Driving green and digital skills in housing in Aveiro
INFODEF, as a partner in the HABITABLE project, recently participated in its second meeting held in Aveiro on May 23 and 24. This European project addresses the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition in the housing sector and aims to improve vocational training through active collaboration between institutions, local partners, and an international network of centers of excellence. It also provides a space for training and skill updates for students and professionals in the sector. The meeting began with a dissemination event titled “Transforming Skills for a Sustainable Habitat” at the University of Aveiro, co-organized by the partners Cluster Habitat Sustentável and CTCV. This event focused on the importance of green and digital skills to transform the value chain of the habitat. The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Victor Ferreira (Cluster Habitat Sustentável), which included various experts related to the habitat sector: from the University of Coimbra, from Produtos Cerâmicos, S.A., from AICCOPN, from the University of Aveiro, and from the Ordem dos Engenheiros. Following this, the Institutional Pact for Enhancing the Circular Economy in the Central Region was presented, and Ana Neves (Erasmus+ National Agency) shared the achievements made in 2023 – the European Year of Skills. On May 24, HABITABLE partners reconvened at the University of Aveiro for the second transnational meeting of the project. Organized by Cluster Habitat Sustentável, this meeting allowed all partners to discuss the results of completed tasks, review the status of ongoing ones, and plan the initiation of new activities.
Promoting international collaboration in VET in a meeting with U.S. Community Colleges
INFODEF recently participated in a vocational education internationalization event co-organized by the Department of Education of the Junta de Castille and León and the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). This meeting was introduced by the Regional Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, and featured a delegation of 15 representatives from U.S. Community Colleges. During the event, the partners of the HABITABLE project, which includes INFODEF, presented this innovative European collaboration initiative to the attendees. HABITABLE, co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition within the European habitat sector through Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, welcomed the U.S. delegation, made up of members from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This organization represents 17% of the higher education system in the United States, including more than 500 colleges and universities focused on the success of the Hispanic community. For three days, the U.S. representatives visited Vocational Education and Training (VET) centers in Castille and Leon, the Basque Country, and Madrid, exploring Spain’s technical and professional education systems. These visits facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices between Spanish and American educators. The working sessions organized during this event focused on creating a network to advance future collaboration agreements between institutions from both countries. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Spain and SEPIE, aims to promote research projects and facilitate student and staff exchanges.
SEBCoVE: Launch of a European alliance for smart electricity in buildings
On April 18th and 19th, 2024, the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Heraklion (Crete) hosted the launch of the innovative Erasmus+ SEBCoVE project (Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centres of Vocational Excellence). This ambitious initiative brings together leading actors from the educational and business sectors to promote excellence in vocational education and training within the smart electricity sector for buildings. This was the launch of the regional Vocational Excellence hubs (CoVEs) in the Smart Electricity for Buildings sector in which the SEBCoVE partners not only got to know each other, but also laid the foundations for the different work packages with which they will support the Smart Specialisation of their regions (Greece, Italy,Spain, North Macedonia) and establish international knowledge hubs for vocational education and training (VET) excellence systems. The ambition is to be world-class reference points for up- and reskilling of professionals engaged in the Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEBs) sector. As a project partner and an entity with expertise in VET excellence, INFODEF plays a key role in the strategy for internationalization and networking with other projects and initiatives to boost the impact of this new venture. Through projects like SEBCoVE, INFODEF continues to lead educational transformation on an international level, creating opportunities that contribute to sustainable growth and the adaptation of future professionals.
GreenVET4U project captures media attention in Uganda
The launch event of the GreenVET4U project, held on March 21 in Kampala, has attracted the attention from several Ugandan media outlets. The project, coordinated by INFODEF and co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, has caught the interest of local press, highlighting its relevance and the expected impact on vocational education and training (VET) in Uganda. GreenVET4U is a three-year initiative aimed primarily at equipping young Ugandans with the necessary skills to thrive in the emerging green jobs market. To achieve this, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of VET providers and bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills in the labor market by developing and implementing curricula focused on green job skills. In doing so, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in Uganda’s labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Below are some of the links to the news articles published about the GreenVET4U launch event in the following days: Softpower News: https://softpower.ug/e400000-greenvet4u-project-launched-to-promote-green-jobs/ Nile Post: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/193011/greenvet4u-program-was-launched-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-green-jobs-in-uganda Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-shs1-6b-project-will-spur-green-jobs-among-youths-4566476 This coverage highlights the GreenVET4U project and is a testament to INFODEF’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in vocational education and training. Through initiatives like GreenVET4U, we contribute to the development of key competencies that promote sustainable growth and the creation of green jobs, responding to the evolving needs of the labor market.
