EWF participated in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2026, held in Graz, Austria, from 7 to 9 September under the theme “Dual Education and Training for Competitive Regions”.
Through exchanges with European stakeholders, project showcases and workshop contributions, EWF reinforced its commitment to the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative and to connecting vocational education and training with industrial needs. 

A key highlight was the bilateral meeting with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. EWF presented its experience in harmonising qualifications and supporting their recognition across borders, alongside its collaboration with European, national and regional stakeholders. 

Drawing on its international qualification systems in welding, joining and additive manufacturing, EWF outlined how common training requirements, quality assurance and industry cooperation can support trusted qualifications and professional mobility. The presentation also addressed challenges faced by the sector, including skills shortages, the recognition of sectoral qualifications and differences between national education and training systems. These examples provided a practical perspective on both the strengths of a shared sectoral approach and the barriers that remain. 

This commitment was also reflected in EWF’s participation throughout the Forum. On the opening day, EWF represented AILEEN at the CoVE Captains meeting. At the Vocational Excellence Exhibition, it showcased CoVE WENDT and AILEEN, together with the Erasmus+ Forward-Looking Projects INCEPTION and CoVE EXSEE, highlighting complementary approaches to strengthening vocational excellence. 

EWF also contributed to the interactive programme by co-moderating workshops on continuation strategies through INCEPTION and challenge-based learning through AILEEN. These sessions addressed how vocational excellence initiatives can sustain their work and bring real-world challenges into vocational education and training. 

By connecting its sectoral experience with collaborative European projects, EWF continues to support vocational excellence as a shared effort between training providers, industry and public authorities, helping build lasting cooperation and qualifications that respond to evolving skills needs.