SEBCoVE Project Participation in Castilla y León Skills Forum and MOBUILDING Policy Meeting

Representatives of the SEBCoVE project (sebcove.eu) were invited by the regional education authority of Castilla y León (educa.jcyl.es) to participate in the Castilla y León Skills 2025 Forum, held in Valladolid, Spain, during the second week of April 2025. This prestigious forum celebrates excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET), featuring student competitions across a wide range of professions.

The SEBCoVE delegation showed particular interest in the competitions related to Electricity and Electronics, losely tied to the project’s focus on Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEB). SEBCoVE was showcased as an innovative approach to excellence in vocational education, emphasizing cross-sectoral cooperation, digital and green skills, and quality assurance.

During the event, the SEBCoVE team:

  • Presented the project’s vision and methodology as an example of a European Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE).

  • Engaged with local educational authorities to discuss the alignment of regional VET strategies with European quality and innovation standards.

  • Exchanged best practices on curriculum innovation, industry collaboration, and competence-based training.

MOBUILDING Project Synergy

In parallel, SEBCoVE representatives took part in the kick-off meeting of the Erasmus+ policy experimentation project MOBUILDING, which focuses on enhancing mobility opportunities for apprentices in the building sector. The project aims to address key structural, legal, and operational barriers to cross-border mobility by:

  • Developing a European Platform for Apprenticeship Mobility,

  • Strengthening outreach to employers and learners,

  • Improving the quality of learning mobility in the construction and SEB sectors.

SEBCoVE partners actively contributed to the policy dialogue, drawing connections between MOBUILDING’s mobility vision and SEBCoVE’s practices in promoting work-based learning, excellence frameworks, and innovation in training.

Synergies with the ELEVATE Project

Finally, the SEBCoVE team had the opportunity to explore potential synergies with the ELEVATE project (“Empowering Women in Net-Zero Technologies for the Smart Electricity for Buildings Sector”)—a forward-looking Erasmus+ policy experimentation initiative aiming to close the gender gap in the green tech sector.

ELEVATE focuses on:

  • Promoting female participation in VET for green and digital jobs,

  • Implementing mentorship programs,

  • Designing inclusive training curricula for net-zero technologies,

  • Launching awareness and advocacy campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes​.

The shared interest in the Smart Electricity for Buildings sector, along with overlapping goals around excellence, gender inclusion, and green skills, provided a fertile ground for future collaboration between SEBCoVE and ELEVATE—especially in areas of curriculum development, mobility for women in VET, and stakeholder engagement.

Building the Future of Smart Energy Skills: SEBCoVE’s Porto Meeting Marks Major Milestones

The SEBCoVE (Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centres of Vocational Excellence) project recently marked a significant milestone with its second consortium meeting held in Porto, Portugal, on April 7–8, 2025. Hosted at the School of Engineering of the Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP/IPP), the event brought together over 30 professionals and stakeholders from across Europe, united by a shared vision to advance vocational education and training (VET) in the smart electricity sector.

The meeting agenda was packed with pivotal updates, showcasing the impressive progress made since the project’s launch. Several core work packages (WPs) were presented, illustrating the synergy among the project partners and the high level of coordination across initiatives.

Key achievements included the development of innovative training curricula and digital tools (WP4), including micro-credentials, augmented reality applications, and serious games designed to modernize teaching methods. The Learning Management System (LMS) platform was also unveiled, along with structured feedback mechanisms to enhance learner engagement. Additionally, a cost-sharing LAB model for electricians and a roadmap for establishing regional SEBCoVEs underscored the project’s strategic foresight.

On the implementation front (WP5), the certification processes for learners and institutions are well underway, aligning with EQAVET and ISO standards. A robust skills ecosystem and knowledge triangle are being actively cultivated to ensure long-term sustainability and industry relevance. Quality assurance (WP6 & WP7) was another major highlight, with presentations on internal audits, monitoring tools, and certification schemes for micro-credentials under ISO 17024. Dissemination efforts (WP8) were equally strong, with visibility across events and platforms helping to anchor SEBCoVE as a leading initiative within the CoVE community.

The meeting concluded on a high note with collaborative planning for future mobilities and meetings, reaffirming the consortium’s commitment to continuous improvement. The overall success of the Porto meeting demonstrated the project’s growing impact, not just in terms of outputs but in fostering a community of practice redefining vocational training for the smart energy era.

For more insights on the project, visit sebcove.eu.

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ECTE’s participation in High-Level Forum on Innovation and Cooperation in Brussels

Brussels Hosts High-Level Forum on Innovation and Cooperation in the EU Market

Brussels, November 26, 2024 – The European Parliament hosted the 2nd European Innovation Partners Networking Forum, a pivotal two-day event that brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and public institutions to discuss sustainable innovation, funding opportunities, and collaborative strategies for Europe’s economic and technological future.

The event, which took place on November 25-26, focused on fostering collaboration between companies, research institutes, and vocational training providers to drive economic growth and innovation. Among the many significant projects presented was SEBCoVE: Smart Electricity for Buildings, which underscored the vital role of cooperation in advancing smart energy solutions and sustainability in the built environment.

SEBCoVE: A Model for Collaboration in Smart Energy

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the SEBCoVE project, which aims to bridge the gap between vocational education, research, and industry by developing new training programs tailored to the evolving needs of the smart building sector. The project showcases how collaboration between educational institutions and enterprises can contribute to workforce upskilling, innovation, and increased competitiveness in the European market.