Launch of the GreenVET4U project to transform vocational education and training in Uganda
Finally, we can announce the launch of the GreenVET4U project, which took place on March 21. This event was held in Kyambogo, Kampala City (Uganda), where Ugandan and European partners (from Spain, Germany, and Italy) gathered to initiate collaboration that will last for the next three years. This meeting marks the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda to meet the growing demands of the labor market, especially in the field of green jobs. GreenVET4U is a project co-funded by the European Union within the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, approved in 2023. Coordinated by INFODEF, the project aims to enhance the capacity of VET providers and private entities in Uganda. The main goal is to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills by developing and implementing innovative curricula focused on Skills for Green Jobs. Through this initiative, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in the Ugandan labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The launch event, organized by the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their ideas and visions for the project. Prof. Moses Muhwezi from Makerere University Business School emphasized the importance of integrating green entrepreneurship into education, highlighting the need for a curriculum aligned with sustainability principles. Patricia Lamour, Managing Director of Aspire Education Group in Germany, stressed the significance of long-term partnerships and capacity building to shape Uganda’s future. Dr. Richard Irumba, Deputy Director of NCDC, underscored the collaborative effort between Ugandan and European partners as a unique aspect of the initiative. Representing INFODEF, project coordinator Jesús Boyano highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in advancing skills and green jobs. He emphasized, “To create jobs, we need to identify what jobs are needed and provide the right skills. Businesses and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in delivering green solutions and addressing environmental and economic needs.” Expected Outcomes of the Project The GreenVET4U project aims to achieve several outcomes, including: – Establishment of a European Union-Uganda Community of Practice. – Creation of a virtual collaboration space and an innovation lab. – Implementation of a tailored training program for VET professionals and trainers in companies. – Development of an advanced multifunctional online platform and a WebApp solution to support the assessment and validation of learning outcomes in VET. – Preparation of guidelines for the Validation, Certification, and Accreditation of Skills for Green Jobs through micro-credentials, enhancing the recognition of green skills in Uganda. The GreenVET4U project represents a pioneering initiative that promises to revolutionize vocational education in Uganda. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, GreenVET4U seeks to tackle the challenges of youth unemployment while contributing to global efforts for environmental conservation and economic growth.
Sustainability and innovation in automotive VET: INFODEF at VET4CHAINS Aachen meeting
The INFODEF project team recently had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring two-day consortium meeting in Aachen, Germany, hosted by FIR, the coordinators of VET4CHAINS project. This collaborative meeting brought together key players in the automotive sector to share insights and strategies for advancing vocational education and training. The agenda was packed with engaging sessions, including a dynamic SWOT analysis workshop. Consortium members worked together to pinpoint the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the project may encounter. This collaborative exercise laid a robust foundation for strategic planning, ensuring the project’s ultimate success. Additionally, participants showcased various platform solutions, receiving enthusiastic feedback that underscored the transformative potential these innovations hold. A highlight of the meeting was an enlightening tour of the FIR Demonstration Factory. This visit opened doors to cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices being developed through a cooperative approach. Witnessing FIR’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of industrial research and development was truly inspiring, and the exchange of ideas during this tour sparked valuable discussions. Overall, the meeting was a success, enhancing collaboration among partners. It presents a fantastic opportunity for INFODEF to work alongside esteemed partners in Mexico, Colombia, and Germany, all equally invested in the automotive sector. About the VET4CHAINS Project VET4CHAINS is dedicated to elevating the education and professional development of individuals in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and employees of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive industry. This initiative introduces a comprehensive Work-Based Learning (WBL) training program that seamlessly integrates online and face-to-face learning experiences. The program emphasizes five critical areas: an introduction to WBL, sustainable value chains, challenges of Industry 4.0, effective change management, and the pivotal role of digital innovation in SMEs. The VET4CHAINS project exemplifies a joint international initiative focused on improving Work-Based Learning (WBL) within the automotive sector. Key partners such as FIR, CAMEXA, CTA, and INFODEF each bring their unique skills and resources to the table, collaborating to advance vocational education and training in various regions.
