Chapter 2 – Learner Representation and Inclusive Education

Learner participation and inclusion are closely interrelated, and you play a crucial role in making this relationship effective.

To make VET learner participation meaningful, you, your colleagues, and learner representatives must create inclusive engagement spaces. Diverse student representative bodies more accurately reflect the complexity of the learner population in VET governance and management, which in turn helps create VET systems better suited to students’ needs. Your efforts in fostering inclusive engagement not only reduce early school-leaving and drop-outs (SEPR and SKUPNOST 2024) but also make students feel valued, heard, and understood. Full participation acknowledges learners’ backgrounds and challenges, boosting motivation and responsibility in school life.

Meaningful learner engagement fosters inclusive VET education. Building inclusive VET systems requires an active, whole-school approach centered on learners: By empowering students to be champions of inclusivity, you encourage them to embrace differences and celebrate diversity. Student-led initiatives, such as diversity clubs, cultural exchange programs, and awareness campaigns can amplify your institution’s message of acceptance, ensuring that every student feels valued and respected (OBESSU 2023). Student unions and reps expand learning access (ETF 2013). Your support helps them advocate for underrepresented students and build inclusive communities through peer support and mentoring (CoE 2024).