A Morning of Exchange on Vocational Excellence at the University of Macedonia

On 23 September 2026, the University of Macedonia welcomed the EVTA National Study Visit to Thessaloniki for a morning centred on a practical question: what does Vocational Excellence look like when institutions work together? The programme combined a European perspective with tools that organisations can use in their own CoVE development. EVTA introduced the wider European context, participants explored the Self-Reflection Sheet, CoVE Passport and Observation Tool, and the ETF contributed its perspective on Vocational Excellence.

A dedicated session on AccessCoVE and INSIDE-CoVE then connected this broader picture with experience from ongoing projects. Professor George Tsiotras presented INSIDE-CoVE through the lens of the University of Macedonia as a consortium partner. His presentation focused on collaboration in practice and on the different strengths that universities, VET providers, employers, sectoral organisations and public bodies bring to a CoVE partnership.

INSIDE-CoVE provided a concrete example of this cooperation. The discussion touched on the University’s contribution to quality assurance, digital literacy and transversal skills. Quality was presented as a continuous process: partners agree on expectations, monitor progress, review evidence and use what they learn to improve their work.

The conversation also looked beyond the project period. Which curricula, digital resources, local relationships and quality practices will remain useful once funding ends? By creating space for questions and the exchange of experience, the study visit showed how much Vocational Excellence depends on sustained cooperation between education, research and the labour market.