Approach for fostering the integration of sustainability education in vocational education and training settings

Abstract

The green and digital transitions are reshaping vocational education and training (VET), driving growing demand for sustainability-related knowledge and skills. Research conducted in Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, and Türkiye shows that VET educators acknowledge this need; however, their capacity to implement advanced sustainability frameworks remains limited. Objectives: The paper presents an approach to integrating sustainability education into VET systems, developed in the framework of the international project GreenTeach. Methods/Approach: As part of the project, a secondary integrative analysis is conducted using two complementary evidence sets: baseline research involving VET educators and experts, and subsequent transnational piloting in four countries. Objectives: Quantitative descriptive results were triangulated with qualitative feedback and country-level implementation observations. Based on the collected evidence, a model encompassing a seven-stage integration cycle is suggested, including diagnostic baseline, strategic alignment, educator capacity building, curriculum translation, supported delivery, practice and partnership, and quality assurance with institutionalisation. Conclusions: The proposed model provides a practical context for VET providers to move from policy commitment to consistent implementation while allowing flexibility to adapt to different contexts.