This report was initiated by Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and has been prepared by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus, HRDA, which is the nominated National Coordinator of the European network ReferNet in Cyprus.

Cedefop established ReferNet as the European network of reference and expertise in vocational education and training. The aim of this network is to meet the growing demand for information on policies and developments in the area of vocational education and training (VET) in the European Union.

ReferNet is made up of national consortiums, each comprising organisations, which are representative of the interests of vocational education and training within each EU Member State, plus Norway and Iceland. ReferNet provides a forum for exchanging information through a decentralised approach based on the contribution of the national consortia.

The report has been prepared as part of a series of reports on VET research in European Union countries. The reports follow a common structure, which has been provided in the form of guidelines by Cedefop. The reports aim to provide information on and expertise in relevant and current research topics to support the development of a European research area.

This report is one of the key sources to identify VET research carried out at national level, the key issues investigated and its findings. A dual approach has been followed, providing reviews of national research on two topics selected by Cedefop and on two topics considered important from a national perspective. The report therefore contains four papers. The first two papers provide research activities relevant to the pre-determined topics by Cedefop: Benefits of VET and Employment-related mobility and migration. The other two topics, Anticipation of Skill Needs and Labour Market Groups at Risk, were chosen by ReferNet Cyprus, according to national priorities.

The HRDA, as the National Coordinator of ReferNet in Cyprus, wishes to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the other members of the Cyprus consortium in the preparation of this report.