Facing the demographic challenge: INFODEF and the HABITABLE project at the ‘Territories with a Future’ forum
On February 2, INFODEF participated in the “Territories with a Future” forum held in Arévalo (Ávila). During the first day of the event, Federico Campos presented the Erasmus CoVE project HABITABLE, which INFODEF has been working on for several months, alongside partners from six other European countries, to address the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and ecological transition skills in the habitat sector at the European level. HABITABLE is an innovative project in the field of vocational training and is particularly relevant to the theme of the forum as it is a pioneer in Spain and Europe in the habitat area. The forum, which has several previous editions, is organized by the AEICE efficient habitat cluster and the Ávila Foundation, and this time focused on addressing the future of young people in the face of the current demographic challenge. The goal is to place young people at the core of territorial development to stimulate the economy, create new job opportunities, and combat depopulation. Throughout the two days, topics such as entrepreneurship and rural housing were discussed, aiming to reverse the depopulation trend through training and youth involvement. Nearly 200 participants, including representatives from private companies, public administration, foundations, young people, and trainers, learned firsthand how the HABITABLE project aims to align vocational training with the needs of the habitat sector as defined in the regional sectoral plan (in the case of Castilla y Leon). In his speech, Federico Campos, as project coordinator at INFODEF, emphasized the crucial importance of vocational training to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, establishing population in activities related to heritage, digitalization, and ecological transformation through the circular economy. The HABITABLE project involves CoVEs (Centers of Vocational Excellence) linked to the habitat. These centers will participate, along with other project partners, in developing various products over the 48-month duration of the project, including: the Skills HUB to facilitate online training for trainers, SMEs, and students; an online dual competency center to support SMEs in managing work-based learning programs; the Smart SIP, an intelligent platform for sustainability planning; and a skills ecosystem for the habitat sector where policy recommendations will be developed. The “Territories with a Future” forum also took the opportunity to present some success stories to encourage young people to embark on entrepreneurship. Presentations included “From the Forest to Your Home,” with Marta Corella from Fundación Copade; the Cultural Association El Cinorrio, with Lucas Rodríguez Marcos; Circular Culture, with Beatriz Quintana; and Laguna del Oso by Kerbest, with Adrián Jiménez and José María Olarieta.
INFODEF joins COPADE in promoting sustainable development
INFODEF is now a partner of the COPADE Foundation (Commerce for Development), an organization dedicated to promoting fair trade, environmental sustainability, and development cooperation. This collaboration underscores INFODEF’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), decent work (SDG 8), and climate action (SDG 13). COPADE facilitates market access for producer organizations in Latin America and Spain, empowering them through responsible and sustainable practices. Additionally, it actively participates in awareness and internationalization projects across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, fostering ethical trade and a socially and environmentally responsible approach. Through this alliance, INFODEF will bring its expertise in professional training to support projects focused on strengthening skills in sustainability and local and international development. It is an opportunity to bolster COPADE’s work in educational and awareness initiatives, promoting skills that facilitate the transition to fairer and more sustainable business models. This collaboration creates unique synergies to drive projects benefiting vulnerable communities, involving local actors, and promoting circular economy and ethical trade.
