Strategic approach to support mobility of apprentices in the building sector
On April 9–10, the kick-off meeting of the European project MOBUILDING – A strategic approach to support mobility of apprentices in the building sector took place in Valladolid, Spain. Coordinated by INFODEF, the event brought together representatives from ten partner organizations across seven European countries for their first face-to-face meeting. The meeting started with a visit to the 4th VET Forum of Castilla y León and the regional Skills Competition, offering the consortium an opportunity to explore inspiring practices in Spanish vocational education and training. Afterwards, the group convened at the offices of EDUCACYL – Regional Ministry of Education of Castilla y León, where the work plan was presented, and the foundations were laid for the upcoming months. MOBUILDING addresses major challenges facing the building sector in Europe: attracting young talent, increasing the quality and availability of apprenticeship opportunities, and integrating innovative, sustainable practices aligned with the EU Green Deal. While cross-border mobility is crucial to achieving these goals, legal, cultural, and structural barriers still hinder apprentices’ participation. The project seeks to remove those barriers and improve the quality of mobility experiences through three main actions: Identifying challenges and drafting a European Action Plan for apprentice mobility in the building sector. Developing a digital platform to support sending and hosting organizations involved in mobility schemes. Enhancing outreach and engagement with apprentices and employers while ensuring a high-quality learning mobility experience. Through MOBUILDING, INFODEF strengthens its role in promoting inclusive, future-oriented, and international VET systems. Over the next 36 months, this project will help open new learning and employment pathways in a key sector for Europe’s green and digital transition.
Adherence to the United Nations Global Compact Spanish Network
We are proud to announce that INFODEF has officially joined the Spanish Network of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together more than 20,000 participants across over 160 countries. By joining this global movement, we reaffirm our commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which serve as a foundation for our strategy and daily operations. This step further strengthens our alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which INFODEF already incorporates across its work in areas such as inclusive education, gender equality, sustainable innovation, international cooperation, and social justice. Being part of the UN Global Compact allows us to engage with a vibrant community of organizations working toward sustainability, while opening up new opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate, and increase the reach and effectiveness of our projects. At INFODEF, we believe that organizations play a vital role in building a fairer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible future. That’s why we will continue to ensure that sustainability and the principles of the Global Compact remain central to everything we do. Learn more about the Global Compact and its principles: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/
INFODEF joins the World Family Organization
INFODEF has been accepted as a new member of the World Family Organization (WFO), an international entity with General Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1948. The WFO represents families worldwide, defends their interests, and acts with and for them vis-à-vis governments and the international community. The mission of the WFO is to promote means, opportunities, equal rights, and conditions for women and men to assume their roles and functions within the family and society, in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. It also seeks to foster policies and actions that improve the living conditions of all families, respecting their diversity and cultures. INFODEF’s membership in this global network reinforces its commitment to social inclusion, human dignity, and sustainable development. This collaboration opens new opportunities to participate in international initiatives focused on key areas such as education, health, housing, and social well-being, contributing to a more just and sustainable future for families worldwide.
