How to Tackle VET Teacher Shortages in the EU?

How to Tackle VET Teacher Shortages in the EU?

In May 2026, CEDEFOP released the publication “Policy approaches to tackle VET teacher shortages in the EU”, which examines policy responses to shortages of VET teachers in Europe and collects evidence through the European Vocational Teacher Survey (EVTS).

The paper includes the following findings:

• Teacher shortages are among major issues across EU-27+ and affect all VET systems.
• More than 300 measures across EU-27+ target VET teachers and trainers in the Timeline of VET policies in Europe.
• VET teacher shortages have been driven by ageing workforce, low numbers of new entrants, and growing replacement needs.
• Teacher shortages are likely to grow.
• Countries are responding with recruitment measures, continuing professional development, and career progression and retention of VET teachers but policies are often fragmented.
• Motivation and wellbeing (working conditions, access to training, support to deal with new challenges) are crucial for teaching to remain attractive. 

Publication  “Policy approaches to tackle VET teacher shortages in the EU” available here.