IMMERSE Final Conference: Five years advancing the integration of refugee and migrant children in Europe
On November 6th, INFODEF took part in the final and most significant dissemination event of the IMMERSE project, held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Hosted by Member of the European Parliament Juan Fernando López Aguilar, the conference brought together IMMERSE and REFUGE-ED projects to consolidate efforts and share knowledge on fostering the socio-educational integration of migrant and refugee children across Europe. Under the title “Enhancing socio-educational integration of refugee and migrant children through research,” the event featured three roundtables with contributions from policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, researchers, practitioners, children, families, and civil society organizations. Discussions highlighted the achievements of both projects and the challenges ahead, emphasizing that integration requires inclusive, evidence-based policies and the active involvement of all stakeholders. About IMMERSE IMMERSE (Integration Mapping of Refugee and Migrant Children in Schools and Other Experiential Environments in Europe) is a Horizon 2020 project coordinated by the Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI-ICADE (Spain). Over the past five years, it has worked to define a new generation of indicators for measuring the integration and socio-educational inclusion of refugee and migrant children in Europe. The project engaged more than 24,000 children, parents, and teachers across six European countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain), ensuring that the voices of migrant and refugee children were at the heart of its research and outputs. Among its most remarkable outcomes is the Dashboard of Socio-Educational Integration Indicators, a publicly accessible data visualization tool built on 30 key indicators of socio-educational inclusion of refugee and migrant children in Europe. This dashboard allows policymakers, educators, NGOs, and researchers to analyze integration dynamics in real time, offering valuable insights to support evidence-based decision-making and more inclusive societies. Other contributions from the project include policy briefs and an online database with useful recommendations on the integration of migrant minors in Europe. Awareness campaigns such as ‘IMMERSE Yourself‘ showcased the co-creation methods that involved children and their families throughout the project development. The IMMERSE project has been carried out by a strong international consortium of universities, research centers, NGOs, and public institutions: Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI-ICADE (Spain), Zabala Innovating Consulting (Spain), INFODEF Instituto para el Fomento del Desarrollo y la Formación (Spain), Ministerio de Trabajo, Migraciones y Seguridad Social (Spain), INETUM (Spain), University College Cork (Ireland), Save The Children Italy (Italy), DOZ E. V. International (Germany), Active Citizen Europe (Belgium), Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Crete (Greece), Panteion University of Social and Political Studies (Greece).
Launching HABITABLE project: Transforming skills for the habitat sector
The international Erasmus+ project HABITABLE kicked off with a meeting held on October 9 at the Monasterio del Prado in Valladolid. This ambitious project aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in digitalization and ecological transition within the European habitat sector. As part of the Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative, HABITABLE brings together educational institutions, sector organizations, and companies to promote excellence and innovation in vocational training. INFODEF, along with 17 other partners from six countries (Spain, Portugal, Austria, Greece, Georgia, and Moldova), is part of an international consortium aiming to redefine vocational training in the habitat sector. At the first in-person partners meeting, INFODEF presented the project’s vision and its role in developing tools to modernize the training of habitat professionals, focusing on sustainability and digitalization. Among the innovative solutions to be developed under HABITABLE project: Smart SIP: An intelligent monitoring platform that will map employment trends and the skills needed in the habitat sector, offering an updated training supply panel aligned with market demands. Skills HUB: An online training center that will provide micro-credentials to sector professionals, along with a guidance space to support career development in sustainable habitat. Dual Online Centre: A collaborative space facilitating work-based learning (WBL), promoting partnerships between educational centers and companies to strengthen the provision of digital and green training in the sector. Habitat Skills Ecosystem: A European network of CoVEs to foster collaboration and generate policy recommendations to drive the transition to sustainable habitat across Europe. Project relevance and projection With a budget of €4 million and the participation of key players in vocational training and the habitat industry, HABITABLE represents a unique opportunity to modernize the sector and secure its long-term competitiveness. INFODEF, with its expertise in designing innovative training programs, will play a key role in creating resources that ensure workers are ready to face the challenges of digitalization and sustainability. The dissemination event, held on October 10, provided an opportunity to discuss the sector’s current challenges and the solutions offered by the HABITABLE project. Through roundtables, expert panels, and interactive activities, participants analyzed the new skills demanded in the habitat sector, the existing vocational training supply, and the keys to social and labor inclusion in this area. This meeting marked the beginning of a project that is able to transform the European habitat sector. HABITABLE takes a further step toward integrating digitalization and sustainability into vocational education, fostering the development of a skills ecosystem that will strengthen both the habitat sector and the professionals within it.