STEM EUROPE - Inclusive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in Vocational Excellence Centres

2026-07-22

As Europe undergoes the green and digital transition, the demand for skilled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals becomes increasingly critical. At the same time, the EU faces persistent challenges, notably labour shortages and skills mismatches, particularly in STEM. The project STEM EUROPE addresses these challenges by attracting, retaining, and empowering STEM professionals in VET (EQF 3-5) from diverse backgrounds, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status or background. The project's cornerstone is the establishment of six regional Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Kosovo, and Italy, complemented by an overarching international platform - STEM COVE EUROPE. Each CoVE evolves around one main VET (Vocational Education and Training) expert and one industry organisation to foster regional skills ecosystems to support STEM education and address diversity and social inclusion issues in STEM VET education. STEM EUROPE is directed at four main target groups: VET students and potential VET candidates, particularly those from underrepresented demographics such as women, migrants, and minorities; VET teachers and managers; companies and their employees; and policymakers. The main project outputs are: mentoring, afterschool engagement, and outreach programmes, diversity and inclusion training initiatives for both VET providers and companies, public-private partnership training and hackathon events as well as policy papers to influence decision-making at national and European levels. With a strong partnership consortium and associated partners, STEM EUROPE is set to advance diversity and inclusion in STEM VET education. Leveraging the extensive expertise of lead partner PTvT, with its longstanding commitment to STEM education with the EU STEM coalition, STEM EUROPE ensures a solid foundation for its endeavours. The project's impact will be amplified through partnerships with the EU STE coalition, totalling 45 members from Europe and beyond, as well as stakeholders from each COVE region. These collaborations will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and the exploitation of best practices, guaranteeing the project's reach and effectiveness.

Netherlands

2026-02-15