ID4Ex: Immersive Design for Excellence

ID4Ex
Immersive Design for Excellence

Upgrading construction sector skills through Virtual Reality, immersive design and Key Enabling Technologies

Programme: Erasmus+
Sector: Construction, Architecture, Built Heritage
Technologies: VR, Immersive Interactive Experience (IIE), advanced 3D modelling, KETs
Target Audience: Students, universities, architects, engineers, construction specialists, educational organisations

Project Overview

ID4Ex (Immersive Design for Excellence) addresses the Europe 2030 strategy priorities on employment and education, responding to the insufficient supply of quality digital content for training in the construction sector. The construction industry faces major challenges — accelerated by the health emergency — that require a fundamental rethinking of spaces, supply chains and training approaches.
In this context, digitisation represents an important driver for innovation, effectiveness and excellence. ID4Ex promotes an inclusive, immersive approach to project design that combines Virtual Reality, Immersive Interactive Experience (IIE), advanced 3D modelling and Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) to upgrade skills in built heritage intervention.

Objectives

  • Upgrade and innovate existing training programmes with up-to-date Immersive Design methods for built heritage interventions
  • Improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning through an inclusive, immersive design approach
  • Increase the synergic use of up-to-date technologies (VR, IIE, 3D modelling) in an integrated team-based approach
  • Strengthen cooperation among educational institutions and enterprises in the EU for better graduate employability

Implementation

ID4Ex develops a comparative research study on VR technologies for rehabilitation and valorisation of built heritage, alongside training modules for immersive design experts and a digital training toolkit. The project primarily targets students and universities but also engages practising architects, engineers, construction specialists and educational organisations, ensuring that new immersive competences are embedded across the construction education ecosystem.

Expected Results

  • Comparative research on Virtual Reality applications for built heritage rehabilitation and valorisation
  • Training modules for immersive design experts in the construction sector
  • Digital training toolkit for immersive design professionals
  • Enhanced cooperation networks between educational institutions and construction enterprises

ID4Ex brings immersive technology to the heart of construction education, enabling a new generation of professionals to design and preserve built heritage with cutting-edge tools.

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BIM 4 Placement

BIM 4 Placement
BIM4PLACEMENT – European Key Competences in Building and Construction

Building a bridge between Northern and Southern Europe through Building Information Modelling

Programme: Erasmus+ KA2 – VET Strategic Partnerships
Project Code: 2016-1-IT01-KA202-005399
Duration: Concluded
Countries: Italy, Finland, Norway, United Kingdom
Lead Organisation: Centoform Srl, Italy
Partners: Oulun Yliopisto (FI), Viasys Vdc Oy (FI), Regione Emilia-Romagna (IT), Universitetet I Stavanger (NO), AEEBC Ltd (UK)

Project Overview

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings and infrastructures. While BIM is well established in northern Europe — Finland and Norway have been among the earliest adopters — awareness and implementation in southern Europe, particularly Italy, lagged significantly behind.
BIM 4 Placement was a capacity-building Erasmus+ project that set out to bridge this gap through transnational cooperation among six organisations across Italy, Finland, Norway and the UK. The project promoted BIM as a training subject for employability, upgrading qualifications and creating a network for work-based learning.

Objectives

  • Deepen knowledge about BIM as a skills-development training subject for employability goals
  • Build a transnational bridge between northern and southern European BIM practices and expertise
  • Upgrade existing training tools and professional qualifications in the building and construction sector
  • Create a VET network to promote work-based learning around BIM

Implementation

The project brought together six organisations — VET providers, regional authorities, universities and an EU association — from three countries. Partners conducted intensive transnational training courses to exchange best practices in BIM training and implementation, alongside local training events for trainers, teachers and students in the building sector. A new serious game about BIM was developed for beginners, and a comparative research study was produced.

