BuildSkills Academy Masterclass in Bologna: Building the Future of Construction with Young Talent

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On 8–9 October 2026, the third BuildSkills Academy Masterclass took place in Bologna, Italy, bringing together education and construction industry representatives, experts, young professionals and project partners from across Europe. Held at the SAIE International Building Exhibition, the event focused on a shared challenge: how to make the construction sector more attractive, inclusive and accessible to the next generation.

Under the theme “Building the Future: Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in Europe’s Construction Sector”, the two-day Masterclass was organised by Sistemi Formativi Confindustria (SFC), in cooperation with FORMEDIL and SAIE, as part of the Erasmus+ BuildSkills Academy project. The event also formed part of the Erasmus Days 2026 celebrations.

The programme explored four interconnected areas: diversity and inclusion, technology as an enabler, sustainability as a purpose, and quality training pathways.

Presentations are available HERE.

Rethinking construction careers

The first day focused on the barriers preventing young people and women from entering the construction sector, including persistent stereotypes, limited awareness of modern career opportunities and challenges related to working conditions.

Speakers shared examples of how early career guidance, practical learning experiences and closer cooperation between schools and employers can help change these perceptions. Discussions also highlighted how digital technologies, emerging professional roles and the green transition are creating new opportunities in construction.

A panel dedicated to women’s participation examined the importance of inclusive workplaces, equal access to training and stronger representation of women in the sector. Participants also had the opportunity to explore innovations and technologies presented at the SAIE Fair.

From shared challenges to practical solutions

The second day shifted the focus towards developing solutions. Through interactive Table Talks, participants worked together on proposals addressing career awareness, attractive apprenticeships, mentoring, skills recognition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Expert presentations explored sustainable construction, future skills and innovative education approaches. Topics ranged from project-based learning and bio-inspired engineering solutions to the role of micro-credentials and reliable certification frameworks in supporting lifelong learning and professional mobility.

The discussions underlined that attracting young people requires more than promoting construction careers. It also means providing meaningful work, inclusive environments, accessible training and clear opportunities for professional development.

Turning dialogue into action

The Bologna Masterclass offered an opportunity for project partners, vocational education providers, researchers, industry representatives and young professionals to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and identify practical priorities for the future.

As the third Masterclass in the BuildSkills Academy series, the event contributed valuable perspectives to the project’s ongoing work on innovative skills development and vocational excellence in construction.

The shared ambition is clear: to place people and the next generation at the centre of the construction sector’s transformation — and turn dialogue and ideas into measurable actions and tangible progress.

BuildSkills Academy thanks the organisers, speakers, partners and participants for their contributions to two productive and inspiring days in Bologna.

BuildSkills Academy Masterclass in Berlin: Connecting Circular Construction Innovation with Future Skills

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On 17–18 September 2026, the second BuildSkills Academy Masterclass took place in Berlin, Germany, bringing together construction industry experts, vocational education providers, researchers and policymakers to explore how circular economy innovations can be integrated into construction training and skills development.

The two-day event was co-hosted by Circular Berlin, the German Energy Agency (dena) and Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, as part of the Erasmus+ BuildSkills Academy project.

The Masterclass addressed a central question: how can the construction workforce keep pace with rapidly evolving sustainable technologies, materials and practices, and how can vocational education respond to these changes?

Presentations are available here:

Day 1  

Day 2  

Connecting innovation with construction skills

The discussions highlighted the growing importance of circular construction in Europe’s green and digital transition. European policy developments, including the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), are increasing the need for sustainable building practices and new professional competencies.

Experts presented practical innovations already being developed and applied in the sector, including bio-based construction materials, Digital Material Passports and the safe reuse of structural concrete elements. These examples demonstrated how circular approaches can reduce environmental impacts while creating new requirements for construction professionals.

Participants also explored emerging skills related to material assessment, selective deconstruction, reuse, refurbishment, data management and digital technologies. A recurring message was that skills development cannot rely on fixed curricula alone: continuous cooperation between industry, research and education is essential to keep training relevant as technologies evolve.

Bringing circular innovation into education

The second major focus was on translating these innovations into practical learning opportunities.

Speakers shared examples of hands-on building and disassembly projects, simulation games for circular material choices, training in traditional crafts using natural materials, and open-innovation platforms connecting education providers with industry.

