EXCEED – Excellence in green and digital manufacturing

EXCEED
Excellence in Green and Digital Manufacturing

Preparing the Advanced Manufacturing sector for the twin green and digital transitions

Programme: Erasmus+ – European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)
Project ID: 101103982 | CUP E31B23000120004
EU Grant: € 2,582,433
Duration: 4 years
Countries: Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, Finland
Lead Organisation: Centoform SRL – Via Nino Bixio 11, 44042 Cento (FE), Italy
Website: www.exceed-cove.eu

Project Overview

EXCEED — Excellence in Green and Digital Manufacturing — prepares the Advanced Manufacturing sector for the disruptive changes driven by the simultaneous green and digital transitions. The project assumes these two forces are synergistic and mutually reinforcing, representing powerful levers to accelerate innovation in Advanced Manufacturing. Through a large international consortium of universities, VET institutions, industry clusters and companies across five European countries, EXCEED develops joint, individualised lifelong learning programmes and updates curricula for Higher VET (EQF 4–5). A particular focus is placed on low-skilled adults at risk of marginalisation, in line with the “leave no one behind” principle of the European Green Deal.

Objectives

  • Equip current and future workers with the competences needed to master the twin green and digital transitions in Advanced Manufacturing
  • Provide lifelong learning pathways enabling workers to remain employable and keep pace with rapidly evolving skill demands
  • Ensure no one is left behind, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling low-skilled adults
  • Establish an International Talent Factory to attract, develop and retain talent in Advanced Manufacturing

Implementation

EXCEED operates through four interconnected work streams: a joint international lifelong learning offer (flexible and individualised), new and updated Higher VET curricula (EQF 4–5), an International Talent Factory connecting education and industry, and capacity building for VET professionals. Over four years, partners will involve at least 600 learners directly and reach over 26,000 beneficiaries through a multichannel communication strategy.

Expected Results

  • A joint, international and individualised Lifelong Learning offer for Advanced Manufacturing
  • New and updated Higher VET curricula at EQF 4 and 5
  • An International Talent Factory supporting skilled workforce development across Europe
  • Upskilled VET professionals translating green and digital innovation into education
  • At least 600 learners directly involved; over 26,000 beneficiaries reached

EXCEED drives the twin transition in Advanced Manufacturing, building a skilled European workforce ready to lead the green and digital economy.

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EDURES PROJECT

EDURES
Technology Education in the Digital Age Supported by the Meaningful Use of Research Results

A three-year international project to integrate research findings into tertiary technical education

Program: Erasmus+ KA2
Duration: 3 years (September 2020 – September 2023)
Lead partner: Rzeszow University of Technology – Poland
Partners: National Technical University of Athens (GR), Furtwangen University (DE), Centoform Srl (IT)
Reference fields: Mechanical engineering, civil/construction engineering

Project Overview

EDURES addresses a concrete need in tertiary education: research findings are being used insufficiently and inappropriately in teaching at university and higher technical education levels. The project brings together three universities and a VET center from Poland, Greece, Germany, and Italy in an international, interdisciplinary collaboration to design methodologies, digital tools, and teaching resources that integrate research findings into engineering education.

Objectives

  • Developing a teaching guide for teachers and trainers on the use of research findings in tertiary and higher technical education
  • Designing methodologies for a digital platform to support the constructive use of research findings
  • Create pilot lessons using the methodologies developed in the EDURES project
  • Create and populate a digital platform with the educational content developed in the project
  • Produce a final report on continuous improvement tools, procedures and techniques

Implementation

The four partner organizations work collaboratively to produce five intellectual outputs over three years. Centoform participates as a VET partner, ensuring that the outputs are applicable not only at university level but also in higher vocational training (IFTS/ITS). The project adopts interdisciplinary approaches in mechanical and civil/building engineering, linking academic research with practical teaching needs.

Expected Results

  • A teaching guide for integrating research findings into tertiary and technical education
  • Methodologies and specifications for a dedicated digital platform
  • A set of pilot lessons validated at partner institutions
  • A functional digital platform with research-based educational content
  • A final report on tools, procedures, and continuous improvement for integrated research education

EDURES bridges the gap between research and teaching, ensuring that the most up-to-date engineering knowledge reaches students at universities and technical institutes across Europe.

