<< Background >>CONTEXT/BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECTGlobally, construction accounts for 11-13% of global GDP. One of the main objectives of Construction 2020 EU Strategy refers to the improvement of the human capital basis in order to boost both the performance of companies and the EU competitiveness in this sector. Boosting new competences of the sector’s workforce is a key aim of BUILD UP Skills initiative with specific attention to vocational training and the digital component. Construction is one of top 10 principal sectors of employment for migrants in EU and globally, since migrant workers can be found in considerable numbers in construction domains and thus their contribution to construction industry is important worldwide. However, according to the latest report of European Construction Sector Observatory (2020) there are several specific barriers to the training of building workers, which are linked with the lack of new technologies that support the access of migrant workers in training. Cultural and linguistic barriers may also pose a difficulty for attending training. Thus, low-skilled migrant workers are at the risk of losing their jobs.According to CEDEFOP, globalization and technological changes have affected the EU construction and building workers forced them equipped with new skills (technical, soft, language skills). For this reason, there is more need for VET support on this sector, while establishing partnerships between sectorial companies and VET providers is another important issue. However, as CEPS indicates there is still a lack of investment in skills training by construction companies, due to a variety of reasons (market failures, unaffordable costs, etc.). One more challenge should concern the construction industry is the informal experience migrant workers and their prior learning recognition. Last, but not least, language learning of construction terminologies was happening on-the-job place and time until now. However, COVID19 impact has affected this type of learning due to the demand of keeping social distancing and working as remotely as possible.AIM OF THE PROJECTMiTRUST aims to develop and deliver an innovative digital tool with the intention to support migrants who would like to work in the Construction Sector to acquire the necessary language competences, soft skills and proper behaviors in the construction site. Taking into consideration that, according to ILO 2016, migrant workers can be found in considerable numbers in construction domains and according to Eurostat, construction is one of top 10 principal sectors of employment for migrants in EU and globally, the project focuses on targeted open and distance learning opportunities which will offer better career perspectives to migrants who want to be transferred in an EU country and to enter in construction industry labor market away from social exclusion and marginalization. Besides, access to learning offerings and enhancement of employability is one of the most efficient ways for Migrants' successful Integration into the recipient EU societies.<< Objectives >>OBJECTIVESThe project has set the following objectives:O1. To identify the specialties within the construction sector where migrant construction workers are mostly neededO2. To support migrants to enhance their foreign language competences, soft skills and behaviors for construction industryO3. To help migrants to have access to online learning language materials and be able to personalize the virtual learning environmentO4. To develop distance training programmes and materials targeted to the needs of migrants and their tutorsO5. To create digital learning tools and multimedia online materials in order to enhance their access in vocational education and trainingO6. To provide social inclusion and integration to labour market through digital education and open learningO7. To increase migrants’ employability in the construction sector and enhance their integration into EU societies<< Implementation >>DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES - METHODOLOGY MiTRUST incoroporates three (3) main phases of implementation:1st Phase: P.R.1. User Requirements for the MITRUST OER ToolThis is the initial and preparatory phase of project implementation. Partners will analyse the construction industry, they will identify the construction related job positions where migrants fit better and they will deliver the User Specification Requirements document. This report is a key step for the next phase of the project, which is the desing and developement of OER tools of migrant construction workers.2nd Phase: P.R.2. Development of MiTRUST OERThe main aim of this phase is the development of the Open Educational Resources of MiTRUST project aligned mainly with the priority of “Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity” and the general perspectives of distance education readiness and the empowerment of vocational education systems. All tools that will be delivered during this phase, namely glossary, soft skills curricula, constructionpedia and self-assessment tool, will cover some of the most urgent needs of migrant construction workers. The digital tools of the 2nd phase will be inserted in the e-platform which will be developed in the last phase of the MiTRUST project.3rd Phase: P.R.3. Finalization of e-platformThis is the last and the core phase of the implementation activites of MiTRUST project, since it will lead to the