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Cedefop launches the first European Vocational Teacher Survey to tackle critical VET teacher shortages
On 25 September 2025, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) today launched the European Vocational Teacher Survey (EVTS), the EU’s first comprehensive survey of 14 000 vocational education and training (VET) teachers from across 23 EU Member States.
Teachers are the backbone of vocational education and training. To make VET education careers better and more attractive, we need to support the challenges teachers and trainers face. This survey will increase our understanding of the challenges faced and help us provide better assistance. Stronger support for teachers means better training for Europeans at all stages of their life, which is vital for Europe’s competitiveness, and green and digital transitions. Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness.
Throughout Europe, shortages of teachers in VET are deepening – especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and foreign languages, subjects essential for the EU’s digital and green transformation.
Contributing factors in Europe include:
Career perceptions & entry into teaching
- About 67 % of VET teachers chose teaching as their first career.
- Only 18 % believe their profession is valued.
Pay & contracts
- VET teachers earn almost 11 % less than other tertiary-educated workers and are more likely to hold temporary contracts.
- Just 40 % are satisfied with their pay.
Working conditions
- High workloads, overcrowded classrooms, and challenging environments are common.
Without targeted action, Europe risks falling behind global competitors in preparing workers for tomorrow’s economy.
About the survey
The Survey will gather data from approximately 14 000 randomly selected teachers in initial VET schools (ISCED level 3) in 23 European countries, namely: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.
By taking the pulse directly from the classroom, we’re gathering the intelligence needed to transform VET teaching from a profession in crisis to one that attracts Europe’s best talent. Jürgen Siebel, Cedefop Executive Director
It will examine critical challenges, including:
- Effectiveness of teachers’ professional development and relevant barriers
- Digital and green technology skills gaps
- Inclusive classroom management
- Job satisfaction and working conditions
- Factors influencing career attractiveness
Expected in 2027, the survey findings will inform national and EU policy development, advancing the Union of Skills agenda and Europe’s economic competitiveness while providing participating schools with actionable data to improve their professional development programmes.
Europe’s skills agenda requires investment in VET teachers. By strengthening VET teacher support and teachers’ continuing professional development, we strengthen the foundation of Europe’s economic future.
For too long, VET teachers have felt unheard. This survey finally gives us a platform to share our reality – the challenges we face, the support we need, and our vision for making vocational education the attractive, rewarding career it should be. Agnes Roman, Senior Policy Coordinator, European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE)
Please visit European Vocational Teacher Survey website for more information.