Expected Results

  • Comparative research publication: “BIM as Driver for Innovation and Employment”
  • New and renewed professional qualification in building and construction for Emilia-Romagna Region
  • New and updated training programmes about BIM for students, unemployed and employed professionals
  • New BIM serious game for beginners
  • BIM network connecting educational institutions and companies for work-based learningRete BIM che collega istituzioni educative e aziende per il work-based learning

BIM 4 Placement ha accelerato l’adozione del Building Information Modelling in Europa, aprendo la strada ai paesi del sud Europa verso i livelli di implementazione dei loro omologhi del nord.

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Tiche Project

TICHE Project
Training & Innovation in Circular Economy per l’Alta Formazione Professionale

Establishing a European VET Academy on Circular Economy through transnational ecosystem cooperation

Programma: Erasmus+
Focus: Competenze verdi, economia circolare, capacity building VET
Partnership:Research centres, VET centres, universities, SMEs, clusters, umbrella organisations, public administrations
Vision: A European Training Area for Circular Economy

Project Overview

Climate change and the imperative shift away from the linear economy paradigm demand a fundamental rethinking of skills in the workforce. The TICHE Project responds to this need by establishing a European VET Academy on Circular Economy, driven by a highly experienced and complementary transnational partnership. The project is grounded in the recognition that “green jobs” — expected to represent more than 80% of jobs by 2030 — require not just compositional skill changes but a substantial shift in skills domains. TICHE addresses both the growing demand for green-skilled workers and the need for entrepreneurs with a “green mindset”, aligning with Smart Specialization Strategies across all partner countries.

Objectives

  • Establish a European VET Academy on Circular Economy as a lasting transnational structure for green skills development
  • Develop a comprehensive green skills framework tailored to the circular economy needs of each partner territory
  • Build the capacity and responsiveness of VET systems to address the demands of a low-carbon economy
  • Support the transition to bio-based, low-impact and sustainable production across different sectors

Implementation

TICHE operates as an ecosystem bringing together research centres, VET centres, universities, SMEs, clusters, umbrella organisations, international networks and public administrations. This diverse consortium works collaboratively to build capacity and produce transferable resources that strengthen the responsiveness of VET systems across Europe, in line with the concept of a European Training Area. Partner engagement covers the entire circular economy innovation chain, from research and curriculum design to piloting and dissemination.

Expected Results

  • A European VET Academy on Circular Economy operational across partner countries
  • A green skills curriculum framework adaptable to different sectors and territorial contexts
  • Strengthened VET system capacity to respond to green transition demands
  • Policy recommendations aligned with Smart Specialization Strategies in partner countries
  • A transnational ecosystem connecting research, education, business and public administration

TICHE builds the foundations of a European green skills ecosystem, enabling VET systems to become the driving force of the circular economy transition.

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Video

Life ADA Project

Life ADA
Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptation

Building climate resilience across three agri-food supply chains in Emilia-Romagna

Programme: LIFE – EU Programme for Environment and Climate Action
Period: October 2021 – June 2022
Territory: Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
Supply Chains: Fruit & Vegetables, Viticulture, Dairy – Parmigiano Reggiano
Target Participants: 50 farmers and producer organisation members
Contact: Elena Zani | elena.zani@centoform.it | 051 68 30 470

Project Overview

Life ADA aims to build robust climate resilience objectives along three key agri-food supply chains in the Emilia-Romagna region: the dairy sector (Parmigiano Reggiano), viticulture and fruit and vegetable production. The project delivers a structured training and awareness programme for farmers, producer organisations and sector operators.
Through a series of technical webinars and good practice exchange workshops, Life ADA provides concrete, sector-specific knowledge on climate change impacts, risk management, adaptation strategies and new digital tools applied to agriculture.

