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

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.

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/

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.

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.