These approaches demonstrated how vocational education can combine practical experience with emerging sustainability knowledge. Short, targeted learning modules were also discussed as a way to help construction professionals continuously update their skills.

At the same time, participants identified challenges related to rigid curricula, limited resources for educators and the lack of long-term funding for innovative training approaches. Supporting teachers and training providers was therefore recognised as an important part of the sector’s transformation.

Strengthening European cooperation

The Masterclass also explored how European collaboration can support the wider adoption of circular construction skills.

Centres of Vocational Excellence, including initiatives such as BuildSkills Academy, can help connect training providers, companies and researchers, exchange practical experience and develop learning approaches that can be adapted across different national contexts.

Discussions highlighted the potential of digital learning resources, micro-credentials and clearer skills recognition frameworks to improve access to training and support professional mobility across Europe.

A key conclusion from Berlin was that the challenge is no longer simply to demonstrate that circular construction solutions exist, but to make them part of everyday industry practice and standard vocational education. Achieving this requires sustained cooperation between research, education, industry and policymakers.

The Berlin Masterclass provided an important contribution to the BuildSkills Academy Masterclass series, strengthening the exchange of knowledge and practical approaches to green and digital skills development.

BuildSkills Academy thanks Circular Berlin, dena, Berlin Partner, all speakers, project partners and participants for their valuable contributions to two days of discussion, learning and collaboration.

BuildSkills Academy at the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2026

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BuildSkills Academy took part in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2026 on September 7-9 in Graz, Austria, contributing to the exchange on the future of skills and vocational excellence across Europe.

As part of the programme, the BuildSkills Academy team organised the interactive workshop “Rethinking Skills Recognition in VET – From Challenge-Based Learning to Certification”. The session brought together perspectives from the coordinator Cleantech Bulgaria, Cyprus University of Technology and Cyprus Certification Company and focused on how innovative learning, assessment and certification approaches can make VET more responsive to emerging industry needs.

Participants were introduced to key BuildSkills Academy results, including the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology, the Digital Platform and the project’s approach to linking skills development, assessment, certification and recognition.

A strong emphasis was placed on interaction. Working in groups, participants explored evolving occupational profiles in the construction sector and discussed how relevant skills are currently learned, assessed and recognised. The exercise helped highlight existing gaps between training provision and credible skills recognition, as well as the potential of certification and micro-credentials to support more transparent and portable skills.

The workshop broadened the discussion to the future of CoVEs and skills ecosystems. Participants reflected on challenges such as rapidly changing industry needs, long-term sustainability, and the need for stronger cooperation between VET providers, employers and public authorities.

One of the main messages emerging from the workshop was clear: skills recognition works best when the whole chain is connected – from identifying labour-market needs, through relevant training and assessment, to trusted certification and wider recognition.

Beyond the workshop, BuildSkills Academy was also represented with a stand in the Forum’s exhibition area, where we presented our project, met other CoVEs and VET stakeholders, and exchanged ideas on future cooperation.

All the networking and exchange activities, incl. the workshops and study visits during the forum, offered further inspiration, practical examples and peer learning opportunities. Last but not least, the Forum allowed us to further strengthen BuildSkills Academy’s contribution to future-ready skills ecosystems in the construction sector.

BuildSkills Academy partners meet in Brussels to advance project implementation and prepare the final phase

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On 17 June 2026, the BuildSkills Academy consortium gathered in Brussels for its annual General Coordination Meeting, hosted by our partners from the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) at the Cyprus Permanent Representation to the European Union. The meeting brought together project partners from across Europe to review progress achieved during the third year of implementation, assess ongoing activities, and coordinate the next steps towards the project’s successful completion.

Throughout the day, partners reviewed progress across all project work packages, celebrating key milestones while identifying priorities for the coming months. Discussions covered project management, communication and dissemination, stakeholder engagement, certification, pilot implementation, and the long-term sustainability of BuildSkills Academy. Particular attention was given to ensuring that all remaining activities stay on track ahead of the project’s final implementation period.

