Last week, Lyon became the international capital of Vocational Training, and our Mundus International team was excited to be part of it. The city hosted a significant double event that highlighted the importance of vocational education and training (VET) on a global scale.
WorldSkills Competition
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is a prestigious global event that showcases young professionals from various countries competing in a wide range of vocational skills. This year’s competition featured participants in over 60 skills categories, including technology, culinary arts, construction, and healthcare. WorldSkills not only highlights the talents of future leaders in VET but also sets benchmarks for skills training worldwide. It serves as a platform for collaboration, allowing participants to demonstrate their expertise while gaining recognition for their skills.
Forum of Excellence in VET
The Forum of Excellence in VET (CoVE) is an integral part of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, bringing together leading experts, educators, and industry representatives from around the globe. This forum aims to foster collaboration and innovation in vocational education and training by addressing common challenges faced by the sector. Participants engage in discussions on best practices, new methodologies, and the future of skills training.
The CoVE initiative focuses on establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence across Europe, which serve as hubs for sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies to improve VET. By promoting partnerships between education and industry, the CoVE Forum encourages the development of high-quality vocational programs that align with labor market needs. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality and relevance of vocational education, ensuring that it meets the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
Mundus’ Active Participation
The Mundus team attended various talks and workshops and actively contributed through two key actions linked to our extensive experience in Vocational Training across Africa:
Africa Day at SEPR
We had the privilege of engaging with 10 African delegations, where we presented the African initiatives of the Erasmus+ program. Mundus currently leads 8 active projects on the continent, which sparked a productive debate with official institutions, including ministries of education, ambassadors, and development agencies.
African Skills at the WorldSkills Competition
Béatrice Bellet, Head of International projects and Sergio Lagarde, Coordinator of the Mundus action in Africa led an insightful workshop on how African VET centers can collaborate with European partners to create innovative projects and partnerships. This practical session fostered dynamic exchanges of ideas, paving the way for future collaborations.
Gathering Insights for the Future
Meanwhile, the rest of our team gathered valuable insights and noted key milestones shaping the vocational training sector worldwide. The lessons learned from WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and the CoVE Forum will inform our strategies and initiatives as we work to enhance vocational education and training.
At Mundus, we are committed to participating in impactful events that shape the future of VET, especially in Africa. Together, we can enhance vocational education and training and contribute to a sustainable future.
