BuildSkills Academy Introduces the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology to Support VET Providers

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The BuildSkills Academy (BSA) project is taking a major step toward enhancing vocational training with the introduction of the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM). This structured, research-backed approach empowers Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers to modernize their courses with essential green and digital skills, ensuring that training aligns with the evolving needs of the construction sector.

What Has Been Done?

The BESM was developed through a rigorous, multi-phase process that combined research, industry collaboration, and pilot testing:

  • Research & Framework Development – BESM builds upon initial work on skills mapping and VET quality assurance, ensuring compliance with EQAVET standards and alignment with industry skill demands.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Validation – The methodology was co-developed with VET providers, industry professionals, and policymakers. It was refined through two virtual roundtables and six country roundtables to ensure practical relevance.
  • Pilot Testing & Digital Integration – A self-assessment questionnaire was piloted across 12 courses within the BuildSkills Academy consortium. Based on feedback, a digital platform was developed to streamline the BESM practical implementation.

What Does the Methodology Propose?

The BESM provides a structured, three-step process for VET providers to enhance their courses with essential green and digital skills:

  • Self-Assessment – A structured questionnaire helps VET providers evaluate their courses based on content, teaching methods, and assessment approaches.
  • Skills Gap Identification – An automated gap analysis report compares existing course content against industry standards and highlights missing skills.
  • Enrichment Process – BESM offers practical guidelines, best practices, and digital tools to support course improvement, ensuring that training programs remain relevant and future-proof.

This methodology is fully integrated into a digital platform – a user-friendly tool for VET providers to assess, refine, and enhance their courses efficiently.

Why Does It Matter?

The construction industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by sustainability goals and technological advancements. At the same time, workforce shortages and the demand for new skills continue to grow. The BESM directly addresses these challenges by providing a clear, structured framework that enables VET providers to:

  • Adapt and modernize their courses to include essential green and digital skills.
  • Align training programs with industry and policy demands.
  • Ensure a high standard of education, incorporating innovative teaching methods like AR/VR and problem-based learning.
  • Empower educators with a step-by-step process to enrich courses quickly and effectively.
  • Support workforce development, equipping learners with job-ready skills for the evolving construction sector.

What’s Next?

  • Introduction of the BESM Digital Platform, providing an interactive tool for course assessment and improvement.
  • Further validation and refinement, with input from external quality experts.
  • Integration into VET curricula across Europe, ensuring widespread adoption and impact.

Explore the full report, its scope, content and procedure here: BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology.

Roundtable Discussions Across Europe: Building Skills for a Greener, Digital Future

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The BuildSkills Academy project, funded under the Erasmus+ programme, is making significant strides in transforming vocational education and training (VET) for the construction sector. This initiative aims to equip the sector with the essential skills needed to navigate the green and digital transformations in Europe.

A key component of the project is the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM), developed to guide VET providers in enhancing their courses. The BES methodology follows a structured three-step process: Self-Assessment, which evaluates the current course content; Gap Identification, which generates a report to highlight missing skills; and Enrichment, which provides guidelines and best practices for updating course content, teaching and assessment methods.

To further this goal, Roundtable Discussions were held across six countries: Bulgaria (29 October), Cyprus (29 October), Lithuania (7 November), Italy (8 November), Bosnia and Herzegovina (11 November), and Greece (11 November). These discussions provided an opportunity for VET providers, industry representatives, and sector experts to assess the relevance of BESM in meeting market demands for sustainability and digitalization skills. The insights from these discussions have been instrumental in refining the methodology, ensuring it aligns with national VET policies and fosters cooperation between education providers and industry stakeholders.

At the heart of the BuildSkills Academy project lies the ambition to define and integrate essential skills for the future of the construction sector. Through the development of a robust certification framework, updating VET curricula, and piloting innovative training programs, the project seeks to bridge certification gaps across EU member states while enhancing vocational training’s role in shaping the sector’s progress. The Roundtable Discussions were an essential component of this effort, providing valuable insights that will guide the refinement of the BES methodology and ensure its continued relevance.

