Launch of the HABITABLE Alliance Portugal: Building a national skills ecosystem for the habitat sector
The Portuguese partners of the HABITABLE project — Cluster Habitat Sustentável, CTCV Coimbra, and the University of Aveiro — have officially launched the HABITABLE Alliance Portugal, a new national initiative to strengthen the skills ecosystem in the Habitat sector. This alliance represents a key step in the project’s mission to develop a network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) that are actively contributing to the green and digital transitions. Through the HABITABLE Alliance Portugal, the partners aim to promote inclusive, forward-looking cooperation between VET providers, industry, research, and public stakeholders at national level. The national alliance will also be closely connected to similar platforms across the countries participating in the HABITABLE project, reinforcing transnational collaboration and knowledge sharing within the European Habitat skills ecosystem. By aligning educational programmes with labour market needs, and supporting sustainable innovation in training, the HABITABLE Alliance Portugal is committed to enhancing competitiveness, inclusion, and sustainability in the built environment.
SIMS reveals first results: Aligning VET with green and digital transition needs
The HABITABLE project’s Skills Intelligence Monitoring System (SIMS) has delivered its first major results, offering valuable insights into current and future skill demands in two key sectors: green transition in manufacturing and lightweight and wood construction. This milestone represents a fundamental step toward bridging the gap between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the evolving needs of the labour market in the Habitat sector. In the manufacturing sector, SIMS identified 184 green-related skills and competences spread across 33 occupations. These include abilities such as assessing environmental impact, using sustainable materials, promoting environmental awareness, and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation. Encouragingly, the analysis revealed that existing training provision already covers all these identified skills gaps. A total of 99 training programmes addressing 204 relevant skills were mapped, confirming the strong alignment between current VET offerings and the demands of the green transition in industry. The study also explored the lightweight and wood construction sector. Here, SIMS identified 208 necessary skills linked to 33 occupations, and 96 training programmes covering 312 skills across 74 occupations. Among the most frequently required competences are integrating building requirements into design processes, using technical drawing software, and operating 3D modelling tools. While most skills are already being addressed in training—277 out of 346 identified—the remaining 69 gaps highlight areas for improvement and innovation in course design. These findings will directly inform two of the project’s flagship digital tools: the Training Offer Panel (TOP HABITAT) and the Sector Map of Jobs and Skills, helping stakeholders identify training needs, design more relevant learning pathways, and strengthen the strategic role of VET in supporting green and digital transitions. The SIMS methodology, based on data-driven sectorial monitoring, is proving essential for guiding policy decisions, designing targeted training offers, and ensuring the workforce is equipped with the right competences for a sustainable future. These first results highlight how VET systems can become more responsive, agile, and aligned with the transformations shaping the European Habitat sector. To learn more about the Skills Intelligence Monitoring System and its initial findings, visit: https://habitable-cove.eu/smart-sip/smart-info/monitoring-system/
The DUAL Online Centre: A new HUB for Work-Based Learning in the habitat sector
The DUAL Online Centre is a dynamic digital platform created under the HABITABLE project to strengthen Work-Based Learning (WBL) in the Habitat sector across Europe. This innovative platform is designed to connect Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), fostering collaboration between vocational education providers, companies, policymakers, and other key stakeholders. It offers a wide range of resources, tools, and collaborative spaces to support high-quality, inclusive, and future-ready learning. At the heart of the DUAL Online Centre lies the CoVEs Online Collaborative Space — a virtual hub that facilitates networking, co-development of training solutions, and the sharing of best practices among professionals. Within this space, users can participate in the implementation of key HABITABLE initiatives such as: The Community of Practice in WBL Excellence, a network for exchanging knowledge and promoting inclusive, innovative approaches to WBL. The Incubator of Business–Education Partnerships, which supports the development of strong cooperation models between VET centres and businesses. Whether you’re an educator, SME representative, VET provider, or policymaker, the DUAL Online Centre offers tailored support to help you address the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions. Explore the DUAL Online Centre: https://habitable-cove.eu/dual-online-centre/
Habitat Regional Alliance of Castilla y León signing at the 2025 Skills Forum in Valladolid
Within the framework of the 4th Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León held on April 8-9 in Valladolid (Spain), the signing ceremony of the HABITABLE Regional Alliance of Castilla y León took place. This event marked a key step in continuing to strengthen a collaborative model around the habitat sector, and it was made possible thanks to the commitment of all partner organizations, as well as those that, through their presence, have actively chosen to join this process. Signed by AEICE, EDUCACyL, INFODEF, el Instituto De La Construcción De Castilla Y León (ICCL), Fundación Laboral de la Construcción and CESEFOR this alliance is the starting point for improving and promoting collaboration between Europe’s centres of professional excellence and all the key agents in the habitat ecosystem, both at local, regional, national and European level. The HABITABLE Regional Alliance of Castilla y León will now support the recruitment of Business Associations, companies and institutions from the rest of the Autonomous Communities at national level, adding other valuable members (VET providers or stakeholders entities) from others regions to expand HABITABLE methodology, tools and impact
