Signing ceremony at the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
On June 30 and July 1, INFODEF participated in the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), held in Brussels under the theme “Apprenticeships for the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal.” This edition of the event was particularly meaningful, as it aligned with the launch of two major European Commission initiatives: the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal. Both place skills development and quality employment at the core of Europe’s green and digital transitions. During the Signing Ceremony, INFODEF officially joined the Alliance alongside other new members. The diplomas were presented by Roxana Mînzatu, Deputy Director-General of DG EMPL, in a warm and symbolic moment of commitment to advancing excellence in vocational education and training. The event provided a valuable platform to reflect on the transformative potential of apprenticeships — not only as a tool to boost employability but also to respond to the evolving needs of industry, especially in energy-intensive sectors. Discussions highlighted the importance of work-based learning in equipping learners with green skills and strengthening STEM pathways, as well as the role of apprenticeships in fostering a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable Europe. At INFODEF, we believe that quality apprenticeships are essential to building future-ready professionals. Our membership in EAfA strengthens our position within the European VET Excellence ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to promoting inclusive, innovative, and labour market-relevant training opportunities. Learn more about the European Alliance for Apprenticeships: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/working-together/european-alliance-apprenticeships/about-eafa_en
Empowering VET Excellence in Castilla y León: INFODEF at the IV VET Forum
On April 8–9, INFODEF participated in the IV Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León, held at Valladolid Congress Centre, in Spain. The event brought together regional experts and European policy influencers to discuss the future of vocational training and the critical role of international cooperation in education. INFODEF’S director, Jesús Boyano, joined an engaging roundtable on mobility and internationalisation, sharing insights on how the entity’s involvement in excellence projects reinforces our commitment to modernizing vocational training. His participation underscored INFODEF’s dedication to ensuring that education meets labor market demands while embracing global best practices. The forum featured renowned speakers such as: Rocío Lucas Navas – Education Counselor from the Junta de Castilla y León. Joachim James Calleja – President of EfVET and VET consultant, who presented the new European capacity strategy for vocational training, highlighting emerging opportunities and challenges across EU member states. José Manuel Galvín – Senior Expert in Vocational Excellence at the European Training Foundation, who illuminated international cooperation models, particularly the coordination of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and skills ecosystems. Alicia Gabán – Head of Communications and Projects at EARLALL (European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning). Anastasia Pouliou – Expert in qualifications and credentials at CEDEFOP. Agustín Sigüenza Molina – Director General of FP and Special Regime in Castilla y León. Precisely within the framework of the 4th Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León, the signing ceremony of the HABITABLE Regional Alliance of Castilla y León took place, with the participation of INFODEF. This event marked a key step in continuing to strengthen a collaborative model around the habitat sector, and it was made possible thanks to the commitment of all partner organizations, as well as those that, through their presence, have actively chosen to join this process. In addition, the forum coincided with the Castilla y León VET Skills 2025 Competition. In this competition, more than 200 vocational students from the region showcased their talents in various categories, including hairdressing, masonry, mechatronics, automotive technology, pharmacy, window display, culinary arts, and renewable energies. Regional winners will now advance to the national competition that will take place in 2026. Notably, the construction competition zone featured the presence of the HABITABLE project – an innovative initiative addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in Europe’s housing sector by developing a Centre of Vocational Excellence in the Habitat area. Alongside other excellence projects like SEBCoVE, GreenVET4U, VET4chains, or GreenCCIrcle, our participation in these initiatives reaffirms INFODEF’s commitment to innovation and the sustainable evolution of vocational training. Fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners is key to harnessing the benefits of vocational training in today’s digital and green economy. The Skills Competition is a great example of collaboration where companies from different sectors partner with the competition organizers to enable the development of the different tasks providing materials and tools, and also evaluating the participant students. This event is an important showcase for young people to closely learn about the professional development options offered by vocational training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.