What Is VET Mobility? — An Erasmus+ Guide for Vocational Institutions
VET mobility (Vocational Education and Training mobility) is an Erasmus+ funded programme under Key Action 1 that allows vocational students to complete supervised work placements in companies abroad. It is one of the largest components of the Erasmus+ programme, enabling thousands of VET learners each year to gain hands-on professional experience in another European country. Placements typically last 2 weeks to 3 months and cover sectors such as hospitality, IT, business, engineering, healthcare, and more.
VET Mobility at a Glance
| Programme | Erasmus+ KA1 — Learning Mobility of Individuals |
| Target group | Vocational education and training (VET) learners |
| Activity type | Supervised work placements in companies abroad |
| Duration | 2 weeks to 3 months (standard) |
| Funding | Erasmus+ grant covers travel, subsistence, and organisational costs |
| Sectors | Hospitality, IT, business, engineering, healthcare, and many more |
VET vs HEI Mobility — Head-to-Head
Both are KA1 mobilities but the rules, durations and recognition tools differ. This is the comparison most coordinators need before deciding which side of their institution to mobilise.
| Dimension | VET mobility | HEI mobility (Erasmus+ Traineeship) |
|---|---|---|
| Target learner | Vocational student / apprentice / recent VET graduate | Bachelor / Master / Doctoral student / recent HEI graduate |
| Sending org accreditation | KA120 (VET) — or KA122 short-term | Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) |
| Typical duration | 10 days – 89 days (short); up to 12 months (ErasmusPro) | 2 – 12 months per study cycle |
| Funding line | Individual Support — VET rates (~€55–€75/day) | Individual Support — HEI rates (~€500–€700/month) |
| Recognition tool | Europass Mobility + ECVET-style learning units | ECTS credits + Transcript of Records + Europass |
| Quality framework | EQAVET (European Quality Assurance in VET) | ECHE principles + Bologna Process |
| Common sectors | Hospitality, mechanics, healthcare, construction, IT services | Engineering, business, computer science, life sciences, social sciences |
EQAVET — The 10 Quality Indicators VET Mobility Is Audited Against
EQAVET is the European reference framework for VET quality assurance. National Agencies map Erasmus+ VET mobility outcomes to these indicators when evaluating projects.
Who Is Eligible for VET Mobility?
What VET Mobility Includes
Available Sectors for VET Placements
How VET Mobility Works
Institution Applies for Funding
The VET school applies for Erasmus+ funding via KA121 accreditation or a KA122 project application through their National Agency.
Partner Arranges Placements
The hosting partner (like Piktalent) sources verified companies and arranges accommodation, insurance, and logistics.
Students Travel Abroad
Participants travel to the host country, receive welcome orientation, and begin their work placement.
Monitoring & Completion
The hosting partner monitors placements, conducts evaluations, and delivers all Erasmus+ documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
Primary references from the European Commission, National Agencies and recognised EU institutions used to compile this guide.
- Erasmus+ — Vocational Education & Training (VET)
European Commission — DG EAC — Official scope and rules for VET learner and staff mobility under KA1.
- Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2025 (KA1 chapter)
European Commission — Eligibility, duration limits and grant amounts for VET placements.
- EQAVET — European Quality Assurance in VET
European Commission / Cedefop — Reference framework for VET quality assurance underpinning Erasmus+ VET projects.
- Cedefop — European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
Cedefop (EU Agency) — Primary EU research source on VET systems and mobility outcomes.
- ECVET — European Credit System for VET
Cedefop — Framework for recognising learning outcomes acquired during VET mobility.
- Europass Mobility document
European Union — Europass
Planning a VET Mobility Project?
Piktalent manages VET mobility programmes across 12+ European countries — placements, accommodation, and full support.