Participating in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum at the European Parliament
On November 25–26, 2024, INFODEF participated in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum, organized by the ACRID Network at the European Parliament in Brussels. This prestigious event gathered policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to explore collaboration opportunities and funding pathways for advancing green, digital, and circular technologies across Europe. The forum was a valuable space to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and better understand opportunities within the EU funding landscape. INFODEF contributed by sharing its experience in innovation and sustainability, working alongside partners from academia, industry, and public institutions. During the lunch debate on November 26, Jesús Boyano, INFODEF’s director, contributed to the session “The Role of EU Funding in Enhancing Human Capital Development for Innovation and Technology in EU Candidate Countries”. This debate highlighted the transformative impact of EU funding programs like Horizon Europe on developing skills and fostering innovation in regions such as the Western Balkans and Turkey. This participation marks another milestone in INFODEF’s ongoing efforts to harness the power of networks and collaboration to create a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
INFODEF at AR&PA 2024: innovation, culture, and regional engagement
INFODEF participated in the AR-PA Cultural Tourism Fair, held from November 15 to 17 in Valladolid, Spain, as a member of the AEICE Efficient Habitat Cluster, through its joint stand at the event. The stand hosted an engaging agenda organized by AEICE, featuring presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities that aligned with the fair’s central topics. The cluster program, themed around emerging heritage, territorial innovation, the demographic challenge, and sustainable habitat, brought together cultural and tourism professionals from across Spain. The fair agenda was enriched by family-friendly workshops and activities led by cultural institutions from Castilla y León, emphasizing the region’s cultural richness and its potential as a sustainable tourism destination. A highlight of the event was the visit of regional government president Alfonso Fernández Mañueco and other authorities during the inaugural day, underlining the significance of the fair in positioning Castilla y León as a hub for innovation in cultural tourism. INFODEF’s presence at AR-PA reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the fields of culture and education.
INFODEF joins EVBB, the European network for excellence in VET
INFODEF has officially become a member of the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), one of the leading European networks committed to promoting quality and innovation in vocational education and adult learning. Headquartered in Brussels, the EVBB brings together training institutions, universities, associations, and organizations that strive to advance excellence and a strong European dimension in VET. The association works to enhance transnational cooperation, represent the interests of the sector before EU institutions, and support policies that foster inclusive, labour-market-oriented, and future-ready education systems. INFODEF’s membership in this network opens new avenues for international cooperation, participation in strategic discussions on the future of VET in Europe, and involvement in collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the sector. It is also an opportunity to continue advancing in key areas of INFODEF’s work, including sustainability, digital innovation, inclusion, and the excellence in vocational education and training.
New trends in AI and education: INFODEF at the EVBB European policy camp
Our team attended the annual European policy camp titled “AI in Education: From Policy to Practice”, organized by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB). Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing education by creating new learning experiences., and it was a remarkable event to stay up-to-date with industry trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education. This was an excellent opportunity for the INFODEF team to learn about, compare, and evaluate the latest AI advancements and their practical applications in education that could be applied to our own work. In this edition, the program included a variety of sessions addressing key topics at the intersection of AI and education, such as: Panel discussions on the future of AI in education, featuring experts who shared their visions on how AI will transform teaching and learning. Technological innovations in education: Practical workshops where participants explored AI tools designed to personalize the learning experience. Ethics and challenges in the use of AI: Debates on the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings, a critical topic to ensure the responsible development of these technologies. The event featured prominent speakers, including: Angeliki Dedopoulou, Public Policy Manager on AI & Fintech at Meta, who brought a collaborative approach to the development and application of artificial intelligence. Melina Tasiovasilis, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG EMPL, who introduced the issue of adapting VET to AI. Fabio Nascimbeni, Human Capital Development Expert at the European Training Foundation, who managed an interesting workshop about the impact of AI in VET. The event attracted experts and thought leaders from all over Europe to Brussels to showcase the latest products, services and innovations relevant for the AI for education field. The different sessions scheduled allowed all participants to engage in hands-on activities and practical workshops tailored to help participants implement AI solutions effectively in VET settings. Participating in the EVBB event brought INFODEF excellent networking opportunities and offered us valuable insights from top industry leaders, policymakers, and AI experts.
INFODEF is member of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
INFODEF has recently joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), a European Commission initiative that unites governments and key stakeholders to enhance the quality, supply, and mobility of apprenticeships across Europe. Through this membership, INFODEF aims to support sustainable growth by focusing on sectors crucial for the green and digital transitions, helping to strengthen vocational education and align with Sustainable Development Goals like Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work (SDG 8). The EAfA promotes the formation of national coalitions, encourages support for SMEs, and strengthens partnerships at various levels, engaging local and regional authorities as well as social partners in crucial areas like gender equity, social inclusion, and the internationalization of VET. This way, INFODEF reinforces its commitment to providing inclusive and accessible educational pathways aligned with European priorities. As a collaborative platform, EAfA also offers INFODEF opportunities to share experiences, learn from best practices, and connect with partners across Europe and beyond. Members gain access to the latest tools and news on apprenticeships, helping develop innovative strategies and strengthen apprenticeship initiatives. Key projects within the Alliance allow INFODEF to contribute to a skilled and resilient workforce, supporting SMEs and communities in achieving sustainable development.
