15 new CoVE projects: driving force for innovation and sustainable development

However, CoVEs are also designed to achieve much more:  

• innovation in teaching and learning methods,  

• strong partnerships between VET providers, businesses, social partners, universities, public authorities etc.,  

• inclusive approaches to ensure nobody is left behind, and 

• fostering regional and local development, among other activities.  

The initiative kicked off with a pilot call in 2019. Since then, an impressive number of 340 project applications have been submitted, with 53 of them securing funding. The CoVE initiative has attracted the interest of organisations in a wide range of countries, with 64 countries applying in 2023, and over 1 000 organisations involved since 2021. 

Spotlight on the newest CoVE projects 

Exciting news! In the 2023 call, 15 new projects will be supported with Erasmus+. The funding will allow the development of transnational networks of Centres of Vocational Excellence contributing to innovation, sustainable development, and smart specialization strategies.  

The projects selected cover diverse sectors in industrial ecosystems with a high growth and innovation potential, such as: hydrogen technologies, offshore energy, climate smart agriculture, construction, and tourism, biodiversity, 3D printing, battery sector and data management. Want to know more about these projects? Check them out here. 

Be part of the CoVEs: The 2024 call for proposals 

If you have ideas for a CoVE project, now’s your chance to make them happen! The call for proposals for 2024 is open. You can find out how to apply and get more information here. The Erasmus+ programme wants to create at least 100 international CoVE projects by 2027, with an indicative budget of €400 million to make it possible. 

Get involved, find out what’s new, and be part of the change in vocational education and training!