The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming labor markets, skills requirements, and the future of work across Europe. In this context, Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers play a crucial role in preparing learners and workers for an AI-driven society. As part of the AI4VET4AI project, partners conducted a series of structured workshops—including SWOT and PEST analyses—to explore how VET institutions can address both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
The results indicate that VET is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between technological innovation and practical skills development. With strong industry connections, flexibility, and hands-on teaching models, VET institutions can quickly integrate emerging AI tools and adapt curricula to meet labor market demands. This places them in a key role for upskilling and reskilling, particularly in sectors undergoing digital transformation.
However, the workshops also revealed several systemic challenges: limited resources, skill gaps among teachers, unclear regulatory frameworks, and risks related to ethics, data protection, and inclusion. To tackle these issues, the consortium developed a set of recommendations, emphasizing the need for investment in digital infrastructure, strengthened collaboration with industry, teacher training focused on AI literacy and ethics, and policies that ensure equitable access to AI-enhanced learning.
A central finding is that VET providers must simultaneously harness AI’s potential and safeguard learners’ rights, equity, and well‑being. To achieve this, the project highlights several strategic priorities:
- Modernising curricula and embedding AI literacy across disciplines.
VET programmes should integrate AI fundamentals, data skills, and ethical reasoning into all fields—not only ICT. Real‑world use cases, problem‑solving tasks, and responsible AI scenarios should become standard elements of teaching. - Empowering educators.
Teacher training must prioritise digital and AI competencies, including ethical use, data governance, and critical assessment of AI tools. Continuous professional development is essential to ensure that educators can confidently guide learners through AI‑enhanced environments. - Strengthening collaboration with industry.
AI4VET4AI recommends building structured partnerships with companies, universities, and innovation hubs to ensure training pathways reflect real labour market needs. Joint curriculum design, apprenticeships in AI‑related fields, and co‑developed learning materials are key mechanisms. - Ensuring inclusion and fair access.
AI adoption must not deepen digital divides. Investments in infrastructure, targeted support for vulnerable learners, and accessible AI‑enabled tools are necessary to keep VET equitable. - Embedding ethical and responsible AI use.
Clear institutional guidelines for data protection, transparency, and human oversight are vital. VET providers should adopt harmonised standards aligned with EU and international frameworks to ensure trustworthy AI in teaching and assessment.
By placing these recommendations at the heart of their development strategies, VET institutions can become proactive drivers of digital and green transitions – equipping learners, workers, and communities for a future where AI is both a tool and a shared responsibility.
