In 2024, the International Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence (ISATCOVE) embarked on a transformative journey, engaging vocational education and training (VET) providers across Europe and beyond in three dynamic waves of implementation. Supported by the European Commission and implemented by the European Training Foundation (ETF), ISATCOVE is designed to help vocational education and training (VET) centres elevate their standards by identifying areas for improvement and adopting best practices from around the globe.
The self-assessment tool, ISATCOVE, was initially piloted in 2023, and in 2024-25 it is being offered to a limited group of VET providers. Participating centres receive comprehensive training, guidance, and mentoring at every stage of the process—ranging from setup and planning to execution and interpretation of results to inform actionable improvement plans. This structured approach ensures that each centre not only identifies areas for growth but also develops concrete strategies for organizational enhancement.
The first wave, from April to August 2024, saw 13 centres implementing the tool, with each institution receiving tailored guidance and mentorship through every stage of the self-assessment process. These centres laid the foundation for the initiative, providing valuable feedback and demonstrating the tool's capacity to drive measurable improvements in organizational effectiveness. 
The second wave of ISATCOVE launched in September 2024, expanding to include 60 centres. During this phase, ISATCOVE the project will provide the Committed to Excellence certificate and badge to centres including at least 50 indicators in their self-assessment and concluding the self-assessment with a development plan. During this phase the Vocational Excellence Certificate will be piloted with four centres. This certification aims to recognize the commitment of vocational education institutions to excellence.
The third wave started in December 2024. The growing interest in ISATCOVE underscores its relevance as a tool that addresses the evolving needs of vocational education providers who seek to become or collaborate with Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs).
Thanks to ISATCOVE, VET centres are encouraged to reflect on their achievements, engage teachers, trainers, and learners in meaningful dialogue, and build action plans based on robust data. ISATCOVE consists of three dimensions, 23 criteria and 577 indicators, covering all aspects of vocational excellence. Centres are not expected to include all in their self-assessment, but to make a selection of criteria and indicators that are relevant to them. Through ISATCOVE, participating institutions gain a deeper understanding of what it means to excel in vocational education while also having the opportunity to receive formal recognition for their commitment to excellence.
By 2025, ISATCOVE will have helped centres across three waves assess, improve, and enhance their vocational education offerings. The program’s flexibility allows centres to focus on specific dimensions of excellence aligned with their strategic objectives. Whether applying for Erasmus+ funding, seeking collaboration with CoVEs, or striving for formal recognition of excellence, ISATCOVE provides a clear, structured path for vocational institutions.
This unique opportunity not only enhances individual centres but also strengthens the broader European network of vocational excellence. VET centres interested in participating in future waves can express interest by contacting IntVE@etf.europa.eu. With ISATCOVE, the journey towards vocational excellence is collaborative, reflective, and deeply impactful—an initiative truly shaping the future of vocational education.
Do you want to learn more about the tool? Watch this animation!
Below also some video recordings of webinars on ISATCOVE:
13/02/2024:
EN version: https://youtu.be/4GGuBksSSG4
21/02/2024:
FR version: https://youtu.be/OhlToyTSieY
IT version: https://youtu.be/TMfQINaDjno
EN version: https://youtu.be/fcmUgcHW1_w
A presentation on the ISATCOVE tool is available at: https://youtu.be/BMqFMXViNhA?si=UFLxpYREscWjKy0M&t=908
