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.
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.
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.