Among the key topics discussed were the completion of Work Package 2, continued implementation of pilot training courses in six countries, further development and exploitation of the Certification Framework, and preparations for the project’s governance and business models that will support the long-term sustainability of BuildSkills Academy beyond the project’s lifetime. Partners also reviewed progress against communication and stakeholder engagement KPIs, discussed website developments, and agreed on actions to further strengthen dissemination and collaboration with external stakeholders across Europe.

The consortium also confirmed the roadmap for the months ahead, including the completion of additional pilot courses, upcoming Masterclasses in Germany and Italy, continued stakeholder engagement activities, and preparations for the final project event planned for early 2027 in Brussels. Partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering high-quality results that support the green and digital transition of the European construction sector through innovative vocational education, certification, and stronger cooperation between industry and training providers.

The meeting once again demonstrated the strength of the BuildSkills Academy partnership and its collaborative approach to developing future-oriented skills solutions for the construction ecosystem. With important milestones already achieved and the final project phase now underway, the consortium continues working together to ensure that the project’s results deliver lasting value for learners, educators, businesses, and the wider construction sector across Europe.

BuildSkills Academy Masterclass Brought Together European Stakeholders to Shape the Future Skills Agenda for Construction

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The first BuildSkills Academy Masterclass “The Pact for Skills and What New Skills Will Drive the Twin Transition?” brought together more than 100 participants onsite and online from across Europe to discuss how the construction sector can address emerging skills needs and prepare its workforce for the green and digital transitions.

Organised by the BuildSkills Academy, coordinated by Cleantech Bulgaria, together with the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC), the event was hosted in Brussels on 18 and 19 June 2026. It gathered representatives from European institutions, industry organisations, vocational education and training (VET) providers, higher education institutions, research organisations, certification bodies, social partners, and Centres of Vocational Excellence.

Across seven thematic panels, 24 speakers representing leading European organisations shared insights, good practices, and practical solutions for developing a future-ready construction workforce.

Addressing the Skills Challenge of the Twin Transition

The discussions highlighted the key challenges facing the sector:

  • growing labour and skills shortages across Europe;
  • the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling of the existing workforce;
  • increasing demand for green, digital, and circular economy competences;
  • the importance of attracting new talent to construction careers;
  • stronger cooperation between industry, education providers, policymakers, and social partners.

A common message emerged throughout the Masterclass: skills development is not only an education challenge – it is a strategic priority for Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.

Exploring the Future Construction Skills

The Masterclass followed a comprehensive approach, moving from European policy priorities to practical solutions and collaborative action.

Starting from the European Skills Policy and Strategic Vision for the Construction Sector, participants examined the Future Skills Needs for the Built Environment and the Innovative Training Solutions and Skills Development Pathways showcasing the BuildSkills Academy CoVE solutions and those of the Construction Blueprint. The discussion moved From Strategy to Implementation focusing on Scaling Skills Development Across Europe. Best Practices in Green and Digital Skills Development have been also shared.

The second day focused on Recognising, Validating and Certifying Skills for the Twin Transition, exploring how micro-credentials, apprenticeships, and transitional skills certification, can make skills more visible, trusted, and portable.

The Masterclass concluded with the Collaborative Action Lab aiming at Designing the Future of Skills Development, where participants worked together to identify challenges, opportunities, and priorities related to skills recognition, training innovation, and future cooperation.

All presentations delivered during the Masterclass are available here.

The BuildSkills Academy team thanks FIEC, all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions and commitment to advancing skills development for a more sustainable, digital, and resilient construction sector.

Exploring BuildSkills Academy Solutions

The Masterclass demonstrated the importance of collaboration and shared action in building a skilled and resilient construction workforce.

Stakeholders are invited to visit and explore BuildSkills Academy resources, tools, and methodologies developed to support skills intelligence, training innovation, and lifelong learning in construction. These include the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) and the tailor-made Digital platform, enriched VET courses, and certification approaches designed for training providers, companies, and other actors across the construction ecosystem.

Participants and interested organisations are also encouraged to join the BuildSkills Community and contribute to a growing European network supporting vocational excellence, innovation, and skills development for the twin transition.

What’s Next?

The Brussels Masterclass is the first in a series of BuildSkills Academy Masterclasses aimed at fostering dialogue, sharing good practices, and supporting the implementation of skills solutions for the construction sector.

Two additional Masterclasses will take place later this year, providing further opportunities for stakeholders across Europe to exchange experiences and contribute to shaping the future of construction skills.

