The initiative on Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) aims to ensure high quality skills and competences that lead to quality employment and career-long opportunities, meeting the needs of an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy. The CoVE initiative also supports the implementation of the European Green Deal, the new Digital Strategy, the Communication on attracting Skills and Talent, and the new Industrial and SME Strategies.

The main objectives are:

-At national level involving a wide range of local stakeholders creating skills ecosystems for local innovation, regional development, and social inclusion, while working with CoVEs in other countries through international collaborative networks.

-At international level bringing together CoVEs that share a common interest in innovative approaches. 

Who can apply 

-Legal entities (public or private bodies) established in an EU Member State or third country

associated to the Programme and active in the field of vocational education and training or in the world of work.

-Organisations active in the field of vocational education and training or in the world of work from third countries not associated to the Programme may also participate – as beneficiary, affiliated entity or associated partner – but not as coordinator.

(Exception: organisations from Belarus (Region 2) and the Russian Federation (Region 4) are not eligible to participate in this action).

Consortium composition

At least 8 applicants from a minimum of 4 EU Member States or third countries associated to the Programme.

Each EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme must include:

a) at least 1 enterprise, industry, other employers or sector representative organisation, and

b) at least 1 vocational education and training provider (at secondary and/or tertiary level).

Duration of the project

Projects should normally last 48 months.

Eligible activities

The applicant must address 3 clusters of activities. For each cluster, a minimum number of activities must be selected from the list below:

at least 4 activities under Cluster 1 – Teaching and learning,

at least 3 activities under Cluster 2 – Cooperation and partnership

at least 2 activities under Cluster 3 – Governance and funding.

The Clusters are described in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide.

Funding

The amount of the single lump-sum contribution will be determined for each grant based on the estimated budget of the action proposed by the applicant. The amount will be fixed by the granting authority on the basis of the estimated project budget, evaluation result and a funding rate of 80%.

The maximum EU grant per project is 4 million euros.

Where to apply 

To the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) via the Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal (FTOP).

Call ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PEX-COVE.

Deadline: 7 May 2024, 17.00 (Brussels Time) 

Interested organisations should read the Erasmus+ Programme Guide.