HABITABLE showcases sustainable construction VET at Castilla y León’s Skills Competition 2025
The HABITABLE project was featured at the IV Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León, held on April 8–9, 2025, at the Valladolid Congress Centre. INFODEF, as a HABITABLE partner, took part in a roundtable discussion on integrating green and digital competencies into VET curricula; concurrently, the Skills Castilla y León 2025 Competition highlighted the talents of young students across over 30 vocational skills areas, including mechatronics, industrial control, renewable energy, carpentry, and masonry. The competition offered a real-world platform to demonstrate both craftsmanship and creativity. Within the masonry area of the competition, HABITABLE hosted a dedicated stand showcasing educational offerings in the habitat sector. The stand provided attendees with insights into sustainable construction practices and the importance of integrating green skills into VET programs.Visitors to the HABITABLE stand had the opportunity to engage with the competitors and VET teachers, and learn about career pathways in sustainable construction. The presence of HABITABLE at this significant event underscored the project’s commitment to promoting excellence in vocational training and to fostering a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of sustainable development in the habitat sector.
HABITABLE Community of Practice in WBL Excellence is now available at the Dual Online Center
The HABITABLE project has made a significant stride in enhancing vocational education and training (VET) in the Habitat sector with the launch of the Community of Practice (CoP) in Work-Based Learning (WBL) Excellence, now accessible through the Dual Online Center. This collaborative platform brings together key stakeholders in VET, including Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), educators, and policymakers, to foster the development of high-quality work-based learning experiences. By leveraging the resources and tools available at the Dual Online Center, the Community of Practice enables participants to exchange best practices, co-develop innovative strategies, and strengthen partnerships between businesses and training institutions. The CoP focuses on supporting the digital, green, and inclusive transitions in the Habitat sector by enhancing the quality of apprenticeships and WBL opportunities. This space serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and the creation of structured, impactful learning opportunities that are aligned with the evolving needs of the labor market. Key features of the Dual Online Center include: Access to innovative resources: Members can explore a rich collection of tools, methodologies, and guidelines to improve the design and delivery of apprenticeships and WBL programs. Thematic groups and forums: The platform offers a variety of thematic groups where members can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on projects related to work-based learning excellence. Support for SMEs and VET centers: The center provides tailored resources and technical support to help SMEs and VET institutions align their programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the integration of green, digital, and inclusive apprenticeships. Inclusive learning space: The CoP promotes accessibility and social inclusion by offering guidance and resources to ensure that apprenticeships are equitable for all learners, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By joining the CoP in WBL Excellence, members gain access to a dynamic network dedicated to transforming the future of work-based learning in the Habitat sector. Participants can co-develop curricula, engage in joint research, and collaborate on initiatives that address the digital and sustainability challenges facing the industry. The platform also facilitates the development of Business-Education Partnerships through its Incubator of Business-Education Partnerships, an innovative initiative that connects VET providers and businesses to co-create training programs that are directly aligned with industry needs. This initiative supports the growth of high-quality apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, further strengthening the link between education and industry. To become a part of this promising Community of Practice and contribute to the future of vocational education and training in the Habitat sector, register now at the Dual Online Center here: https://habitable-cove.eu/register/
3rd Transnational Partners Meeting in Austria: Exploring best practices in timber construction VET
The third Transnational Partners Meeting of the HABITABLE project (Erasmus+ CoVE) was held from 4 to 6 February 2025 in Kuchl, Salzburg, Austria. Hosted by FH Salzburg, the event brought together project partners to assess progress, strengthen collaboration, and gain insight into the Austrian vocational education and training (VET) system, with a special focus on timber construction. A key part of the meeting was dedicated to project development. Partners reviewed the status of all work packages, discussed the progress of activities, and shared updates, questions, and suggestions to ensure the smooth implementation of the project’s next phases. Several workshops and working sessions provided space to address outstanding topics, exchange ideas, and agree on next steps. The meeting also featured multiple study visits that offered participants a comprehensive view of the Austrian dual education system and the excellence of VET provision in the wood and construction sectors. The consortium toured the FH Salzburg Knowledge Campus in Kuchl, including the Higher Technical School (HTL Kuchl), its new wooden facilities, sawmill, CNC machines, and joinery workshops. The group also visited the HTL Hallein, which provides advanced training not only in timber construction, but also in areas such as sculpture, stone and metal work, mechanical engineering, and interior design. To complement the educational visits, the meeting agenda included a company visit to BinderHolz/B-Solutions, where participants learned about industrial innovation in timber construction, and a final visit to WIFI Salzburg, an institution specialising in training and continuing education for skilled professions, including vehicle technology, metalworking, and woodworking. The meeting in Austria provided an enriching exchange of expertise and a clearer understanding of how national systems can contribute to the HABITABLE project’s goal: promoting excellence in green and digital skills for the sustainable transformation of the habitat sector.