The SEBCoVE project aligns with the European Union’s broader objectives of digital and green transformation, addressing the challenges of energy efficiency, smart electricity applications, and workforce development in a rapidly evolving sector. By fostering partnerships between companies and vocational training providers, SEBCoVE is setting a benchmark for how education and industry can work hand in hand to meet the demands of an increasingly smart and interconnected world.

Forum Highlights: Innovation, Policy, and Human Capital Development

The forum served as a platform for high-level discussions on EU funding mechanisms, research collaborations, and the transition toward a circular and digital economy. The Dinner Debate at the European Parliament, titled “Circular, Digital, and Green Transition in the EU,” provided a space for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to exchange views on the future of sustainable innovation.

Moreover, the Lunch Debate on the second day, focusing on “The Role of EU Funding in Enhancing Human Capital Development,” emphasized the importance of investing in skills and training for the future workforce. The session featured insights from industry experts and EU officials on how strategic investments in education and vocational training can boost economic growth and social cohesion across Europe.

The Future of EU Innovation Partnerships

As Europe continues to navigate challenges related to sustainability, resource scarcity, and digital transformation, initiatives such as SEBCoVE demonstrate the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing these pressing issues. The discussions and networking opportunities at the forum reinforced the EU’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem of innovation that benefits all stakeholders—entrepreneurs, educational institutions, policymakers, and businesses.

With over 50 in-person attendees in Brussels and 200 participants joining online, the event successfully facilitated knowledge exchange and consortium-building for future EU-funded projects. The forum concluded with a Rooftop Reception and Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to research, innovation, and sustainable development.

As the EU looks ahead to 2025-2026 funding opportunities under programs like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the outcomes of this forum will play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of research and innovation initiatives. The success of SEBCoVE and similar projects signals a promising future for sustainable energy solutions and workforce development in the European market.

Tackling Competency and Skills Challenges in Smart Electricity for Buildings

The SEBCoVE project, funded under the Erasmus+ framework, is proud to present its latest deliverable, the comprehensive “D2.3 Competences and Skills Gap” report. This document identifies critical gaps in competencies and skills in the Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEB) sector across six regions in Europe: Crete (Greece), Brandenburg-Berlin (Germany), Lombardy (Italy), Basque Country (Spain), Porto (Portugal), and North Macedonia.

As the SEB sector undergoes a rapid transformation driven by digitalization, renewable energy adoption, and sustainability objectives, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills has become paramount. The report highlights the sector’s key technological drivers, from IoT and AI to energy storage systems and cybersecurity, while identifying mismatches between existing Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs and emerging market needs.

Key Findings:
  • Competency Gaps: The report outlines critical deficiencies in AI integration, cybersecurity, and hybrid renewable energy systems training across VET curricula.
  • Regional Insights: Each region showcases unique strengths and challenges, such as Crete’s renewable energy focus and Brandenburg-Berlin’s advanced BAS adoption.
  • Actionable Recommendations: From modernizing curricula to enhancing industry collaboration, the report provides a roadmap to align workforce capabilities with sectoral demands.
Through this work, SEBCoVE aims to standardize competencies across regions using frameworks like EQF, ECVET, and ESCO, fostering mobility, innovation, and excellence in the SEB sector.

Learn more about the report and our upcoming initiatives on the SEBCoVE website! 

SEBCoVE Project Launched in Dojran: Paving the Way for Vocational Excellence in Smart Electricity for Buildings.

he picturesque town of Dojran, North Macedonia, recently hosted the inaugural event of the Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centres of Vocational Excellence (SEBCoVE) project. This ambitious Erasmus+ initiative aims to foster regional hubs for vocational education and training (VET) excellence, specifically in the burgeoning field of Smart Electricity for Buildings (SEBs). Representatives from government, academia, and industry gathered to mark the official commencement of this transformative project, which is set to address the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling in the SEBs sector.

A Vision for Green and Digital Transformation
Hosted from August 26–29, 2024, the event in Dojran served as a platform for key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of digitalization, green technologies, and vocational education. The SEBCoVE project aims to build agile, future-proof VET systems to prepare electricians for a rapidly changing labor market driven by automation, smart technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By supporting regional specializations and aligning educational programs with market needs, SEBCoVE strives to develop a workforce capable of leading Europe’s green and digital transformation.

High-Profile Attendees and Discussions

The event kicked off with speeches from prominent figures such as Stefan Andonovski, North Macedonia’s Minister of Digital Transformation, and Goran Mincev, Minister of Public Administration. EU officials and ambassadors from Greece, Hungary, and Italy were also present, reinforcing the international importance of the project. These leaders underscored the need for continuous collaboration between policy-makers, the private sector, and academic institutions to achieve Europe’s sustainability goals.
Panels throughout the event covered a wide range of topics, from the role of smart cities in the green transition to opportunities in vocational training. Experts such as Dean Emmanuel Karapidakis from the Hellenic Meddirterennaen University, SEBCoVE’s Project Coordinator, Konstantinos Androulakis from the Europan Center in Training for Employment, and Marc Alessi from the Tesla Science Center, USA, provided valuable insights into the future of digital and green technologies in vocational education.

SEBCoVE GreenTransition DigitalSkills VocationalExcellence ErasmusPlus SmartBuildings DojranEvent SmartElectricity VETRevolution

 

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