The Leonardo da Vinci programme is a European Commission funding programme focused on the teaching and training needs of those involved in vocational education and training (VET). The programme is part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme 2007–2013 and aims to build a skilled and mobile workforce across Europe.
The programme aims to enhance the competitiveness of the European labour market by helping European citizens to acquire new skills, knowledge and qualifications and have them recognised across borders. It also supports innovations and improvements in vocational education and training systems and practices.
In 2009, more than 80 000 trainees, apprentices and jobseekers received EU support from Leonardo da Vinci for a training placement abroad. The highest number of trainees came from Germany (15 800), followed by France (7200), the Netherlands (6200), Turkey (6000), Spain (5100), Italy (4700), the United Kingdom (4600) and Poland (4200). Since 2000, the most popular destination countries for trainees have been Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Italy.
The programme has had a lasting impact on national reforms and on the way European initiatives are put in practice in EU countries, for example through the creation of national qualification frameworks, which are aimed at making qualifications more transparent and comparable. The programme also contributes to combating discrimination and supporting the integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market by providing people with training opportunities, professional skills and a chance to build their self-confidence.
Part of the programme’s success is due to the involvement of European regions. Leonardo da Vinci fosters regional co-operation amongst schools, companies and regional authorities. It also opens the way to other sources of EU funding and co-operation. In remote regions, it has helped to reinforce the competitiveness and innovative capacity of smaller training institutions.