Applications open for European Vocational Education and Training Initiative

Deadline: 20-May-2027

The European Vocational Education and Training Initiative (EVI) supports long-term projects that strengthen vocational education and training (VET) and help European societies prepare for the green transition. In 2027, the initiative is open to projects based in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary, with a total call budget of EUR 12 million. The programme supports systemic transformation in vocational education, helping institutions develop the skills, competencies, and learning environments needed for a more sustainable economy. Projects are expected to create lasting impact by introducing innovative approaches, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and responding to changing labour market needs.

About the European Vocational Education and Training Initiative

The European Vocational Education and Training Initiative is designed to strengthen VET systems as European economies and societies transition toward greater sustainability. The programme recognises that the green transition is changing the skills and competencies required across sectors. As a result, vocational education needs to adapt its approaches to jobs, skills, teaching, and learning. EVI aims to support this transformation by funding projects that rethink vocational education through a sustainability-focused perspective. EVI 2027 Funding Opportunity The 2027 EVI call provides a total budget of EUR 12 million for eligible projects in four Central European countries. The initiative supports long-term projects lasting three to five years. It has a preference for projects with budgets above EUR 500,000, reflecting its focus on substantial and sustainable systemic impact. The programme is not primarily intended for short-term activities. Instead, it seeks projects capable of developing, testing, scaling, and embedding solutions that can create lasting improvements in vocational education and training. Countries Covered For 2027, EVI is open to projects based in: - Poland - Czechia - Slovakia - Hungary Projects should demonstrate relevance to the educational, labour-market, and sustainability context in the country where they are based. What Does EVI Aim to Achieve? The initiative seeks to help vocational education systems respond to the changing demands associated with the green transition.

Its objectives include:

- Developing skills and competencies relevant to sustainable economies. - Adapting vocational education to changing labour-market requirements. - Supporting systemic transformation across sectors. - Encouraging innovative approaches to teaching and learning. - Integrating sustainability into vocational education. - Strengthening links between education and employment. - Creating inclusive and inspiring learning environments. - Building long-term capacity within educational institutions and communities. What Projects Can EVI Support? EVI supports a broad range of activities that contribute to the development and transformation of vocational education and training. Eligible activities can include teacher development, innovative teaching approaches, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, sustainability-focused curricula, inclusive learning environments, and improvements to educational infrastructure. Professional Development of Teachers Projects can support the professional development of teachers and educators. This can help teaching professionals acquire new competencies and adapt their teaching practices to the requirements of the green transition. Professional development may form part of broader projects designed to modernise VET systems and improve the quality of vocational learning. Innovative Didactic Approaches and Digital Tools EVI supports the development and implementation of innovative didactic approaches using digital tools. Projects can explore new ways of teaching and learning that make vocational education more relevant, engaging, flexible, and responsive to emerging labour-market needs. Digital approaches should contribute to the broader developmental and systemic objectives of the project. Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeships Strengthening entrepreneurship and apprenticeships is another area supported by the initiative. Projects can help strengthen connections between vocational education and practical employment opportunities while encouraging entrepreneurial skills. Apprenticeship-related approaches can also help learners develop practical competencies relevant to changing industries and sustainable economic activities. Integrating Sustainability Into Curricula EVI encourages projects that integrate sustainability-related subjects into vocational education curricula. One example specifically identified by the initiative is the circular economy. Projects can rethink existing curricula and introduce sustainability concepts that help learners understand and respond to environmental and economic changes. Inclusive and Inspiring Learning Environments The programme also supports the creation of inclusive and inspiring learning environments. Projects can focus on improving educational environments so that learners have better opportunities to participate, develop relevant skills, and engage with new approaches to vocational education. Renovation and Upgrading of Existing Buildings EVI funding can also support the renovation and upgrading of existing buildings where this contributes to learning activities. Infrastructure improvements can help create better educational environments while supporting the broader sustainability objectives of the project. Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure Projects may also include measures that increase the use of renewable energy sources. This creates an opportunity to connect vocational learning environments with practical sustainability improvements and demonstrate green-transition solutions in educational settings. Long-Term Projects With Lasting Impact EVI has a strong focus on sustainability and long-term impact. Projects should generall