On 22–23 September, the kick-off meeting of the new international project DiverseVET (101260755), co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, officially marking the start of the project.
Launched in April 2026, DiverseVET – Driving Inclusion and Innovation in Vocational Excellence for SMEs brings together organisations from Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania and Belgium. The project connects universities and other higher education institutions, vocational education and training (VET) providers, businesses and other stakeholders to promote more inclusive, innovative and responsive learning and working environments.
During the kick-off meeting, project partners introduced their institutions and areas of expertise, discussed the main project activities and responsibilities, and agreed on cooperation plans for 2026–2030 and the expected results. The two-day meeting provided an important starting point for strengthening international cooperation and establishing a common direction for the project’s implementation.
Over the next four years, DiverseVET will develop flexible training programmes, learning resources, career and mobility opportunities, and innovative learning approaches, with a particular focus on the skills needed for the green and digital transitions. The project will also establish five regional Centres of Vocational Excellence, strengthening cooperation among education providers, businesses and local communities.
A key focus of the project is to help remove barriers faced by underrepresented and underserved groups, including women, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees, while supporting SMEs in developing more inclusive approaches to skills development, diversity and workforce development.
At Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), the project involves the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (SHMMF) and the School of Economics and Business (EVF). SHMMF is represented by Dr Eglė Vaidelytė, Vice-Dean for Studies, and Jolanta Vaičiūnienė, Head of the Municipal Training Center (SMC), who coordinates KTU’s activities within the project.
The KTU team looks forward to contributing to this European initiative and working with project partners to promote more inclusive and innovative approaches to vocational education and training.
Find out more about DiverseVET, follow the project’s activities and get in touch at www.diversevet.eu.
