James Calleja
Cedefop Director

Dear subscribers,

The European vocational skills week is now an annual appointment on the calendar of stakeholders who consider vocational education and training (VET) a first choice. Cedefop, the EU agency for the development of vocational training, is always eager to support the European Commission in organising an event which aims at drawing the attention of key players to VET’s added value. Several Cedefop events were linked to the week again in 2017. The Thessaloniki-based agency also organised the #CedefopPhotoAward, an annual competition which is part of the European vocational skills week. I was personally touched to see the pictures submitted this year by VET learners. The commitment, creativity and care young people show towards positive messages is remarkable. The photographs depict a high level of talent, inventiveness and imagination. Investing in the education and training of young people makes the future of Europe bright. Their message through photography is stronger than any words adults could use in speeches. The Cedefop motto ‘think European, act local’ is being accomplished by our ongoing work as brokers between research and implementation of VET reform.