Effective alumni policies and practices in Finland and the Netherlands: developing guidelines for VET schools

Funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, CINOP (the Netherlands) and Samiedu Municipal Education and Training Consortium (Finland) collaborate to enhance alumni engagement in vocational education and training (VET) by developing practical guidelines for alumni policies.

Erasmus+: KA210-VET – Small-scale partnerships in vocational education and training

This project aims to develop practical guidelines for alumni policies based on international best practices. By developing effective alumni strategies, this project seeks to strengthen the connection between VET schools and the labour market, foster lifelong learning and enhance career guidance. Led by CINOP B.V. (Netherlands) in partnership with Samiedu Municipal Education and Training Consortium (Finland), the project will run from April 2025 to September 2026.

In many vocational education institutions, alumni policies are still underdeveloped. Yet, alumni can play a crucial role in improving education by sharing labour market insights, acting as mentors, and supporting students through internships and guest lectures. This project aims to highlight these benefits and provide clear strategies for implementation.

The project aims to:

  • Gain insight into alumni policies and practices at national, regional and institutional levels in both countries;
  • Develop practical guidelines for alumni policies, including best practices, challanges and strategies;
  • Disseminate findings and guidelines to VET professionals and policymakers across Europe.

Project activities

  • Desk research to map national and international examples, identifying best practices, challenges and success factors;
  • Two transnational study visits to Finland and the Netherlands to explore existing practices;
  • Interviews with VET/HE professionals, policymakers, employers and alumni during the visits;
  • Creation and publication of practical guidelines on alumni policies for VET;
  • A European-wide online dissemination event.

Guidelines for alumni engagement in VET

The project has resulted in freely accessible guidelines containing recommendations and concrete examples of effective alumni engagement in VET. These guidelines help VET schools strengthen alumni networks, align education with labour market needs, and improve the overall quality and attractiveness of vocational education. The publication is now available.

Download the publication here

Webinar recording: Effective Alumni Policies and Practices

On 16 September, CINOP and Samiedu (Finland) hosted an online dissemination event presenting the results of the Erasmus+ project Effective Alumni Policies and Practices in Finland and the Netherlands. During the webinar, the project team shared key findings from the study visits and desk research, and introduced the newly published guidelines for alumni engagement in VET schools.

Missed the live session? Watch the recording here:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Erasmus+ programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

For more information about the project:

  • Evelien Hulscher

  • Maartje Stroo