the production of an innovative e-learning platform for migrant construction workers, icluding all the previous Open Educational Resources that have been developed. In order to extend the number of users and to achieve the greatest possible impact, we will include an implementation phase of Use case Scenarios for the finalization of the platform. The OERs will be tested now for their effectiveness and responsiveness. Finally, during the project implementation we are going to include:• C1: Short-term joint staff training event• 4 Multiplier EventsNUMBER AND PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTSAlthough this project's aim is to reach as many beneficiaries and end users as possible, it will originally engage 10 tutors/trainers and 60 migrant learners who will take part in the online learning and implementation of use case scenarios courses. Other stakeholders, such as migrant organizations, construction companies and associations, VET providers, NGOs, policy makers and local/national/European authorities will be contacted via partners' networks.<< Results >>RESULTSThe main results could be summarized in:R1. An analysis of construction sector specialties where migrants mostly needed R2. The enhancement of migrants’ foreign language competences and soft skillsR3. The increased use of digital tools, multimedia training materials and Open Educational Recourses in vocational training R4. The increasement of the attractiveness of the sector to migrant workers via trainingR5. The enhancement of migrants’ employability in the construction sectorR6. The fostering of migrants’ social inclusion into EU societies and their active participation as EU citizensR7. The reinforcement of synergies between Vocational Training stakeholders, Migrant Associations and Construction Industries.Additional tangible results include: R1. An e-linguistic support tool with construction-relative terminology (glossary)R2. Development of new “Soft Skills” curricula, targeted to the needs of migrants in the construction R3. Development of a knowledge database, namely “ConstructionPedia” with multimedia training material for migrant construction workersR4. A self-assessment tool which will be used by migrants themselves as a method to evaluate their current language competences, soft skills, behavior demanded in the construction site.R5. Creation of a new innovative OER platform in the form of an integrated Software in all partner languagesIMPACT ENVISAGED- To increase migrants' access in employment through their foreign languages and soft skills upskilling and facilitate their learning with the use of open and distance learning which fully response to COVID19 implications- To effect positively in the employability and social inclusion of migrant population.- To increase the attractiveness of construction industry - To give recommendations for the creation of new innovative VET curricula and pedagogies.- To facilitate the mobility of staff (migrant workers and employees) in construction sector among the countries, which is fully aligned with EU Agendas for internationalization - To allow the transferring of knowledge and promote best practices in the field of vocational training and enhance the regional cooperation between the countries- To boost the EU initiatives regarding “working towards a knowledge economy” and brings positive implications on EU competitiveness of construction labour markets.

Having faced the first COVID-19 wave, Europe is trying to cope with severe social inequalities. Moreover, the impact of Industry 4.0 influences the labor market and the way that all Europeans leave. According to the Eurobameter's survey, 53% of respondents believe that Member States are close in terms of shared values. Having this in mind, culture can help bridge this divide, increasing cultural participation, and bring Europeans together to experience what connects them rather than what divides them. nder the afforementioned perspective, CUBE project is linked with the formulation of educational activities, but in a way that it is modern and digital, aligned with the new challenges. Our project desires to help artists to acquire skills and competences, including digital competences and entrepreneurial spirit that reinforce creativity in education. This aspect will bring innovation and sustainability of cultural sectors and industries in an era, when everything changes. Its objectives are: - Promoting the upskilling pathways of adult artists and low-skilled culture workers, through the adoption of a virtual training programme - Enhancing inclusion of all adult artists in their society, eliminating their risk of poverty and job loss- Encouraging new entrepreneurial ideas related to culture and artistic sector, revealing new methods of funding - Creating cultural incubators which will lead to the employability of adult artists, since it is being reshaped under the pandemic.Based on the above the project responds to: -the lack of specified training towards entrepreneurship -the shortage of collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, regarding the concept of artistic sectors eliminated access of low-skilled adult artists in entrepreneurial education-the lack of jobs in the creative sector, due to the COVID-19 pandemic