The first one will focus on “How sustainable construction will impact the construction sector in the future?” and will be conducted in hybrid format in Berlin, Germany as well as online on 17 – 18 September 2026. The event will be co-organized by the German Energy Agency (dena). Тhis masterclass will explore how sustainable construction is changing the way buildings are designed, built, used and reused across Europe. Participants will discover how green and digital transition is reshaping the sector and creating new demands for skills, training and collaboration.

Registration for online participation is already open: REGISTER HERE.

On 8 and 9 October 2026 we’ll have the masterclass on “How to stimulate the interest of young people for taking career in construction?”co-organized by Formedil. The event will be conducted also in hybrid format – in Bologna, Italy during the SAIE Bologna 2026, as well as online. It will explore how innovation, sustainability and inclusive workplaces can make construction careers more attractive to young people. Inspired by entrepreneurial examples from ANCE Giovani, the event will focus on youth engagement and future careers in construction.

Registration for online participation is already open: REGISTER HERE.

Follow us for more details!

BuildSkills Certification Framework validated by stakeholders across Europe

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The BuildSkills Academy has successfully completed a series of national Country Round Tables dedicated to the verification of its Certification Framework for transitional (green and digital) skills in the construction sector.

The discussions brought together stakeholders from vocational education and training (VET), industry, certification bodies, public authorities, and academia across Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The aim was to assess the framework’s structure, feasibility, and relevance, while collecting practical feedback to support its further development and implementation.

Strong validation of quality and relevance

Across all participating countries, stakeholders positively evaluated the framework as:

  • Structured and transparent, with clearly defined certification procedures
  • Aligned with ISO principles, ensuring credibility and comparability
  • Relevant to labour market needs, supporting competence-based training and upskilling

The importance of independent certification and objective assessment was consistently highlighted as a key factor in building trust among employers and learners.

Supporting European skills recognition

Participants emphasised the added value of a common European approach, noting that the framework can:

  • enhance recognition of skills across countries
  • support workforce mobility
  • improve comparability of qualifications

At the same time, the framework was seen as a tool to help VET providers update curricula and align training offers with emerging green and digital skills.

Key recommendations for implementation

Stakeholders also identified several important conditions for successful implementation:

  • alignment with national qualification systems and regulations
  • stronger involvement of employers and sectoral organisations
  • provision of practical guidance and capacity-building for VET providers
  • ensuring visibility, recognition, and financial sustainability of certification

A step toward a trusted European reference

The outcomes of the Country Round Tables confirm that the BuildSkills Certification Framework has strong potential to become a reliable and widely recognised reference for skills in the construction sector.

The feedback collected will directly support the refinement of the framework and its future uptake across Europe.

Building trust in green and digital skills for construction professionals: the BuildSkills Academy Certification System

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Europe’s construction sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the green transition, digitalisation, and new performance standards for buildings.

To support this transition, the BuildSkills Academy project has developed a comprehensive certification system for transitional skills in the built environment, designed to strengthen the recognition of professional competences and support workforce upskilling across the sector.

This system consists of two key components:

  • the BuildSkills Academy Certification Framework for transitional skills and competencies
  • a set of specific Certification Schemes for targeted professional profiles

Together, they establish a structured and transparent approach for assessing and recognising competences in the construction sector.

The Certification Framework: a common foundation

The Framework for Transitional Skills Certification provides the overall structure and rules for the certification of people working in the construction sector.

Developed in alignment with the principles of ISO/IEC 17024, the framework sets out the general requirements and procedures that certification bodies should follow when assessing and certifying professional competences.

The framework defines:

  • transparent certification procedures
  • requirements for assessment and examination
  • rules ensuring independence, impartiality and confidentiality
  • procedures for granting, maintaining, suspending or withdrawing certification
  • rights and obligations of certified professionals
  • mechanisms for complaints and appeals

By establishing these principles, the framework helps ensure that certification processes are credible, consistent and transparent.

Certification Schemes: translating the framework into practice

While the Certification Framework provides the overall structure and serves mainly the purposes of inspiring certification organizations and VET providers across Europe to integrate this skills recognition approach in their offers, the BuildSkills Academy partners have also applied this process in practice and developed a set of specific certification schemes.