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DIG-MAN Erasmus+ Project

DIG-MAN
Digital Tools Integration in Product Development and Manufacturing Education

An Erasmus+ KA2 project creating innovative e-learning tools for the manufacturing sector

Programme: Erasmus+ KA2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices
Lead Partner: Estonian University of Life Sciences
Partners: University of Stavanger (NO), Rzeszow University of Technology (PL), Kaunas University of Technology (LT), Centoform Srl (IT)
Countries: Estonia, Norway, Poland, Lithuania, Italy

Project Overview

DIG-MAN is an Erasmus+ KA2 project for cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices. Through international partnership, the project provides a new innovative tool for e-learning in the manufacturing sector. The main goal is to enhance knowledge concerning the utilisation of digital manufacturing tools at the higher education level, creating learning materials that are universally adaptable across IFTS, ITS, universities and VET institutions. DIG-MAN addresses local and European challenges such as youth unemployment, low-skills training gaps and the evolving demands of digital manufacturing technology. Using an open-source philosophy, the project complements existing training tools and positions universities, VET agencies and companies as active actors in EU socio-economic development.

Objectives

  • Enhance knowledge and skills in digital manufacturing tools at higher education and VET level
  • Create universally adaptable e-learning materials for students and practitioners across multiple disciplines
  • Address youth unemployment and skills gaps through innovative digital training solutions
  • Promote an open-source philosophy to complement existing institutional training tools

Implementation

DIG-MAN develops three complementary intellectual outputs: a Didactic ProDeM Guide for educators, an Integrated Digital Workbook for students, and interactive e-learning materials for 12 selected product development courses. The tools are effective, internationally validated, portable and flexible for different beneficiaries. Dissemination takes place through the project website, stakeholder involvement from the outset, and participation in conferences and summer schools across Europe.

Expected Results

  • Output 1: Didactic ProDeM Guide – a reference manual for educators on digital manufacturing pedagogy
  • Output 2: Integrated Digital Workbook – a practical tool for students
  • Output 3: Interactive e-learning modules for 12 selected product development courses
  • Validated materials adaptable to IFTS, ITS, university and VET contexts across Europe

DIG-MAN delivers open, adaptable digital tools that bring manufacturing education into the 21st century across five European countries.

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SHVET

SHVET
Smart Development of HVET for Highly Skilled and Mobile Workforce

A joint higher VET qualification for building automation experts across Croatia, Slovenia and Italy

Programme: Erasmus+
Countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Italy
Focus Area: HVET / IFTS – EQF Level 5
Sector: Electrotechnical, Technical, Construction
Methodology: Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Project Overview

SHVET aims to contribute to the development of a highly qualified professional profile that is free to move across Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, supporting employment and reducing skills gaps in the electrotechnical, technical and construction sectors. The project focuses on defining a new joint IFTS/ITS (EQF 4 and 5) qualification for experts in building automation, aligned with current and future employer needs, incorporating a Work-Based Learning approach and student/worker mobility.

Objectives

  • Contribute to the training of a highly qualified, mobile workforce across three economically connected countries
  • Reduce the skills gap in the electrotechnical and construction sectors
  • Define a new joint IFTS/ITS qualification for building automation experts at EQF Level 5
  • Support the development and promotion of higher vocational education and training

Implementation

Employers are involved throughout the entire process through questionnaires, focus groups and working groups to identify competences and learning outcomes. Prior knowledge of learners is recognised based on assessment guidelines and standards. The new curriculum and qualification are validated by teachers, trainers and IFTS/ITS experts through a “Train the Trainers” event. The SmartApp network is activated through a Memorandum of Understanding between IFTS/ITS support organisations and employers.

Expected Results

  • New joint qualification at EQF Level 5 in building automation for Croatia, Slovenia and Italy
  • Validated curriculum aligned with employer needs using a Work-Based Learning approach
  • SmartApp network connecting educational institutions and SMEs for learner and worker mobility
  • Memorandum of Understanding supporting structured cross-border mobility

SHVET creates a new generation of highly qualified building automation experts capable of working and moving freely across three interconnected European countries.