<< Objectives >>MODES has the 4 specific objectives in addition to the WP-specific ones:SO1:Strengthen professors and tutors’ capacity to create inclusive classrooms for international/ foreign studentsSO2:Create new and more inclusive for incoming students methodological approaches and pedagogies for international learningSO3:Improve the international learning experience of foreign students into the classroom and the campus lifeSO4:Boost the integration of international students in the host EU countries<< Implementation >>We are to implement PM and 4 WPs, comprised by 34 Activities, including:-Conduction of evidence-based analysis on international teaching environments-Development of a Baseline Study Exploitation Pack-Design and development of a Capacity Building programme for international teachers-Development of a Toolkit for Excellence in international learning-5 testing and training activities in IT, GR, CY, NL-5 testing and Toolkit adoption activities in IT, GR, CY, NL-4 TPMs-6 Multiplier Events<< Results >>The main MODES results are: -1 Baseline Study Exploitation Pack on international learning environments-1 Methodological Guide for teaching in international settings-1 International Skills Curriculum with 4 Modules for Higher Education Teachers-20 professors trained-1 Online e-learning platform-1 Toolkit for Excellence in international learning-8 HEIs adopting the Toolkit-1 Recommendations Report for the adoption of the Toolkit in diverse educational settings-1 Dissemination Plan

"<< Background >>A wave of change in industry will have ripple effects that reach far beyond the technological change on the factory floor. A transformed industry will have a transformative impact on society as well. This is foremost true for industry workers, who may see their role changed or even threatened. Changing roles and increased reliance on complex technologies will require new skills. More profound changes in how the workforce is organized will present themselves, challenging industry workers' traditional education life cycle of training, work and retirement. Increasing automation may undermine industry's societal role as an employer and engine of prosperity.The concept of Industry 5.0 provides a different focus and highlights the importance of research and innovation to support industry in its long-term service to humanity within planetary boundaries. Industry 5.0 recognizes the power of industry to achieve societal goals beyond jobs and growth to become a resilient provider of prosperity, by making production respect the boundaries of our planet and placing the wellbeing of the industry worker at the center of the production process.The concept of Industry 5.0 refers to a more re-found and widened purposefulness, which constitutes three core elements:1) Human-centricity: the human needs and interests should be at the heart of the production process, exploring what and how technological advancements can contribute to the development and well-being of the industry workers. 2) Sustainability: implement relevant measures in order to avoid the degradation of natural resources and to ensure the needs of today’s generations without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.3) Resilience: the need to develop a higher degree of robustness in industrial production making sure it can provide and support critical infrastructure in times of crisis.In order for industries to accumulate these three core elements, strategic changes focusing on the following pillars are necessary:- Creating and providing a safe and inclusive working environmentThis refers to the creation of a working environment that will ensure both the physical and the mental health and well-being of workers. By introducing relevant workplace innovations and exploiting new technologies and digital solutions, employers and managers will be able to foster mental health and a culture of well-being as an integral part of their corporate culture. In order to achieve this, industry employers and managers should acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow them design and implement relevant initiatives.- Up-skilling and re-skillingSkills shortages is already a significant problem for the European industries, while the connection between industry and training organizations is still limited making the latter unable to support industries with eliminating these shortages. On the other hand, also workers do not feel adequately equipped with the skills needed for the future industry and labour market. A viable solution for this mismatch is the development and provision of relevant training programs that will bridge the available skillsets with the Industry 5.0 requirements. Industries, acquiring the expertise, knowledge and a direct link to technology, are able to play a key role in the workers’ education and training. At the same time, workers should be encouraged to participate in the design of the relevant training programs to make sure that they meet their specific needs.<< Objectives >>EVOLVE 5.0 project will aim to develop an innovative training toolbox for VET organizations and trainers to exploit in order to support the industry and the industry workers through a successful transition to the Industry 5.0 principles and values. The project’s specific objectives shall be to:- Explore what a renewed European Industry 5.0 may look like and how it could make European industries more future-proof, resilient, sustainable and human-centered;- Investigate possible ways in which technological innovation can be deployed to support a better fit and ""win-win"" interaction between industry and society, shifting focus from shareholder to stakeholder value;- Investigate the main skill gaps and barriers in the evolving 5.0 industry sector in Europe;- Investigate how Industry 5.0 could benefit rather than threaten industry workers, while respecting planetary and social boundaries;- Design training courses to update and requalify workers of the industrial sector, focusing on the uptake of the skills that are necessary for the development of Industries 5.0;- Provide e-leadership skills to students, workers and managers that will lead to better employment and career opportunities and make companies more competitive and innovative.