Transforming Vocational Education: Establishing Territorial Observatories in Agri-Food

In the coming weeks, a new initiative will be launched under the AgriFood4Future project: the establishment of territorial observatories to support vocational education and training (VET) in the agri-food sector. Task 4.9: Guidance Services for VET Learners and Observatory for the Re-adaptation of Learning Programs, led and coordinated by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) in collaboration with partners across six countries, represents an ambitious step toward aligning VET programs with the needs of learners, educators, and industry stakeholders.

The initiative brings together a robust network of 23 European partners from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, and Germany. At the heart of the effort are the Centers of Vocational Excellence (COVEs), which will act as regional hubs for this work. These observatories will collect and analyse data on labour market trends, identify emerging skill gaps, and provide actionable insights to align VET programs with industry needs, particularly in areas such as sustainability, digitalization, and smart farming.

While ambitious, this initiative is grounded in a practical approach. Territorial observatories will begin with a pilot phase to test and refine methodologies, ensuring they are both effective and adaptable to different regional contexts. To support their work, standardized tools and templates will be developed, streamlining processes such as data collection, reporting, and career guidance services. This foundation will allow the observatories to serve as long-term resources for addressing the evolving demands of the agri-food sector.

Task 4.9 is designed to continue beyond the AgriFood4Future project’s lifecycle, with the ultimate aim of creating a sustainable framework that can be expanded to other regions and countries. The observatories are not only a practical tool but also a demonstration of how collaboration among VET institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers can lead to meaningful progress in aligning education with real-world demands.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment among the AgriFood4Future partners to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that supports the agri-food sector’s critical role in sustainability and innovation. It is an invitation to all stakeholders to participate in this collective effort and contribute to shaping the future of VET for the agri-food sector.

The task is ambitious, but with strong collaboration, clear goals, and a commitment to addressing both regional and cross-border needs, it promises to provide lasting value for learners, educators, and the industry alike.

For further questions, please reach out to Samir Cheriaa (samir.cheriaa@evbb.eu)