European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, 1976-

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) is one of the agencies established by the European Union in response to the need for specialized bodies to deal with a number of specific issues.

Since 1976, CEDEFOP has been involved in promoting and developing vocational training of young people, and the continuing training of adults, primarily through European-wide coordination of analysis and research activities. Originally based in Berlin, the Centre was moved to Thessaloniki in 1995.

Through its scientific and technical activities, CEDEFOP contributes to the implementation of a common vocational training policy. Its main tasks cover:

- Compiling selected documentation relating in particular to current developments and research in the relevant fields and to matters of vocational training structure;
- Contributing to the development and coordination of research in the relevant fields;
- Disseminating all useful documentation and information;
- Encouraging and supporting any initiative likely to facilitate a concerted approach to vocational training problems (particularly as regards the approximation of standards of vocational training with a view to the mutual recognition of certificates and other documents attesting completion of vocational training;
- Providing a forum for all those active in the field.
To assist the Commission in encouraging, at European level, the promotion and development of vocational training and continuing training.
This field does not apply to CEDEFOP.
The Centre's activities are based on guidelines drawn up by its Management Board. This body is composed of three representatives of the European Commission and 15 representatives of employers' associations, 15 representatives of employee/trade union organizations and 15 representatives of national governments. The European social partner organizations UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe) and ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation) each send one permanent observer.

The members of the Management Board are appointed by the Council or the European Commission and remain in office for a term of three years.

The decisions of the Management Board and the day-to-day operation of the Centre are implemented by the Centre's Director, assisted by two deputy directors responsible for internal coordination of the CEDEFOP activities and research projects.

CEDEFOP is mainly concerned with promoting mutual exchange of information, experience and know-how and as such is not a funding agency for vocational training projects. In a very limited number of cases, some financial support may be provided for work being undertaken by an organization which overlaps with specific CEDEFOP projects. Those interested in participating in CEDEFOP research or projects should make contact with a collaborating institution or partner in their Member State. Details of these can be found on the CEDEFOP Web site:

http://www.cedefop.gr/

Although CEDEFOP is independent from the European Commission its analysis and research activities complement and link in with parallel EU activities, notably those of the Directorate-General with responsibility for vocational training (DG 23), the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, the EU Statistics Office (Eurostat) and the European Training Foundation in Turin.