Objectives

  • Provide farmers with up-to-date knowledge on climate change, its projections and impacts on agriculture
  • Share adaptation strategies and tools specific to each of the three supply chains (dairy, viticulture, fruit & vegetables)
  • Facilitate knowledge exchange and good practice sharing among operators from the three sectors
  • Facilitate knowledge exchange and good practice sharing among operators from the three sectors

Implementation

The programme delivers 9 webinars — 6 technical and 3 dedicated to good practice exchange — plus in-company study visits. Activities are supported by a facilitator-tutor figure ensuring pedagogical quality and participant engagement. Topics range from climate projections and big data in agriculture to sector-specific economic impacts and adaptation tools for Parmigiano Reggiano, viticulture and fruit & vegetable production.

Expected Results

  • 50 trained farmers and producer organisation members across three supply chains
  • 9 webinars delivered covering climate change, risk management and sector-specific adaptation strategies
  • Good practice exchange among best-in-class companies in the Emilia-Romagna agri-food sector
  • Increased capacity of operators to implement climate adaptation measures in their enterprises

Life ADA equips Emilia-Romagna’s agricultural operators with the knowledge and tools to build climate resilience and secure the future of their supply chains.

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Contact persons
Elena Zani

elena.zani@centoform.it
Tel: 051 68 30 470

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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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Erasmus project SMART&STEAM VET

SMART&STEAM VET — Guidance Strategies in the Digital Age

Serious gaming for SMART educational choices — a cross-sectoral Erasmus+ KA2 project

Programme: Erasmus+ KA2 – Strategic Partnerships (cross-sector: VET and School Education)
Duration: 24 months (November 2019 – October 2021)
Lead Partner: Colegiul Tehnic “Cibinium” – Romania
Partners: OEIBF (AT), CIFP Valle de Elda (ES), ZEPSOL School (PL), Melazeta Srl (IT), Centoform Srl (IT)
Countries: Romania, Austria, Spain, Poland, Italy

Project Overview

SMART&STEAM VET is an Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic Partnership project focused on the attractiveness of vocational training, professional development and social inclusion across five European countries. The project addresses key issues related to the attractiveness of VET in the digital age, professional development and gender equality in STEAM subjects and technical culture. Using Serious Gaming as the core methodology, the project aims to create transferable guidance tools for VET teachers, trainers and tutors, and to develop strategies for effective VET-business cooperation. It also addresses early school leaving and gender stereotypes related to STEAM disciplines — subjects increasingly in demand by the labour market.

Objectives

  • Create a transferable Serious Learning Game for the professional skills development of VET professionals in guidance activities
  • Develop new strategies for effective VET-business cooperation by involving complementary stakeholders
  • Address the lack of innovation in guidance tools available in schools and VET centres
  • Reduce early school leaving and combat gender stereotypes in STEAM subjects

Implementation

The project delivers two joint transnational staff training events and five local multiplier events. Two new digital intellectual outputs are produced, disseminated through the European Skills Week events. A combination of complementary partners — three VET organisations, a VET research institute and a gamification company — work together to create effective guidance messages for students, families, schools and policymakers. The dissemination reaches at least 2,500 beneficiaries through outreach activities.

Expected Results

  • A Serious Learning Game on guidance for SMART educational and professional choices
  • Training materials and webinars for VET professionals in guidance activities
  • Policy recommendations for VET-business cooperation and inclusion in educational systems
  • Greater awareness of gender issues related to STEAM subjects among students, families and schools

SMART&STEAM VET transforms vocational guidance into an engaging and inclusive digital experience that helps young people make informed choices for their future.

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Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS
Innovating a Crucial Profession in Building and Construction Sector

Creating the “Diagnostic Expert” — a new professional profile for building assessment using up-to-date technologies

Programma: Erasmus+ KA2 – Partenariati Strategici per la VET
Project Number: 2017-1-ES01-KA203-038254
Duration: 2 years (November 2017 – October 2019)
Lead Partner: Asociación RehabiMed – Spain


Paesi: Spagna, Italia, Regno Unito, Polonia
Partner: UPC (ES), RehabiMed (ES), PSMB (PL), Politechnika Warszawska (PL), AEEBC (UK), Centoform Srl (IT), Università di Ferrara – Dip. Architecture (IT)

Project Overview

DIAGNOSIS addresses a significant gap in the building and construction sector: the absence of a specialised professional profile capable of performing up-to-date building assessments. This Diagnostic Expert must be able to dialogue with building owners, administrators and construction professionals, using advanced technologies to analyse buildings and identify the interventions needed — for earthquake prevention, energy improvement, structural safety and environmental comfort. Financed under Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic Partnerships, the project brings together seven organisations from Spain, Italy, the UK and Poland to deepen knowledge about existing diagnostic technologies and upgrade training tools and professional qualification curricula.