<< Implementation >>EVOLVE 5.0 project partners will adopt an innovative methodology for the successful overall implementation of the project as well as of the specific tasks and activities.PROJECT MANAGEMENTManagement Handbook is foreseen to be the main document in which all relevant guidelines for the project’s overall administrative, technical and financial management will provided to project partners. Specifically, the Management Handbook will describe and provide:- The tools and methodology for the project’s overall and financial management, implementation and monitoring- The official templates, timeline and procedure for the project’s reporting activities- The tools and methodology for the internal communication among project partners- The project’s Risk Management Plan- The project’s monitoring bodies along with their roles and responsibilities- The detailed action plan & timeline for the implementation of the project’s tasks and activities. TRANSNATIONAL MEETINGS4 transnational meetings will form an integral part of the strategic partnership. Each partner meeting will address key project deliverables, project management and monitoring activity. This will include budget management, progress and timesheet reporting, workplan and risk register review, project results progress update etc. The face-to-face meetings will be complemented by monthly steering committee meetings (online) to ensure the project KPIs remain on-track and within the proposed timeframes.PROJECT RESULTSWithin EVOLVE 5.0 project, partners will develop the following results:- PR1: Industry 5.0 Competence Framework and Training Skills-Sets- PR2: Development & pilot implementation of the VET training material and Toolbox for Industry 5.0 evolution- PR3: EVOLVE 5.0 e-learning platform & online community- PR4: EVOLVE 5.0 Toolkit and Policy RecommendationsMULTIPLIER EVENTSEVOLVE 5.0 Campaigns will be organized and implemented in each partner countries in the form of a multiplier event. The main aim of these events will be to present and disseminate the project’s achieved results to the relevant target groups.QUALITY ASSURANCE & MONITORINGThe Quality Assurance & Evaluation Plan will include all relevant key actions, tools and methodology that will ensure the achievement of high-quality results. Moreover, it will describe the procedure and provide relevant templates for the evaluation of the project’s transversal and specific activities (project management, transnational meetings, project results, multiplier events, etc.). Following the project’s Quality Assurance & Evaluation Plan, concrete activities will be also implemented:- Evaluation of the project's TMs, PRs and MEs- Development of the Interim & Final Quality Assurance & Evaluation ReportDISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATIONConcrete dissemination activities that will be implemented will be:- Development of the project’s logo (M1-M2), website (M1-M3), social media profiles (M1-M3) and brochure in all partners' languages (M1-M6).- Development of the project’s visual identity, including templates with a transversal use (presentations, a template for the development of PRs, etc.) (M1-M6)- Sending out project’s newsletters periodically throughout the project’s lifetime, promoting the main project’s results (M6, 12, 18, 24)SUSTAINABILITYBKcon will develop the project’s Sustainability and Exploitation Plan aiming to:1. Clearly identify the project’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and their direct and indirect value and impact for the different stakeholders;2. Design a concrete strategy and methodology that will ensure the successful post-project exploitation of these results;3. Shape and transform the project partnership into a permanent ecosystem with the purpose of maintaining and promoting the project’s results.<< Results >>EVOLVE 5.0 project’s tangible results will be:- A newly established framework of the necessary skills and competences for a successful Industry 5.0 evolution for industry employers/managers and workers;- An innovative VET training material and toolbox for Europe’s Industry 5.0 evolution;- An e-learning platform that will include all project’s results and enhance and improve significant elements of the project’s successful implementation, such as sustainability, transferability and accessibility to the project’s results;- An interactive EVOLVE 5.0 Toolkit with Policy recommendations, which shall include all aforementioned tools and materials and ensuring a high level of accessibility and transferability of the project’s outputs and outcomes.Moreover, EVOLVE 5.0 project is expected to have significant intangible results:(i) For the project’s direct target group (VET trainers and organizations):VET trainers and experts will be able to build the necessary skills and become more competent to deliver the innovative EVOLVE 5.0 training program. Moreover, through the exploitation of the EVOLVE 5.0 Toolkit, they will enrich their portfolio of available tools and resources for supporting their students develop their Industry 5.0 skills and competences. Furthermore, through this project VET trainers will be enabled to:- develop critical thinking, reflexive, and self-assessment competencies;- identify different learning styles and strategies of VET learners and applied appropriate methods and techniques for teaching;- evaluate the process of learning and teaching.