This in-depth analysis examines whether VET learners, graduates and professionals face systemic disadvantages relative to their higher education counterparts across four domains: labour market outcomes, public support and mobility, qualification pathways and recognition, and access to services and economic sectors. Drawing on evidence from EU Member States, it identifies structural disparities that reduce VET attractiveness, documents significant cross-country variation, and puts forward eight policy recommendations for the forthcoming European VET strategy. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).
Source : © European Union, 2026 – EP