Objectives

  • Define and validate a new “Diagnostic Expert” professional profile for the building and construction sector
  • Upgrade existing training tools and professional qualification curricula to include up-to-date diagnostic technologies
  • Promote the use of advanced diagnostic tools: BIM, Geomatics, remote sensing, 3D modelling and ICT
  • Consolidate the Diagnostic Expert profile as a specialisation in the rehabilitation of local and cultural heritage

Implementation

The project consortium of seven organisations collaborates on research, curriculum design and professional qualification development. Centoform and the University of Ferrara’s Department of Architecture contribute the Italian perspective, while Asociación RehabiMed (ES) leads the project and drives dissemination across the Euro-Mediterranean university world. The desired professional profile encompasses competences in structural, energy and environmental diagnostic tools alongside communication and cross-disciplinary skills.

Expected Results

  • A validated “Diagnostic Expert” professional profile with a defined competence framework
  • Updated training curricula and professional qualification materials for building diagnostics
  • A consolidated expert community at Euro-Mediterranean level in building rehabilitation
  • Enhanced use of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies (BIM, Geomatics, 3D models) in the sector

DIAGNOSIS creates a recognised, technically equipped professional profile that bridges the gap between building science and real-world decision-making for owners and managers.

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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.

Erasmus Start Up Bio

Erasmus Start Up Bio
Innovative Training Tools for the Transition to Organic Agriculture

Supporting young farmers and entrepreneurs in the shift to organic and sustainable farming

Programme: Erasmus+
Duration: 24 months
Target Countries: Italy + Mediterranean partner countries
Target Participants: 320 total (80 per country): young aspiring organic farmers and entrepreneurs converting to organic
Format: ICT-based digital training (video, self-tutorials, e-learning) + European Organic Agriculture Incubator

Project Overview

The organic agriculture sector has been growing continuously for over a decade worldwide. Against this backdrop, Start Up Bio addresses the primary challenge of facilitating the transition from conventional to organic farming and supporting the consequent innovation processes in agricultural enterprises. The project develops and tests innovative ICT-based training tools for young aspiring organic start-up farmers and for active agricultural entrepreneurs seeking to convert their production systems. By creating employment through organic agriculture, with a special focus on youth, Start Up Bio promotes generational renewal in the primary sector.

Objectives

  • Develop innovative ICT-based training tools to support qualification and upskilling of primary sector operators
  • Train 320 organic farming operators across partner countries (80 per country)
  • Create a European Virtual Incubator for Organic Agriculture supporting new enterprise creation
  • Promote generational renewal in the primary sector through youth-focused organic farming pathways

Implementation

Training is delivered primarily through digital resources — videos, self-tutorials and e-learning paths — ensuring flexibility and accessibility for participants in rural and peripheral areas. The European Incubator for Organic Agriculture provides tailored support services complementing the training offer. Selection involves screening of around 150 curricula and interviews with approximately 100 potential participants per country. An Open European Call will be disseminated at Month 12 of the project.

Expected Results

  • Digital educational materials for viral training in organic agriculture
  • E-learning pathways for new organic farmers
  • A European Virtual Incubator for new organic enterprise creation
  • Support for at least 10 new organic enterprises and 100 conventional-to-organic conversions
  • Strengthened local multistakeholder networks supporting sustainable rural development

Start Up Bio turns the organic agriculture opportunity into a concrete professional pathway for young Europeans, building a more sustainable and resilient food system.

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