HABITABLE Project showcased as a flagship initiative at European wood sector conference in Brussels
The role of the European wood sector in driving the green and digital transformation of the construction industry was the focus of a high-level conference recently held in Brussels. The event brought together more than 150 participants, including EU policymakers, European Commission officials, industry leaders, and researchers, to discuss how the sector can contribute to Europe’s sustainable future. Among the organisations actively contributing to the conference was Holzcluster Steiermark, a partner of the HABITABLE project and co-organiser of the event. During their intervention, they emphasised the urgent need to upskill and reskill the current workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving construction and habitat sector. As a concrete example of innovation in vocational training, the HABITABLE project was presented as a model initiative, showing how education can be aligned with the sector’s twin green and digital transitions. The conference highlighted the critical importance of equipping workers with new competences and creating training pathways that are relevant to emerging challenges. In this context, HABITABLE’s European network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) is playing a key role in shaping the future of skills in the Habitat sector. By promoting cooperation among VET institutions, companies and regional actors, HABITABLE supports the development of forward-looking training solutions, contributes to sectoral innovation, and fosters a more sustainable, inclusive and future-ready workforce across Europe.
HABITABLE project at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024
AEICE, the coordinating partner of the HABITABLE project, represented our initiative at the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) meeting held in Lyon alongside WorldSkills Lyon 2024. This gathering brought together European CoVE stakeholders to exchange best practices in VET and explore synergies across projects. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 took place from 10 to 15 September at Eurexpo Lyon, featuring over 1,400 competitors from nearly 70 countries and regions. In parallel, the WorldSkills Conference convened policymakers, education leaders, and industry experts, with 1,500 participants engaging in discussions on digitalisation, green transition, and social inclusion in VET. Held within this high-profile context, the CoVE meeting enabled AEICE to showcase the HABITABLE project’s progress, including our digital platforms and collaborative tools for the Habitat sector, to exchange insights on governance models and partnerships among European CoVEs, and to identify collaboration opportunities. Attending this great event specialized in VET has helped to disseminate the HABITABLE project at a European level, in addition to learning about other projects, entities, different work methods and processes, which will serve to enrich the entire project.
SMART Skills Intelligence Platform now available on HABITABLE project website
We are excited to announce the launch of the SMART Skills Intelligence Platform (SIP), now accessible on the HABITABLE project website. This innovative online platform is designed to support the transformation of the Habitat sector through the provision of up-to-date, relevant, and structured skills intelligence. Developed as part of the HABITABLE project, the SMART SIP helps align vocational education and training (VET) with the evolving needs of the labour market, especially in the context of the digital and green transitions. By providing insights into jobs, skills, and training opportunities, the platform fosters better career guidance, supports workforce mobility, and helps reduce skills mismatches in the sector. The SMART Skills Intelligence Platform includes three key components: SMART Info An information hub offering guidance on how to use relevant European tools for sectoral skills monitoring. This space provides stakeholders—including VET providers, sectoral organisations, and educational authorities—with access to essential tools and resources to support skills intelligence systems. Sector Map of JOBS and SKILLS An interactive tool that maps occupations in the Habitat sector, linking them with related VET programmes and learning pathways. It offers a dynamic reference framework that helps users understand their current position, explore career options, and identify the skills required to achieve their goals. Training Offer Panel A monitoring dashboard featuring up-to-date information on initial and continuous VET courses and programmes offered within the Habitat skills ecosystems. This panel helps detect gaps in training provision, especially in areas such as digital and green skills, and supports the development of new learning paths aligned with emerging labour market demands. Explore the SMART Skills Intelligence Platform now: https://habitable-cove.eu/smart-sip/
