What we do

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is an agency of the European Union (EU) helping EU neighbouring countries to reform their education and training systems as part of EU external relations policies. By supporting human capital development, the ETF contributes to social and economic development and long-term stability in EU neighbouring countries. The ETF is based in Turin, Italy.

16 items found
  • cg
    Career guidance
    Ongoing

    The ETF works with EU neighbouring and Central Asian countries to further develop national career development support systems following a structured and systematic approach. In 2022, the ETF reviewed...

  • DARYA – Dialogue and action for resourceful youth in Central Asia
    DARYA – Dialogue and action for resourceful youth in Central Asia
    Ongoing

    Education and training in Central Asia: A new era?

    DARYA is the European Union’s first-ever regional project supporting young people in Central Asia through measures fostering inclusion and labour...

  • Digital and online learning
    Digital skills and learning
    Ongoing

    In a globalised and fast-evolving world, digital technologies are having an unprecedented impact on education and training systems, providing new ways to teach and learn and increasing the need to...

  • tw
    Employability and transition to work
    Ongoing

    Young graduates and early school leavers face significant challenges in their transition from education and training to the labour market. Not only are they less likely to have gained much work...

  • Thumbnail
    Governance and financing of lifelong learning
    Ongoing

    The ETF promotes lifelong learning, emphasising the importance of the efficiency, inclusivity and resilience of lifelong learning governance systems. These systems rely on:

    • strong partnerships enabling...
  • a woman holding a tablet surrounded by solar panels
    Green skills
    Ongoing

    The transition to a greener and cleaner world is an enormous challenge and a pressing priority – for all. To get there, green skills are required – the skills people need to work in occupations that...

  • Creating new learning: banner
    Innovative teaching and learning – CNL
    Ongoing
    What is the Creating New Learning (CNL) initiative?

    CNL is an ETF multi-annual, multi-thematic initiative that aims to encourage the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative teaching...

  • Internationalising vocational excellence
    Internationalising vocational excellence
    Ongoing

    Since 2021, the ETF has been supporting the international dimension of centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs) on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social...

  • Qualifications
    Qualifications and qualification systems
    Ongoing

    Qualifications and qualification systems are essential to individuals, the economy and society. They signal the knowledge and skills that people possess, which allows them to obtain a job or pursue a...

  • quality VET
    Quality assurance in vocational training
    Ongoing

    The ETF's approach to promoting quality assurance in vocational education and training (VET) is based on a conceptual framework focusing on five key areas: policy and governance; qualification...

  • Skills and migration
    Skills and migration
    Ongoing

    The ETF works on the skills dimensions of migration to help people in EU neighbouring countries improve their employability in a global labour market.

    What are our key areas of work?

    • Migrant women’s...
  • three people (only hands are visible) discussing graphs and data
    Skills demands analysis
    Ongoing

    In a rapidly changing world, skills development and lifelong learning are critical to build resilience. Adapting to new labour market conditions is essential for both individuals and companies. The...

  • engineering students in a lab, fixing a 3D printer
    Skills for enterprise development
    Ongoing

    The ETF’s initiative Skills for Enterprise Development (S4E) focuses on providing high-quality support in linking vocational education and training (VET) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)...

  • Supporting education reforms and skills in the Eastern Partnership region
    Supporting education reforms and skills in the Eastern Partnership region
    Ongoing

    ‘Supporting education reforms and skills in the Eastern Partnership region’ – the EaP Education Programme – is the first European Union’s regional programme focusing on education in the Eastern...

  • Network for excellence
    Vocational excellence – ENE
    Ongoing

    ETF Network for Excellence: an international network of centres of vocational excellence 

    What are the centres of vocational excellence? 

    Centres of excellence in vocational education and training are...