Inclusion and vocational education and training
Viewing diversity as an opportunity and as a resource of our educational system
The aim of inclusion is to secure the societal participation of everyone regardless of individual dispositions and starting points in life. It endeavours to establish inclusive educational systems in which diversity is viewed as an opportunity and used as a resource.
School education, completion of vocational education and training and access to employment all assume key functions for accessible and equal participation in society.
Inclusion in vocational education and training means that all people are able to develop their potential and receive equal and accessible entry to high quality training. This involves shaping educational, guidance and support provision on the basis of individual requirements and taking these needs into consideration when making VET policy decisions or designing education and training programmes. Structural circumstances and societal and occupational demands form important framework conditions in this regard. The achievement of equal opportunities in vocational education and training encompasses access to education or training, the process itself and the qualification obtained as well as the organisation of transitions between systems.
The objectives of vocational education and training are to establish and expand employability skills, provide preparation for the acquisition of such skills and ensure that they are retained. To this end, the focus needs to be on creating inclusive educational structures in all fields of VET activity (pre-vocational training, vocational education and training itself, continuing VET), on expanding and further developing the statutory foundations in an appropriately inclusive way and on putting framework conditions in place that are conducive to these goals. Recognising and countering possible risk factors are fundamental aspects in this regard. Such an approach also helps to secure the quality and effectiveness of the vocational education and training system.