VETXchange project strengthens international vocational education cooperation through job shadowing in Greece

Europe and Southeast Asia connected through vocational education and training

From 18-24 May 2026, the VETXchange: Expanding the Map: Scaling up Good Practices and Mutual Learning with VET Stakeholders in the Philippines project continued its international activities through a job shadowing programme in Katerini, Greece.

The initiative brought together vocational education stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore good practices, and strengthen international cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in the field of vocational education and training (VET).

Co-funded by the European Union, the VETXchange project connects partners from Hungary, Belgium, Greece, and the Philippines with the objective of promoting international mobility, institutional cooperation, and skills development across regions.

Addressing global workforce and skills challenges through VET collaboration

The project was launched in response to a shared challenge affecting both Europe and Southeast Asia. While many European countries face increasing shortages of skilled professionals, many highly capable Filipino workers continue to be employed in low-skilled positions abroad despite their qualifications and potential.

Through stronger collaboration between European and Philippine VET providers, the project aims to improve:

• Education quality and relevance
• Skills recognition
• International career opportunities
• Institutional capacity building
• Cross-border learning and mobility pathways

The initiative therefore focuses not only on mobility itself, but also on building sustainable partnerships capable of strengthening the long-term global VET landscape.

Job shadowing activities in Katerini: learning through practice and exchange

During the week in Greece, participants engaged in a series of institutional, educational, and industry visits designed to showcase practical examples of work-based learning, vocational training systems, and industry cooperation.

The programme included:

• A visit to Katerini PEPAL School, exploring local approaches to vocational education and student development
• A visit to JOIST Innovation Park, highlighting innovation-driven learning environments and entrepreneurship initiatives
• A work visit at Archontiko Convenience Store, focusing on workplace learning and business operations
• An institutional visit to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pieria, strengthening dialogue between education providers and the business sector
• A visit to Platon Private School, examining educational methodologies and institutional cooperation practices

Strengthening global vocational education partnerships

The VETXchange job shadowing programme in Greece highlighted the growing importance of international collaboration in shaping more inclusive, responsive, and globally connected vocational education systems.

By combining institutional visits, workplace learning, and professional exchange, the project supports both educators and learners in gaining international perspectives while strengthening cooperation between education and industry stakeholders.

At MeOut, we believe that international VET cooperation plays a key role in building stronger skills ecosystems, improving employability, and creating sustainable educational partnerships across regions.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.