How can artificial intelligence support vocational education in practical and responsible ways? How can projects such as AI4VET4AI help education providers respond to changing skills needs? And what can we learn from other Centres of Vocational Excellence across Europe?
These were some of the questions we explored at the CoVE Forum 2026 in Graz, where Algebra Bernays Universty participated as project coordinators of AI4VET4AI. The forum brought together representatives of vocational education and training, higher education, industry, public institutions and European projects to exchange experiences and discuss how education can contribute to more resilient and competitive regions.
This year’s forum, titled Dual Education and Training for Competitive Regions, was organised by FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences.
AI4VET4AI in the CoVE community
CoVE stands for Centre of Vocational Excellence. CoVEs bring together education providers, employers, research organisations, public authorities and other stakeholders to develop education and training that responds to real labour-market and regional needs.
The CoVE approach is based on cooperation. It connects learning with practice, supports innovation and encourages institutions to work with employers and local communities. CoVEs also promote lifelong learning, teacher development, applied research and the exchange of knowledge across borders.
The Community of Practice of Centres of Vocational Excellence, or CoP CoVEs, provides a European space for this exchange. It enables CoVEs to share results, discuss common challenges and identify opportunities for future cooperation.
AI4VET4AI is part of this community. Through the project, we are working to strengthen the capacity of vocational education providers to understand, use and teach artificial intelligence. Our work includes developing learning resources, supporting educators and creating MOOCs that make AI-related knowledge accessible to a wider range of learners.
Taking part in the forum allowed us to present the project in this wider European context and to connect our work with the experiences of other CoVEs.
From AI interest to practical application
The forum programme addressed a wide range of topics, including future skills, digital learning, green transition, Industry 5.0, social inclusion and the changing role of educators.
Artificial intelligence is not developing separately from other changes in education and the labour market. It is part of a broader transformation that requires new skills, new teaching approaches and stronger cooperation between education and industry.
The discussions also highlighted an important principle: technology should respond to a real need. Introducing AI into education is not simply a matter of using new tools. It requires understanding the problem first, considering the needs of educators and learners, and creating conditions for safe, meaningful and responsible use.
Leading the AI Clinic
One of the key moments of the forum was the workshop “The AI Clinic: Solving Real AI Challenges in Vocational Education”, which we led as part of the AI4VET4AI team.
The AI Clinic was designed as a practical space for exploring real challenges from vocational education and considering how artificial intelligence might help address them. Instead of presenting AI as a solution in itself, the workshop encouraged participants to begin with concrete problems and then examine whether AI could provide useful support.
Participants discussed possible applications of AI in teaching, learning and educational management. They also considered the conditions required for responsible implementation, including human oversight, appropriate competences and a clear understanding of the intended purpose.
The workshop brought together participants with different professional backgrounds and experiences. This made the exchange particularly valuable. A challenge that appears in one educational setting may have parallels elsewhere, while a solution developed in one context may inspire adaptation in another.
Presenting AI4VET4AI
We also presented the project at the Vocational Excellence Exhibition, where CoVE initiatives showcased their work, educational resources and results.
The exhibition gave us an opportunity to introduce AI4VET4AI, explain the project’s objectives and present the MOOCs and other learning resources developed through the project. Visitors showed particular interest in how AI-related content can be integrated into vocational education and how online learning can support educators and learners beyond the classroom.
The conversations confirmed that many institutions are asking similar questions:
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How can educators build the confidence and competences needed to work with AI?
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How can learners develop practical AI awareness relevant to their future careers?
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How can educational content remain accessible, flexible and up to date?
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How can institutions use AI responsibly while maintaining a human-centred approach?
These questions provide an important context for the continued development and dissemination of AI4VET4AI results.
Building connections for the next steps
The CoVE Forum was also an important networking opportunity. We met representatives from education, industry and other European projects, exchanged experiences and discussed possible areas for future collaboration.
These connections can support the next stages of the project by helping us reach new audiences, exchange feedback and explore how AI4VET4AI resources might be used or adapted in different educational contexts.
The forum also reinforced the value of the CoVE community itself. Projects may work in different sectors, but they often face similar challenges: developing relevant skills, involving employers, supporting educators, reaching diverse learners and ensuring that results remain useful after project funding ends.
We hope to continue these conversations and meet members of the CoVE community again at the next CoVE Forum, which will take place in Athens in 2027.