(ii) For the project’s partners:- Grow the expertise of the partners and put them in the position of national promotors for the integration of the Industry 5.0 skills in traditional industrial sectors and in VET programs, having the chance to exploit all tailored training methodologies tested during the project;- Partners operating as education providers will be able to offer an innovative training toolbox to their audience, widening their educational offer, increasing their penetration to the market and improving their expertise and reputation;- Be recognized as organizations who took responsibility for developing innovative actions to address the issue of the Industry 5.0 evolution in their region.- Broadened network and areas of general knowledge amongst project staff and wider organization staff members;- Behavior change towards elements of supporting various target groups for the promotion of Europe’s Industry 5.0 evolution.(iii) For the project’s other target groups:- 105 industry employers/managers shall increase their knowledge on the concept of Industry 5.0 and their capacity for shaping the working environment of their companies as well as for supporting their workers through a successful Industry 5.0 evolution;- Industry entrepreneurs and managers will be able to be pivotal actors of the so called 5th industrial revolution in their countries by constituting a bridge between industry and VET;- 210 industry workers shall acquire relevant skills and competences that will allow them to successfully prepare for and efficiently adapt to the Industry 5.0 transition;- develop critical thinking, reflexive, and self-assessment;- build confidence and self-esteem through networking and participating in group activities;- improve their communication skills;- develop an awareness of opportunities for personal growth."

"<< Background >>In our rapidly changing times, research and learning practices are being advanced and transformed based on arising challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple restrictions posed on learning practices havevaffected multiple sectors and disciplines. The need for a rapid redesigning of educational practices, which so far were dependent on physical contact, has never been greater. Various aspects of research based learning can and should be re-designed virtually, so that learners/ trainees whose learning and training activities have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic can resume productive and fruitful enquiries.In accordance with the goals set by the EU Digital Plan 2021-2027 and CEDEFOP’s assessment of the digital gap during COVID-19 for VET learners in Europe, the creation of online virtual laboratories is the way forward with benefits beyond the current crisis. VET learners whose studies programmes necessitate lab-based work, as in the engineering sector, can resume their activities and complete their studies by virtually fulfilling their learning obligations. In this context, Engineering education is an overall challenging domain, which requires adequate integration of lab experiments and use of high-quality, precision and expensive equipment. By introducing online instruments for conduction of lab-work in the engineering sector, engineering education & training can be rendered more accessible in terms of former geographical restraints for students from remote areas or other obligation keeping them away from research facilities. At the same time, learning can be scaled up and expensive equipment digitally replicated thus rendering engineering education more cost-effective. The transition of lab-based activities can therefore act as a beacon of support for VET vulnerable to career setbacks based on socio-economic background. OLEE project aims to enable this digital transition of the European engineering VET community.Therefore, some of the needs to be addressed by the project are the following:N1: Lack of opportunities for VET teachers/ trainers to get trained and certified on specific set of digital skills and way of operation regarding the distance learningN7: Outdated learning environments while VET learners would benefit from renewed learning environment, renewed interest & sector specific career skillsN7: Attractiveness of VET providers, to be able to expand their learners base by providing accessible, adaptive and inclusive distance learning services N8: Decrease of VET early leavers VET providers N9: Evaluation of the necessity of a systematic change in the education ecosystem and obtain policy recommendations, experiences and pathways so as to meet the vision of the EU Digital Education Action Plan. In this sense, the most crucial need of education stakeholders of engineering and other technical sectors to be addressed is no other than to enable them to be agents of change towards digital transformation of educational practices.