Key Takeaways from the Roundtable Discussions

The roundtable discussions highlighted both shared challenges and unique circumstances regarding workforce development in the construction sector, particularly in relation to green and digital skills. A common thread throughout all discussions was the need to update curricula and training programs to reflect the evolving demands of the sector. There was a widespread recognition of the need to integrate modern technologies, green competencies, and digital tools into VET offerings.

In Bulgaria, the key challenges revolved around a lack of practical training, green and digital skills, and needs to establish stronger connection between education and industry needs. Stakeholders emphasized the need to update curricula, develop VET centers, and foster partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers to address the aging workforce and low motivation among young professionals.

Cyprus focused on the adaptability of the BESM to local needs. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of integrating existing certification schemes, ensuring sustainability through local partnerships and funding, and regularly updating the methodology to reflect legislative changes and evolving industry needs. The need for clearer stakeholder engagement and quantifiable self-assessment tools was also emphasized.

In Lithuania, the BESM methodology was found to align well with EU policies, particularly regarding green and digital skills. The discussions emphasized addressing skill gaps in digital tools and sustainable construction practices while ensuring that training programs remain relevant to industry demands. Lithuania also explored the methodology’s potential for application beyond construction, in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, and recommended enhancing platform accessibility and gathering user feedback.

Italy saw BESM as highly relevant for supporting the green and digital transitions but noted the challenges of an aging workforce and fragmented industrial structures. The discussions focused on aligning BESM with EU policies on lifelong learning and sustainability, and participants expressed interest in testing the methodology in sectors beyond construction, such as healthcare and manufacturing. The importance of “train-the-trainer” programs and improving VET’s attractiveness was also emphasized.

Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted the need for stronger national-level frameworks to support VET initiatives. While the BESM methodology was deemed relevant, its application was limited by the lack of a robust adult education system and national frameworks for qualifications in professions like architecture and civil engineering. The focus was on addressing industry needs through clearer metrics and better collaboration with industry representatives.

Greece acknowledged the importance of green and digital competencies but also pointed out the need to address broader skills gaps within the sector. Greece faced challenges with a significant proportion of foreign workers, underscoring the need for language support and lower-level skills training. Recommendations included broadening the methodology to cover additional competencies and regularly updating the skills matrix to ensure its relevance across different sectors.

A Unified Path Forward

Across all countries, a consistent theme emerged: the need to update curricula and training programs to reflect the evolving demands of the construction sector, particularly in green and digital skills. There was broad agreement on the importance of fostering collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that VET initiatives align with the dynamic needs of the industry. Stakeholders recognized the need to bridge the disconnect between education and industry, address skill gaps, and make VET pathways more attractive, particularly to younger generations. Many also explored the potential for applying the BES methodology in other sectors, such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing, emphasizing the need for broader adaptability and continuous updates to training programs and qualifications.

The insights gathered during these discussions will play a crucial role in refining the BuildEnrichedSkills methodology, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the construction sector while promoting cooperation between education providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. Through these efforts, the BuildSkills Academy project is paving the way for a greener, more innovative Europe, equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and sustainable world.

BuildSkills Academy presented at the Forum for Vocational Excellence 2024 

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On September 10-12, BuildSkills Academy was represented at the Forum for Vocational Excellence in Lyon, held alongside the WorldSkills Competition.

Our team participated in workshops on energy transition and sustainable cities, discussing the skills needed for the green transition and exploring potential synergies with EU projects. We also engaged in conversations about sustaining Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and the future of micro-credentials.

The event allowed us to connect with new partners and explore innovative synergies to further enhance our work. We look forward to continuing these collaborations as we strive to drive excellence in vocational education.

BuildSkills Academy Coordination Meeting in Athens Marks Significant Progress

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June 6-7, 2024 – Athens, Greece

The BuildSkills Academy project reached another significant milestone with the successful Coordination Meeting held in Athens, Greece. Hosted at the Athens University of Economics and Business, the two-day event brought together partners from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Germany, Cyprus, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Strategic Focus and Achievements

The meeting was a crucial platform for discussing the further implementation of the project and planning activities for the upcoming period. The BuildSkills Academy project aims to strategically develop up-skilling and re-skilling within the construction ecosystem by providing certified transitional skills and competences through a robust network of Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers across Europe.

