PROJECT BACKGROUND

project background1

Industry 4.0 is completely transforming the manufacturing sector in EU imposing its principle of digitalization of industrial processes. As a result, the new cyber-physical production systems have a high impact on the labour force, especially on technicians and engineers. They require new hybrid “humans-machines” teams, where technicians and engineers should analyze big data, simulate production lines, coordinate robots, diagnose/repair complex automated systems. However, data show that industry employees are not ready to face the above new realities since they lack the “right” knowledge/skills demanded by the new industrial environment, i.e. appear underskilled, thus limiting their employability prospects and access to quality jobs. The Skills and Jobs Survey highlights that 43% of adult employees have recently experienced changes in technology they use at work and 47% have seen changes in their working methods. About 1 in 5 considers it very likely that several of their skills will become outdated in the next years.

Taking into account the above needs, their relevance at European level and emergency at regional level, as well as the high demand of flexible continuous TVET on behalf of companies within the partner regions, a consortium of 4 universities, 4 Chambers of Commerce and Industry and a VET provider from BG, GR, PL and RS was established so as to develop an Active Learning Community for Upskilling Technicians and Engineers in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics.

TARGET GROUPS

 

blog3DIRECT TARGET GROUPS:

  • Technicians in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics;
  • Engineers in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics.

 

INDIRECT TARGET GROUPS:

  • VET trainers;
  • Companies in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics;
  • VET providers, including universities and Chambers.

 

 

OBJECTIVES

 

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 Development of an Active Learning Community for Upskilling Technicians and Engineers in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics, aiming to:
• get all stakeholders aware of the specific TVET needs of the technical and engineering staff in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics, one of the most vulnerable in relation to Industry 4.0 skills deficit, so that they can best tailor their TVET offers;
• provide easy access to TVET, where ICT is more strategically used, so that the target group can constantly upskill themselves for professional growth and higher satisfaction with their jobs thus resulting in higher company productivity and competitiveness;
• provide better access of the target group to open educational resources so as to continuously upskill their STEM, in particular technology and engineering skills, so that they can adequately respond to Industry 4.0 f changes thus securing their positions within the company and pursue career development;
• promote active learning methods among VET teachers - flipped classroom, problem-based learning, etc. so as to develop learners' generic skills;
• build strong cooperation between businesses in the sector of Machine Building and Mechatronics, research hubs and VET providers so as to improve the quality, supply and accessibility of CTVET to the target groups.