<< Objectives >>The OLEE project sets itself the aim to assist VET Trainers and learners of the Engineering sector in the transition towards a digital educational & research ecosystem in the post covid-19 era. The concrete OBJECTIVES to be achieved include the following: O1: The designing and piloting of innovative online resources. In particular, delivering an Virtual Laboratory for Engineering lab-work activities O2: Reinforcing the ability of VET providers to provide high quality, inclusive digital education. O3: The promotion of networking and collaboration between EU institutions, sharing of resources and expertise O4: Support towards the VET communities for the acquisition of digital competences O5: Supporting the Engineering sector & building their resilience & digital capacity<< Implementation >>The project will be divided in 4 main Project Results with 18 accompanying activities. Moreover, an LTT activity is envisaged to take place near the end of the 3rd project result.PR1: Setting up the Online Experiments a Setting up the Online Experiments and the Virtual Labs for Technical Professions in VETPR2: Development of Training Material for embeding Online Experiments in current training curriculaPR3: OLEE - Train the Trainers PackagePR4: Development of a certification for the award of a label of ""Virtual Laboratory for educational skills in VET institutions"" In more detail these PRs will include the following activities per PR:PR1A1: Technical requirements for the Online Experiments and design of the V-Lab of Technical Professions for VET classesA2: Development of the Technical Professions V-lab for VET ClassesA3: Development of Online Experiments for Technical Professions LabsA4: Incorporation of Online Experiments as an integral part of the V-labPR2A1: Development of use case training scenarios for each of the online experimentsA2: Development of learning material based on the use case scenariosA3: Testing of Online Experiments in real-teaching environment A4: Embedding of Online Experiments in current technical professions training curricula PR3 A1: Training outline for upskiling of Trainers in the design of Online ExperimentsA2: Development of self-training material for enriching current online experiments A3: Fine-tuning of training material based on feedback A4: Upload of training material in the form of OER to the e-learning platform as part of the Online ExperimentsA5: Creation of an online community for the development of more online experiments and training resources on Technical ProfessionsPR4A1 Development of the Certification procedureA2 Development of the OLEE Certification standard A3 Testing of the OLEE Certification procedureA4: Refinement of the Certification procedureA5 Implementation of the Certification procedureLastly, other activities to be conducted during the project’s lifecycle revolve around project coordination& management as well as dissemination efforts, namely: 4 Transnational Partner Meetings and 5 Multiplier Events, on to be organized in each participating country will be conducted.<< Results >>OLEE aims to support VET teachers/ trainers and learners of the Engineering sector in their struggle to navigate the new realities posed to them by covid-19 pandemic and continue their activities in a virtual fit for the digital age. Within this context, the following outcomes, devided in tangible results (TR) and intanglible results (IR) are going to be achieved during and on the OLEE project’s completion:Tangible Results (TR) TR1: A new innovative training material will be created in OER form, compliant to DigiComp and specifically addressed to the needs of VET trainers and researchers. The training material will be available in 5 languages. TR2: Approximately 100 VET teachers/ trainers (12 that will attend the training the certification plus the VET teachers/ trainers and staff from the consortium partners) will directly benefit from the implementation of the OLEE project. TR4: An estimated 70 VET providers will benefit from the project results. It is estimated that approximately 60% of the total individuals that will participate in the DigEdu+ training and certification procedure will come from VET centers and will directly benefit from the project results and outputs.TR6: Active involvement of education stakeholders and policy makers. It is also expected that each partner will engage 2-3 additional stakeholders during the development of the curriculum and the testing of the product, adding further 12-18 indirect beneficiaries. TR7: An innovative virtual learning laboratory for the engineering sector for stakeholders to further utilize. Intangible Results (IR) IR1: Creation of a new digital education culture in which VET teachers/ trainers/learners will have a holistic approach regarding the benefits and the new pedagogical approaches in sectors known for testing the waters.IR2: VET teachers/ trainers will act as a beacon of change by not only implementing the digital education practices but also promoting them among the educational community and their learners, by supporting inclusivity and fighting in this way the VET early leaving. IR3: Creation of new technics regarding the set-up of user friendly and interactive e-learning material IR4: An overall upgrade of the e-learning experience though the better understanding of the digital education practices among the VET teachers/ trainers and the new pedagogical technics that are needed. IR5: Rendering research and lab activities more user-friendly and inclusive and less costly and unattainable for larger segment of VET learners."