Almost all European countries face challenges in educating sufficient skilled workers. Particularly in countries with a predominantly school-based vocational training practical qualification takes mostly place only with complementary internships in companies; the relevant skills and competencies must be significantly improved and a high-quality must be achieved. The dual vocational training proved itself to be of high value in this context. Within the ICC4VET project, a sector competence centre was developed in Poland with the realisation of a dual vocational training at the Tadeusz Tanski Mechanical and Logistics School Complex. In addition, further training courses for vocational school teachers were developed and implemented. Special trainings for trainers in SMEs in countries with school-based vocational training were adapted and implemented. A further training course for technicians within the framework of a dual training course of two years with entitlement to study at a university of applied sciences was developed and implemented. In preparation for the introduction of dual Bachelor's programmes, implementation plans were drawn up for the expansion of the two-tier sector competence centres into a three-tier system of vocational training and innovation promotion. This publication contains the relevant curricula and experiences as a result of the project ICC4VET with the following partner: Baltic Sea Academy (DE), Vocational Training and Technology Centre of the Schwerin Chamber of Skilled Crafts (DE), Tadeusz Tanski Mechanical and Logistics School Complex (PL), Vilnius Builders Training Center (LT), Panevezys Chamber of Commerce Industry and Crafts (LT), Latvijas Amatniecibas kamera (LV), Võru County Vocational Training Centre (EE.)

« Understanding todays' Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems requires a comprehension of the rise and development, i.e. of the foundations of topical VET. This book is one of the first publications providing a comparative view of this development in Europe. Apart from older roots, the evolution of VET systems are one trigger of the modernization of economy, society and education itself. The 28 contributions, including countries like Austria, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland of renowned authors and experts in this field are organized in three sections: Concepts which are discussing theoretical approaches towards this phenomenon. Cases which stress specific developments of VET in a certain country or region and Challenges which are contextualizing the historical perspective in a topical policy context. »--

To remain competitive in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must increase their innovation capacity and close the gap between qualification requirements and demands. Human capital is the most important resource for increasing productivity and innovation. As a result, the "Knowledge Alliance for Human Resources and Organizational Development" project was launched and ran from 2017 to 2021. The project of eleven partners from four countries placed a high value on increased collaboration between universities and businesses in order to promote education and innovation. The most important findings are included in this publication. First, through R&D work at universities, SME-specific methods, instruments, and projects are developed, tested, and implemented, resulting in workplace innovations in areas such as employee recruitment, motivation, and digitization, a more innovative working environment, and more efficient use of human capital. Second, through qualifications, small and medium-sized enterprises in the Baltic Sea Region's awareness and competencies in this new area of innovation promotion was strengthened.

"Best Practices Guidelines and Toolkit on Engaging the Private Sector in Skills Development”, jointly developed by UNDP IICPSD and Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries(SESRIC), will inspire, motivate and mobilize the private sector for its active engagement in skills training for employment. The guidelines and toolkit will help stakeholders to collaborate more closely with companies, chambers of commerce and business associations. It outlines how the private sector could contribute to the employability of individuals through providing labour market signals, improving technical and practical skills acquisition, integrating industry know-how and expertise to every step of the trainings and help link skills to placement opportunities. These will ensure that disadvantaged youth, women and other marginalized groups are ready to enter the labour force with possessing the right skills they need to thrive. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of skills and lifelong learning not only to make individuals competitive in the labour market but also to empower people. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 reminds us that inclusive, quality education is critical for human development. SDG 8 reminds us that decent work and economic growth can only be achieved through productive capacities. The relationship between skills and employability is fundamental to the success of the SDGs — from eradicating poverty to achieving gender equality to empowering women and girls. Bridging the skills mismatch for greater employability will be a huge leap forward in achieving the SDGs. This publication guarantees to guide all stakeholders in the direction of improving the existing skills and reducing the skills mismatch for greater employability of the target groups. The Guidelines and Toolkit will complement existing UNDP work on sustainable employment and inclusive growth and augments the related efforts of other international organizations.