Key Highlights

  • Presentations on Methodology: Dr. Ebun Akinsetee and Voula Samara from the AUEB team presented their methodology for up-skilling and re-skilling VET providers with essential green and digital skills. This was complemented by Eleni Toli and Panagiota Koltsida, who introduced the digital platform designed to support this methodology.
  • Work Package Updates: Leaders of various work packages shared their progress, fostering engaging discussions on the methodology and certification processes. AUEB, overseeing Work Package 2 and Task 2.3, announced the upcoming delivery of their work focused on developing methods for VET providers in the construction sector.
  • Special Address: The event concluded with an address by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Principal Investigator of AUEB. She highlighted the work of the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria (Ae4ria) and presented insights from the report “Twin Skills for the Twin Transition: Defining Green Digital Skills and Jobs,” developed in collaboration with Huawei and launched during COP28. This report links directly to the objectives of the BuildSkills project, identifying necessary skills and occupations for implementing the Green and Digital Transformation of the European Green Deal.

Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Attendees enjoyed discussions over lunches and dinners, fostering a collaborative spirit and shared vision for the future of the construction industry.

Project Impact

The BuildSkills Academy project is poised to significantly impact the construction sector by equipping the workforce with the skills needed for the green and digital transitions. The project’s strategic development and the dedication of its partners underscore its potential to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the industry.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this meeting a success. We look forward to continuing our work together to empower the construction ecosystem.

Introducing the Skills Gap Matrix (Del. 2.1)

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BuildSkills Academy, a leading initiative in revolutionizing vocational education and training (VET) for the construction industry, proudly announces the completion of Deliverable 2.1. This milestone marks a significant advancement in addressing the pressing skills gap within the European construction sector.

Deliverable 2.1 represents a meticulous culmination of research and collaboration aimed at comprehensively addressing the skills and competences required across various occupations and EQF levels. The report sets a new standard for VET providers, offering insights that will shape the future of the industry.

Context: Recognizing the pivotal role of VET in preparing the workforce for the green and digital transitions in construction, BuildSkills Academy is committed to empowering VET providers with the necessary tools and insights. Deliverable 2.1 represents the initial phase of this journey, laying the groundwork for strategic upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

Research Methodology: The development of Deliverable 2.1 involved a rigorous analysis of topical areas crucial to the future of the EU construction sector. Drawing upon existing literature, EU policies, and insights from similar projects, BuildSkills Academy identified five priority areas: Net-Zero Carbon Emissions, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Circular Economy Practices, Sustainable Materials and Sourcing, and Occupant Health and Wellbeing. Additionally, 38 occupations were categorized according to the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) taxonomy, aligning them with the building lifecycle for comprehensive coverage.

Skills Gap Matrix: Central to Deliverable 2.1 is the Skills Gap Matrix, representing the synthesis of research findings and the ESCO database. Through a meticulous two-stage process, BuildSkills Academy refined and expanded upon existing skill sets, ensuring relevance and applicability across various occupational domains. The framework identifies critical skills and competences while anticipating potential labor market needs, providing a strategic roadmap for industry stakeholders.

As BuildSkills Academy unveils Deliverable 2.1, stakeholders across the construction ecosystem are invited to engage with the findings and join the initiative in shaping the future of vocational education and training. Together, we can build a workforce equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, driving sustainable growth and innovation within the European construction sector. Explore the full report and its implications for the industry HERE and HERE.

BuildSkills Academy Achieves Milestone with EQAVET Compliance Guide

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We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the BuildSkills Academy project: the completion of a comprehensive guide to EQAVET compliance for COVE BuildSkills Academy (COVE BA). This achievement marks a crucial step towards enhancing the standards of vocational education and training (VET) for the building sector across Europe.

