Civics in VET

improving civic education in vocational education and training

I think that's what... And the line that should be under the paper in relation to vocational schools is that the political education generally starts too late. So vocational school is actually, these are people who are 16 and they have the puberty behind them, they are shaped. That has to start in kindergarten. So it is very clear, in general, political education that is taught at schools is too late anyway.

Participant From Consultation Meeting About The National Position Paper.

About the project

Over a 20-month period, the project has focused on research, analysis, and advocacy to strengthen civic education in vocational schools. It began with a comparative research phase, including desk research and case studies carried out in Germany, Croatia, and Romania, exploring how civic education is implemented in vocational education systems in each national context, with a particular focus on Thüringen in Germany.

The research findings were discussed with key stakeholders during a round-table event in September 2025, bringing together youth organisations, educators, and experts in civic education and human rights.

Based on this research phase, the project produced two publications, including a National Position Paper on the state of civic education in Thüringen, highlighting key challenges, gaps, and policy recommendations. The publications were finalised by the end of 2025, published in January 2026, and disseminated through partner channels and the Culture Goes Europe blog. In parallel, the project implemented an initial social media campaign from July to September 2025, raising awareness of the research process and preliminary findings.

To ensure continued impact beyond the research phase, the project will further disseminate its results through advocacy materials and a second targeted social media campaign starting in January 2026, focusing on the position paper, key findings, and recommendations. The results and policy messages will also be presented at European level through online events and networks such as the YEU Network and the DARE Network, connecting the project to wider EU platforms working on democracy, human rights, and civic education. By combining research, advocacy, and transnational networking, the project contributes to more informed youth work practices and supports young people in becoming active and engaged participants in democratic life.