The metal, engineering and technology-based (MET) industry is a key driver of Europe’s economy, and people are its greatest asset. Ensuring a plentiful supply of highly-qualified personnel, including young people, is crucial both to the industry’s future and to Europe’s prosperity.

The role of employers in iVET is not always clear and there is an ongoing debate at all policy levels regarding this issue. In light of the crucial role that employers can - and do - play in modernising VET systems across Europe, Ceemet launched a European-level project with aim of providing an accurate picture of the role the MET industry plays in iVET in different countries, exploring how employers think this relationship could be improved at the national and European level, and showcasing examples of good practice from various countries – and iVET models – in the EU and beyond which could inspire industry, schools and policy-makers.

In the Final Report Ceemet identifies key priorities for the future and makes a number of recommendations for action for different stakeholders. The report constitutes the final stage of the project, pulling together the results of a survey carried out in 2009, the outcomes from the Ceemet European-level conference held in Brussels in 2010 and interviews with all Ceemet members. It is designed to contribute to the debate on how best ensure that Europe has the skilled and motivated workforce it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Final Report and the Executive Summary thereof were presented during the 15th Ceemet General Assembly in Rome and are currently being disseminated by Ceemet to all relevant stakeholders.