Empowering VET Institutions towards Greener Initiatives

<< Background >>The everGREEN project has been developed to address the growing need for sustainable practices and green skills in the VET sector, which educates almost half of the EU-27 upper secondary students (Eurostat, 2020). As green and digital transitions reshape the labour market, significant investment in up-skilling and re-skilling is essential, as highlighted in the European Skills Agenda. The project aimed at embedding green practices in VET institutions to increase their relevance, employability and productivity, while promoting sustainable lifestyles and a green culture. It sought to promote behavioural change by encouraging managers, staff and learners to adopt greener attitudes and practices through an institution-wide green approach. In addition, everGREEN aimed to increase the attractiveness of vocational education and training by aligning it with societal and economic changes and empowering individuals to act as agents of the green transition in their professions and communities. By addressing these needs, the project positioned VET institutions as key players in addressing environmental challenges and driving wider societal change.<< Objectives >>The everGREEN project aimed to empower individuals and communities to contribute to sustainable development by positioning the vocational education and training (VET) sector as a key driver of change. Its main objective was to embed an institution-wide green approach within VET organisations, integrating sustainability into their operations, curricula and mindsets, while adapting to evolving societal and economic needs. The project focused on building the capacity of VET institutions through innovative resources, tools and methodologies, enhancing the sustainability competencies of staff and managers, and upskilling learners to improve their employability in a green and digital economy. Beyond the institutional impact, everGREEN sought to promote behavioural change among stakeholders and the wider community, fostering sustainable lifestyles and habits. It also emphasised transnational and cross-sectoral collaboration to align VET practices with current and future needs, ensuring relevance and adaptability. By achieving these objectives, everGREEN aimed to position the VET sector as a leader in promoting sustainability at individual, institutional and societal levels.<< Implementation >>The everGREEN project aimed to empower individuals and communities to contribute to sustainable development by positioning the vocational education and training (VET) sector as a key driver of change. Its main objective was to embed an institution-wide green approach within VET organisations, integrating sustainability into their operations, curricula and mindsets, while adapting to evolving societal and economic needs. The project focused on building the capacity of VET institutions through innovative resources, tools and methodologies, enhancing the sustainability competencies of staff and managers, and upskilling learners to improve their employability in a green and digital economy. Beyond the institutional impact, everGREEN sought to promote behavioural change among stakeholders and the wider community, fostering sustainable lifestyles and habits. It also emphasised transnational and cross-sectoral collaboration to align VET practices with current and future needs, ensuring relevance and adaptability. By achieving these objectives, everGREEN aimed to position the VET sector as a leader in promoting sustainability at individual, institutional and societal levels.<< Results >>The everGREEN project produced key outputs to support VET institutions in embracing sustainability, with resources transferable to broader educational contexts.-One major output was a mapping report detailing the greening practices and strategies of EU VET institutes, developed through an EU-wide survey and interviews with VET authorities.-The project also created nine greening scenarios, tailored to different readiness levels and aspirations, guiding users to relevant mini-courses via the online Support Tool. -A cornerstone of the project is the everGREEN Framework, a four-step approach (understand, plan, implement, monitor) that helps VET providers transition to sustainable practices.-Additionally, 31 mini-courses were developed to upskill VET leaders and staff on key greening aspects. -The everGREEN Support Tool, an online resource, guides users through the four steps of greening, offering personalized recommendations based on their sustainability levels and goals. -Greening Teams within VET institutes ensured the sustainability of the project’s impact.-Implementation reports summarized user experiences and provided recommendations. -The everGREEN VET Alliance fostered transnational cooperation for the green transition.