Editorial

Abstract

Vocational education and training plays a very significant role in Austria, over 70% of young people choose vocational schools. European and global strategies—such as the Osnabrück Declaration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals—provide clear impetus for high-quality, flexible, and sustainable vocational education and training. Educators face the challenge of linking theory and practice more closely and integrating complex topics such as digitalization, AI, and 21st-century skills into their teaching. The Vocational Education and Training Congress 2025 in Graz addressed key issues regarding the relationship between theory and practice, the dual system, teacher training, and the transformation of vocational education and training. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of lifelong learning and the adaptation of educational content to an increasingly diverse student population. Overall, it is evident that vocational education and training remains on the rise but requires comprehensive further development to meet future demands.