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
A Mine of Stories: rural innovation with a mining soul
In the heart of the Montaña Palentina —a mountainous area in northern Spain known for its natural beauty and mining heritage— the former Casa del Pueblo of Vallejo de Orbó hosted this Wednesday the official launch of A Mine of Stories, a national initiative aiming to open a new path for sustainable development in post-mining rural areas. The project represents a unique opportunity to rethink the future of the countryside through innovation, culture, and community engagement. Led by the Brañosera Town Council and Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, A Mine of Stories will run for eight months and reach various mining communities in the region, including Brañosera, Valberzoso, Salcedillo, and Orbó. A key component of the project is its training programme, which includes eight intensive courses of at least 40 hours. These combine theoretical learning, technical visits, and practical workshops. They are aimed at tourist guides, heritage professionals, rural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in developing new initiatives in their local area. Topics will range from industrial heritage interpretation to the design of tourism experiences, digital marketing, and the use of emerging technologies. INFODEF contributes to the delivery of this training programme, building on its background in education, heritage, and sustainable tourism. Its participation in A Mine of Stories highlights its commitment to educational innovation as a tool for community-based rural regeneration. In addition to the Brañosera Town Council, the initiative involves the collaboration of KOAN Consulting, Patrimonio Global, Radio Viajera, Geocyl, and Enredadas con el Patrimonio, as well as close ties with local associations such as ARPI and the Montaña Palentina Local Action Group. More information at https://www.unaminadehistorias.com Some news published about the event: https://cadenaser.com/castillayleon/2025/05/22/el-patrimonio-minero-se-convierte-en-motor-de-futuro-para-la-montana-palentina-radio-palencia/
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.