Certification scheme for curricula and training materials

    This scheme focuses on the quality and relevance of vocational education and training (VET) programmes. It establishes a structured process through which curricula and training materials can be evaluated and validated to ensure that they:

    • reflect the competence profiles and learning outcomes required by the sector
    • integrate the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) developed within the project
    • provide learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and competences necessary for emerging roles in the built environment

    Through this scheme, training providers can demonstrate that their programmes are fully aligned with the competence-based approach promoted by the project, creating a stronger link between training provision and competence certification.

    Certification schemes for individuals

    In addition to validating training programmes, the BuildSkills Academy project has developed 12 certification schemes for individuals, targeting key professional profiles in the construction sector. These schemes define the requirements for certifying the competences of professionals and workers, including:

    • the scope of certification and occupational tasks
    • the competence requirements
    • prerequisites and eligibility criteria
    • assessment and examination methods, including theoretical and practical evaluation
    • conditions for maintaining and renewing certification

    Certification is granted to individuals who successfully complete the assessment process conducted by a certification body operating in accordance with the principles of ISO/IEC 17024 for the certification of persons.

    Through these schemes, the BuildSkills Academy certification system enables professionals to demonstrate their competence in key transitional skills needed for the evolving construction sector.

    Connecting certification with VET

    A distinctive feature of the BuildSkills Academy certification system is its strong commitment to updating VET offers for construction professionals.

    Candidates for certification are expected to complete training courses enriched through the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) developed within the project. This innovative tool allows VET providers to enrich their training courses with competence-based learning outcomes, ensuring that training reflects the evolving green and digital skills required in the built environment.

    Through this integration, the BuildSkills certification system creates a coherent pathway from training to competence validation.

    Exploiting the Certification Framework

    The BuildSkills Academy Certification Framework has been designed as a practical tool that can be used and further developed beyond the project consortium.

    Certification bodies may use the framework as a reference for developing competence-based certification schemes for construction professionals, following the principles of ISO/IEC 17024 for certification of persons.

    At the same time, VET providers can align their training programmes with the competence requirements defined in the certification schemes and integrate the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) into their curricula thus ensuring the provision of the emerging skills needed by the sector.

    Through this wider adoption, the framework can support greater transparency in competence recognition, stronger links between training and certification, and the continuous upskilling of the construction workforce.

    Benefits for the construction ecosystem

    The BuildSkills Academy certification system has been designed to support multiple stakeholders across the construction ecosystem.

    For professionals:

    • validation of competences through a structured assessment process
    • improved visibility of skills in the labour market
    • opportunities for professional development

    For employers:

    • improved transparency regarding workforce competences
    • stronger trust in skill validation processes

    For training providers:

    • clearer competence requirements linked to labour market needs
    • alignment of curricula with recognised certification schemes

    For certification bodies:

    • a structured framework for developing and implementing certification schemes

    Supporting the transformation of the construction sector

    By establishing a transparent system for competence certification, the BuildSkills Academy CoVE contributes to:

    • strengthening quality standards in construction
    • supporting upskilling and reskilling of the workforce
    • enhancing mobility and recognition of skills
    • facilitating the green and digital transition of the sector

    The Certification system developed under the project represents an important step toward building a future-ready construction workforce in Europe.

    Masterclass “The Pact for Skills and what new skills will drive the twin transition?”

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    18 – 19 June 2026

    FIEC premises, Brussels, Belgium

    The BuildSkills Academy CoVE is pleased to organize a Masterclass entitled “The Pact for Skills and what new skills will drive the twin transition?”, taking place on 18 and 19 June 2026. The event will be held physically in Brussels, hosted at the premises of the FIEC – European Construction Industry Federation.

    As a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) BuildSkills Academy is dedicated to strengthening vocational education and training (VET) systems in the construction sector. Our mission is to equip professionals with the green and digital skills needed to support the twin transition toward a more sustainable and digitalized construction industry.