Joining Erasmus+ 2024 Week for Sub-Saharan Africa
In line with its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all), INFODEF participated in the Erasmus+ 2024 Week for Sub-Saharan Africa, held from March 25 to 27 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Organized by the European Commission and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), this event brought together Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training institutions from Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, interested in the Erasmus+ program and establishing partnerships. INFODEF was present alongside other key players to promote digital education and international collaboration in the educational field. During this week of promoting the Erasmus+ program for Sub-Saharan Africa, INFODEF had the opportunity to actively participate in discussions with relevant stakeholders, establish connections, and exchange views on the crucial role of digitalization in education. This event not only facilitated the exchange of good practices and experiences between educational institutions from both continents but also promoted inclusion and equity in education through international collaboration. The central theme of digitalization in education highlighted how the digital transformation is shaping both the labor market and learning opportunities in a globalized environment. The presence of Erasmus+ National Focal Points, national agencies, and representatives of the European Union underscored the shared commitment to improving education and training in Sub-Saharan Africa through the Erasmus+ program. By participating in this event, INFODEF takes another step in its commitment to strengthening international educational capacities and promoting equitable opportunities for all students and professionals in the training sector. We continue to contribute to global initiatives that foster quality education and sustainable development in collaboration with our European and African partners.
INFODEF joins the Pact for Skills
INFODEF has just joined the European Pact for Skills, an initiative launched by the European Commission to foster collaboration among public and private organizations in addressing the essential skills required for the green and digital transitions. This commitment meets INFODEF’s goal to promote sustainable growth, social equity, and resilience in vocational education and training (VET). The Pact for Skills is a key element of the European Skills Agenda, aiming to strengthen sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience across Europe’s economic and industrial sectors. Launched in 2020, the Pact addresses the growing need for upskilling and reskilling as part of a broader strategy to help individuals and organizations succeed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. It involves partnerships between public and private entities to ensure a skilled workforce through diverse initiatives like VET programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and skill development frameworks. Participating organizations, including INFODEF, commit to shared goals and measurable indicators for skill development, such as enhanced skills intelligence, the creation of new training programs, and increased numbers of skilled individuals entering the workforce. The Pact ultimately aims to combat unemployment and support the growth of businesses by providing employees with the knowledge they need to thrive. Joining the Pact for Skills underscores INFODEF’s adherence to supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s efforts in education and social inclusion. Several of INFODEF’s recent and current projects, such as SME Green Skills Hub, Habitable, or ECVET Skills Platform, emphasize the importance of skills development in advancing sustainable practices, social equity, and economic resilience. Through these projects, INFODEF is helping to address SDG objectives such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), reinforcing its mission of driving positive change in communities through high-quality training initiatives. As a member of the Pact, INFODEF has the opportunity to leverage resources across three primary services: The Networking Hub: INFODEF can now connect with a broad network of potential partners and access tools like Europass, Skills Panorama, and EURES, essential for boosting VET initiatives and enhancing skills intelligence. The Knowledge Hub: Through webinars, seminars, and learning activities, INFODEF stays updated on EU policies and instruments, sharing best practices and refining its approach to project development. The Guidance Hub: This offers guidance on EU and national funding opportunities, making it easier to collaborate with regional and national authorities in developing projects aligned with skill-building goals. INFODEF looks forward to contributing to and benefiting from the Pact for Skills community, reinforcing its role in the development of a skilled, resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the green and digital transitions. Joining this Pact not only represents a step toward the future of education but also enhances INFODEF’s capacity to bring impactful, sustainable projects to communities across Europe.