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The European Commission support for the production does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

IFTS – Junior Expert in Circular Economy – 1st Pilot Edition

PA 2019-14543 – Regione Emilia-Romagna

IFTS – Junior Expert in Circular Economy
1st Pilot Edition – International Summer School

A blended learning course training 25 young Europeans in sustainability and circular economy

Duration: 800 hours (480 online + 320 internship)
Format: Blended: online + in-presence in Ferrara, Italy
Number of Participants: 25
Registration Deadline: 15 November 2020
Cost: Free (travel and accommodation self-funded)
Qualification: EQF Level 4

Project Overview

The IFTS “Junior Expert in Circular Economy” is a blended learning pilot course training 25 young Europeans who hold a school diploma and are preferably not in employment, education or training (NEET). The course equips participants with the tools and skills needed for sustainable development and circular transition in economy and society, following the 3 Rs principles: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Participants gain skills in the analysis, evaluation and improvement of manufacturing processes, impact assessment methods, total quality management for environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship and digital literacy.

Objectives

  • Equip young Europeans with practical skills for sustainable development and circular economy transitions
  • Train participants in analysis and improvement of manufacturing processes for environmental sustainability
  • Foster entrepreneurial skills in the context of circular and bio-based business models
  • Provide work experience through a 320-hour internship in companies across participant countries

Implementation

The course comprises three teaching blocks delivered online, followed by five weeks of in-presence training in Ferrara, Italy, and a 320-hour internship in a company located in each participant’s own country. Teaching blocks cover circular economy fundamentals, environmental innovation, management methodologies and entrepreneurial skills. The internship provides real-world experience within a company’s innovation process.

Expected Results

  • 25 young Europeans trained and qualified at EQF Level 4 in circular economy
  • Practical skills gained in environmental sustainability, quality management and entrepreneurship
  • Work experience in companies across multiple European countries
  • A validated blended learning model for international VET courses in green economy

The Junior Expert in Circular Economy course opens new professional pathways for young Europeans at the forefront of the green transition.

Organizers

ART-ER - Daniela Sani

ART-ER develops a number of initiatives with the objective to consolidate the employability of human resources in the research and TT field, by empowering their competences and their synergies with businesses.

logo Centoform a Ferrara

CENTOFORM - Chiara Pancaldi

VET centre located in Emilia Romagna, Italy for more than 15 years it has been providing LLL and TVET trainings for adults, demonstrating the efficacy of post-secondary and tertiary non-university courses, representing a pillar of the regional education system with an average employment rate equal to 70%.

myclimate Foundation - Florian Strasser

Swiss non-profit organisation for climate protection and sustainable development, both globally and locally. The expertise covers high-quality climate protection projects, climate-friendly/sustainable business solutions, and action-oriented educational, vocational and capacity building courses enabling employees, apprentices and students to contribute to climate protection and sustainability.

Tallinn University of Technology - Veiko Karu

The only technological university in Estonia which is the flagship of Estonian engineering and technology education. TalTech supports sustainable development through R&D and science based higher education in the field of engineering and technology.

University of Oulu - Veiko Karu

Multidisciplinary research and education community and one of the biggest universities in Finland. It is the coordinator of the EIT-RM ADMA doctoral course focusing on doctoral training and generating experts in RM area in academia and industry

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FAQ

The call is not yet open. Potential candidates are encouraged to sign up to our waitlist. Each of our waitlisted applicants will be directly notified once the application opens for submissions.

You will be asked to submit a CV in EUROPASS format. You will also have to attach a video as a motivation statement and answer a few questions.

The blended learning course “Junior Expert in Circular Economy” will train 25 European young people who are qualified with a school diploma (e.g. Licei, Abitur, Matura, Baccalauréat, upper secondary, or vocational school certificates) and preferably are neither in employment nor education or training. University students are accepted as well.

This course is tuition-free. However, candidates will have to cover their own food and travel expenses during their 5-week live training in Ferrara, Italy which is currently scheduled for September-October 2021.

Additional questions can be sent via email to ana.falcon@taltech.com or the contact form below.

This course will equip you with tools and skills in sustainable development and circular economy, as well as skills in impact assessment evaluation methods, total quality management for environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship and digital literacy.

EQF level IV is a qualification recognized by the European Union, which certifies that the student has factual and theoretical knowledge within a field and a range of skills required to generate solutions in this field

No, the course organizers will aid participants to start an internship with a company located in their countries.

The internship takes place in the country of the participant