    This distinguished Masterclass is co-organised in close collaboration with FIEC, coordinator of the Pact for Skills in Construction, and will bring together a prominent assembly of industry leaders, VET providers, policymakers, and skills experts from across Europe. The event will serve as a strategic platform for:

    • Insightful dialogue on evolving skills intelligence and labour market foresight
    • Exchange of innovative practices in workforce transformation and capacity building
    • Advancing approaches to apprenticeships, lifelong learning, and skills recognition
    • Identifying concrete pathways for large-scale upskilling and reskilling across the European construction ecosystem

    Through high-level deliberations, peer learning, and curated networking opportunities, participants will contribute to shaping a shared European vision for skills development, reinforcing the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the construction sector.

    The working language of the event will be English.

    Stakeholders interested in joining the Masterclass online are warmly invited to complete a short registration form here:

    REGISTRATION

    Agenda as well as access details for the virtual sessions will be communicated to all registered participants in due course.

    For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

    communication@cleantech.bg

    12 Innovative Courses for a Future-Ready Construction Workforce

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    The BuildSkills Academy project presents a set of 12 pilot course syllabi, developed and enriched to embed green and digital skills into vocational education and training for the construction sector. These courses are designed to empower professionals at all levels – from technicians to urban designers – with the competences needed to thrive in Europe’s green and digital transition.

    Developed by leading VET providers across Europe

    The courses were created through international collaboration between six institutions, which will implement the initial piloting in six countries starting from November 2025:

    • Bosnia & Herzegovina: CETEOR – Center for Economic, Technological and Environmental Development Sarajevo
    • Bulgaria: CQ – Construction Qualification
    • Cyprus: CUT – Cyprus University of Technology
    • Greece: AUEB – Athens University of Economics & Business
    • Italy: SFC – Sistemi Formativi Confindustria
    • Lithuania: APRC – Alytaus Vocational Education Centre

    Each of the 12 syllabus integrates digital proficiency and sustainable practices, preparing learners for modern construction challenges. Developed using the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) and its online Self-Assessment Tool, the courses are tailored to industry demands and future skills needs.

    The courses fall under five key topical areas:

    Energy Efficiency

    • Resilient Buildings and Cities: Build Liveable Urban Environment /BLUE/ (SFC – EQF 5)
    • Energy Management of Buildings (CETEOR – EQF 4)
    • Energy Efficient Installations in Buildings (APRC – EQF 4)
    • Smart, Resilient & Circular Cities (SFC – EQF 5)

    Design and Engineering

    • Construction Technology (CQ – EQF 4)
    • Bio-inspired Innovation and Design for Sustainable Engineering Solutions (CUT – EQF 6)

    Circular Waste Management

    • Circular Waste Management (CETEOR – EQF 4)
    • Circular Economy and Waste Management (AUEB – EQF 6)

    Environment, Health and Safety

    • Work Safety in Construction (APRC – EQF 3)
    • Risk and Reliability in Health and Safety (CUT – EQF 6)

    New Building Materials

    • Building Information Modelling – Digital Tools in Construction (CQ – EQF 4)
    • Digitalisation and Sustainable Development: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Tools for Sustainability (AUEB – EQF 7)

    For VET Trainers

    Want to enrich your own courses with green and digital skills? Explore the BESM and the Self-assessment Tool as a starting point. Want to expand the portfolio of your training offerings? Soon you’ll have the chance to adopt one of our courses!

    For Construction Professionals

    You are interested in our courses? The pilot courses will be launched in November 2025 across the six pilot countries and professionals will have the opportunity to upskill / reskill directly with their local VET providers.

    Each course will be introduced in detail in the coming months!

    BuildSkills Academy in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025

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    Representatives of the BuildSkills Academy took part in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025, held in Kolding, Denmark on 8–10 September.

    The event gathered more than 380 participants from nearly 40 countries, including CoVE coordinators, vocational education and training (VET) providers, industry representatives, policymakers, and learners. As a flagship event of the Community of Practice for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoP CoVEs), the forum served as a platform for sharing good practices, fostering cooperation, and discussing the future direction of VET in Europe.

    For BuildSkills Academy, which focuses on advancing vocational excellence in the construction sector, participation in the forum was a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration, exchange experiences, and contribute to ongoing discussions on the development of green and digital skills in VET.

    The BuildSkills Academy team extends its appreciation to the organizing institutions and partners for hosting a productive and well-structured event. The next Forum on Vocational Excellence will take place in Graz, Austria, on 7–10 September 2026.

    Check out the aftermovie HERE.