision (VET providers and companies):

• follow all steps of competence development: define training needs based on trainer profiles/standards/

qualifications; ensure varied and flexible training provision; validate learning outcomes;

• build partnerships and share responsibilities for competence development curricula and training 

programmes for trainers;

• use commonly agreed and piloted tools: guidelines, methodological handbooks; 
• introduce/improve quality assurance and validation of trainers’ skills in cooperation with authorities and 

social partners;

• compensate for SMEs’ limited capacity through networking, partnerships, training centres and alliances;
• introduce ‘learning enabling functions’ in companies: innovation officers, counsellors, education advisors.

Awareness raising, research and communication: 

• use EU events (summits, Euroskills, European business forum, etc.) and national campaigns to nominate 

and award EU training companies and best VET trainers;

• make research outcomes and examples of good practice known to companies;
• provide common virtual knowledge and resource centre space (for example, EPALE platform); 
• raise awareness of available opportunities for training, mobility and validation of competences;
• communicate and consult on latest developments in European principles, tools and initiatives at EU and 

national levels.

The guiding principles are a contribution of the European Commission, Cedefop and the thematic working 
group on professional development of trainers in VET to the objective set in the Bruges communiqué of 
collecting good practice and developing guiding principles on changing roles, competences and professional 
development of VET teachers and trainers (Council of the European Union; European Commission, 2010).

The guiding principles give policy pointers on how to support VET trainers in companies in developing 
their competences. They are addressed to education and training policy- and decision-makers, illustrated 
by concrete examples of practice from Member States. These can be further translated into actions for all 
stakeholders, depending on national situations and contexts.

The full text (with examples) is available at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/Files/TWG_Guiding_
principles_on_professional_development_of_trainers_in_VET_
FINAL.pdf 

More results from the thematic working group can be found at:
http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/about-cedefop/projects/vet-
teachers-and-trainers/index.aspx 

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European Centre for the Development
of Vocational Training

Europe 123, 570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea), GREECE
PO Box 22427, 551 02 Thessaloniki, GREECE
Tel. +30 2310490111, Fax +30 2310490020, E-mail: info@cedefop.europa.eu

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 2014
All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-92-896-1667-6

9

789289

616683

EU, be proud of your trainers:
supporting those who train for improving skills, 
employment and competitiveness

Guiding principles on professional
development of trainers in VET