Vocational education and training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection

High-quality vocational education and training (VET) is vital for enabling applicants and beneficiaries of international protection to access employment, respond to labour-market needs and strengthen long-term integration. This inform compares national systems governing admission to VET, responsible institutions, programme types, and links to labour market shortages. It outlines mainstream and targeted programmes, including those tailored for young people transitioning to adulthood, and identifies how countries validate prior learning or provide entrepreneurship training. The inform also reviews incentive mechanisms for both participants and employers, as well as obligations attached to VET participation. Good practices – such as cooperation with the private sector, work-based learning models, and one-stop-shop approaches – are contrasted with common challenges including language barriers and recognition of skills.  By mapping structures, gaps and promising measures across Member States, the inform aims at supporting policymakers in improving access to VET as a key driver of labour market integration.