The European Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) framework serves as a cornerstone in this pursuit, ensuring that VET programs align seamlessly with European standards. For COVE BA, adherence to EQAVET standards is imperative to guarantee that the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) meets the highest quality benchmarks.

The guide, structured into four parts, outlines a strategic framework for quality that COVE BA has defined to ensure EQAVET compliance and foster excellence in VET for the building sector.

1. Understanding EQAVET Standards: The first section delves into the logical framework of EQAVET, providing clarity on its indicators and descriptors. This common understanding among COVE BA partners ensures alignment with EQAVET standards and provides guidance for potential VET providers seeking to join the network.

2. EQAVET Self-assessment: Conducted among founding partners, this self-assessment evaluates existing quality systems at the local level. Identifying strengths and weaknesses lays the groundwork for a unified COVE BA quality process for BESM.

3. Establishing a Common Mission: Building upon insights from the self-assessment, this section outlines a comprehensive BESM-EQAVET compliance plan. It not only identifies specific actions for compliance but also establishes a shared mission among COVE BA partners, ensuring a collaborative effort towards excellence.

4. Implementation of EQAVET Indicators-based Process: Following the PDCA paradigm, this section sets in motion a continuous improvement cycle. Regular reviews and updates to the compliance plan ensure alignment with evolving educational landscape and EQAVET requirements.

By adopting a systematic quality approach, COVE BA not only ensures compliance of current VET providers but also paves the way for future training entities to seamlessly integrate into the network. The commitment to EQAVET standards fosters growth opportunities for individuals and businesses alike, positioning COVE BA as a beacon for excellence in VET for the building sector in Europe.

This achievement underscores our dedication to driving innovation and sustainability in the construction industry through education and training. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards a greener, smarter future.

Тhe BuildSkills Academy project at the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2023

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On 25 and 26 September 2023 representatives of the BuildSkills Academy project took part at the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2023 held in Amsterdam, organized in cooperation with the European Commission. The event was held at Circa – the first circular venue in the Netherlands where all Erasmus+ Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) met and had the opportunity to exchange lessons learned and good practices. Mrs. Maria Nakova, Project manager of BuildSkills Academy on behalf of the coordinator Cleantech Bulgaria and Mrs. Ivana Russiello representative of Sistemi Formativi Confindustria, partner in the Consortium had the chance to present our CoVE project during the event and to establish contacts with participants from all stakeholders represented during the networking sessions.

During the Forum, education and training (VET) providers, governmental bodies and businesses (more than 900 people on the second day) came together to share knowledge, inspire and learn from each other in this exciting European Year of Skills. They all have a shared vision and responsibility to ensure updated skills, based on the current needs, the market demand and responding to the societal challenges. In this regard curricula needs to be revised regularly, both in terms of content and form with respect to the new skills required. Furthermore, applied research and innovation in VET are incredibly important to share the latest developments with SMEs in the skills ecosystems, find proof of concepts for companies and stimulate the green and digital transition in our societies.

To overcome this huge challenge, VET providers, the labour market and governments have joined forces through the CoVEs in co-creating solutions that offer good quality education and training, in line with society’s needs and achieving inclusiveness excellence.  

Many interactive workshops took place during the forum as well as site visits to local public private partnerships in VET. The discussions have been directed on how to increase our efforts and how can we spread the working models. The Forum on Vocational Excellence was characterized by building a community of practitioners and co-creating synergies between initiatives on regional, national, European and global level.

The event was a great networking opportunity with active participation of different VET centers and relevant stakeholders with the aim to reach the European target of establishing at least 100 networks of vocational excellence by 2027.

The BuildSkills project marked its start with a kick-off meeting in Sofia

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In the period between 26th and 28th June, 2023, the kick-off meeting of the project “Academy for Transitional Skills in the Built Environment” (BuildSkills Academy), financed under the Erasmus+ Programme, co-financed by the European Union, took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The project officially started on the 1st of June, 2023 with a total budget of 3,938,490 Euro. The three-days event was hosted by the Coordinator of the project – Cleantech Bulgaria Ltd. – an innovation support network organization based in Sofia working actively on twin transition and skills development.