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MET-VET – Metacognition for
Environmental Thinking in VET
Project number:
2021-2-PL01-KA220-VET-000050783

“turning our school into a sustainable school”. Such workshops and trainings are not dedicated only to
VET trainers and educators but to all secondary school teachers and can benefit all professional with
regards to fostering or updating green skills. In the realm of digital competencies, Cyprus has been
proactive in leveraging national and EU-funded projects to enhance digital skills among teachers. These
initiatives are crucial for adapting to the rapid technological advancements and ensuring that educators
are equipped to handle digital tools and methodologies effectively. The emphasis on digital skills is part
of a broader strategy to prepare educators for remote and blended teaching environments, which have
become increasingly prevalent.

In Estonia, the landscape of Vocational Education and Training (VET) mentoring and professional
development schemes is characterized by a blend of governmental initiatives, policies, and strategic
plans aimed at fostering and updating the green skills of VET teachers and trainers. Estonia has
implemented various compulsory and optional training courses, seminars, and initiatives to enhance
the green skills of VET teachers and trainers.
The Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) plays a pivotal role in accrediting vocational
qualifications and ensuring the quality of VET programs. Within this framework, there are specific
training courses and seminars tailored to green skills development, covering areas such as sustainable
development, environmental conservation, and green technologies. These courses aim to equip VET
educators with the knowledge and competencies necessary to integrate sustainability principles into
their teaching practices.
Additionally, institutions like the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research provide support for
professional development through programs such as the Lifelong Learning Strategy 2020+, which
emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for educators. Through this strategy, VET teachers
and trainers have access to a range of optional training courses and seminars focused on green skills,
enabling them to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in sustainability education.
At both local and national levels, Estonia has adopted policies and strategic plans to enhance the
knowledge and competencies of VET teachers and trainers. The Estonian National Development Plan
for Education and Research 2021–2035 outlines the country's long-term vision for education, including
VET, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green skills development. This strategic plan aims to
promote a holistic approach to education that integrates environmental education across all levels,
thereby equipping VET teachers and trainers with the tools to effectively incorporate green skills into
their curriculum.
Furthermore, local municipalities and educational institutions often collaborate on initiatives to
support VET mentoring and professional development. For example, the Estonian Environmental Board
partners with schools and VET providers to offer environmental education programs and resources for
educators. These collaborations serve to enhance the capacity of VET teachers and trainers to deliver
high-quality, environmentally conscious education.
In conclusion, Estonia has made significant strides in fostering green skills among VET teachers and
trainers through a combination of governmental initiatives, policies, and strategic plans. By providing
compulsory and optional training courses, seminars, and other professional development
opportunities, Estonia is equipping educators with the knowledge and competencies needed to
prepare students for a sustainable future.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not
necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither
the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.