Building Basic Skills for Migrant Care Workers in Europe: The VET CARE Project
Across Europe, the demand for long-term care services is growing due to demographic change and an ageing population. Migrant workers, and particularly women, form a significant share of the care workforce. However, many of them face barriers such as limited language skills, lack of formal training opportunities, and difficulties in accessing the labour market.
The Erasmus+ project VET CARE – Building Capacity and VET for Migrant Care Workers in Europe, in which IDEC participates along with partners from Portugal, Spain and Italy wants to face these challenges. Its main goal is to develop practical and accessible training opportunities that help both professional and basic skills, supporting the integration and social inclusion of migrants.
At the core of VET CARE is a digital learning programme tailored to the needs of disadvantaged groups. The curriculum has been designed at an accessible language level (A2+), ensuring that participants with low proficiency in the host country’s language can follow the training. The course is available in 5 languages and consists of eight modules, covering essential areas such as:
- Introduction to the care sector
- Digital skills necessary for modern day carers
- Soft skills, with a focus on communication (including language), confidentiality and building trust
- Understanding the care workspace
- Healthcare basics, including vital signs, first aid and medication awareness
- Mental health care
- Everyday tasks, from nutrition and hygiene to activities and social daily life
- Care for the carer, emphasising self-care, stress management and wellbeing
Each module combines short videos in the national languages, practical exercises, and assessments, allowing participants to progress at their own and obtain a certificate in “Care Excellence: upskilling for care workers with a migrant background”. The course design ensures that learning is inclusive, practical, and directly connected to the daily reality of care work.
By focusing on basic skills development for disadvantaged groups, VET CARE demonstrates how vocational education and training can serve as a bridge to both employment and social inclusion. It highlights the importance of lifelong learning as a tool for empowerment, dignity, and quality in care services.