Project Launch
Supporting Diverse Talent for the Digital and Green Economy
Europe’s labour market is undergoing rapid transformation. The green and digital transitions are creating new opportunities for growth and innovation, but they are also increasing demand for skilled workers. Across many sectors, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employers are struggling to fill vacancies and access the talent they need to remain competitive. At the same time, many learners and jobseekers continue to face barriers to education, training and employment, preventing valuable skills and talent from reaching the workforce.
About DiverseVET
To help address these challenges, the DiverseVET project officially launches in 2026 with a mission to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion within vocational education and training (VET) and support the development of more inclusive and future-ready workplaces across Europe.
Funded by the European Union, DiverseVET brings together vocational education providers, higher education institutions, SME associations and organisations operating the European Diversity Charters from Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania and Belgium. Together, they will work to establish a network of Centres of Vocational Excellence for Diversity in five countries, promoting inclusive approaches to skills development and workforce participation.
Diversity as a Driver of Innovation
The project is built on the understanding that diversity and inclusion are not only social values but also key drivers of innovation, resilience and economic success. As businesses adapt to technological change and evolving workforce needs, widening participation in education and employment is essential to unlocking Europe’s full talent potential.
Supporting Underrepresented Groups
DiverseVET will place particular emphasis on supporting learners from underrepresented groups, including women in technical fields, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, migrants and refugees, ethnic minorities, NEETs (young people not in employment, education or training), and older workers. By helping remove barriers to participation and success, the project aims to create more inclusive pathways into education, training and employment while ensuring that no talent is left behind.
Four Years of Impact
Over the next four years, DiverseVET will develop innovative training programmes, career development tools, mobility opportunities and collaborative activities designed to support both learners and employers. The project will help vocational education providers create more inclusive learning environments while supporting SMEs, particularly in the digital and green sectors, to attract, develop and retain diverse talent.
Launching Across Europe
The official project kick-off meeting will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 22–23 September 2026, bringing together representatives from all partner organisations to launch the collaboration and begin planning the project’s first activities. This meeting marks the beginning of a shared effort to strengthen cooperation across education, business and civil society and to build a European community committed to inclusive skills development.
Looking Ahead
By fostering excellence in vocational education and creating stronger links between learning and the labour market, DiverseVET aims to contribute to a more competitive, innovative and socially inclusive Europe. Through collaboration, innovation and a commitment to diversity, the project will help ensure that individuals, businesses and communities are equipped to thrive in a changing world.
Want to stay informed? Sign up for project updates or follow us on LinkedIn.
