Water scarcity is a serious problem for many regions of Europe with some 45% of European territory expected to face water scarcity problems by 2030, where damages caused by floods may increase five-fold by 2050. This is driving growing attention and increasing regulation on water efficiency and water management across Europe, being particularly important in cities and buildings in general, given the estimated water savings of 30%, with consequent reductions on energy and CO2 emissions (“The Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources”). The implementation of water and energy saving measures requires adequate training, capacity building and qualification of construction professionals, sustained on reliable and independent accreditation schemes attesting technical knowledge and social competences, towards market recognition and confidence. The project “WATTer Skills” aimed to develop, implement and propose a common curricula, qualification framework and accreditation scheme at the European level, for training and skills upgrading of construction and green professionals on water efficiency and water energy nexus for construction and retrofit in buildings. The harmonised water efficiency and water-energy nexus competences in building construction and retrofit, was achieved with two proposed qualification frameworks: the water efficiency technician (WET) and the water efficiency expert (WEE). This was materialised in 4 intellectual outputs (in 5 languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Greek): IO1 - Setting the Perimeter and definition of the WATTer skills map, IO2 - European Qualification Framework, IO3 - Training Courses Curricula, Contents and Pilots and IO4 - Accreditation System based on European Qualification Framework and European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training, supported by 2 Handbooks with the training contents (six competence areas corresponding to 100 lecture hours for the WET and 4 competence areas corresponding to 50 lecture hours for the WEE) 5 transnational meetings (3 in-person and 2 online), 9 multiplier events (7 training pilots with 144 attendees and 60 lectured hours, 1 Infoday with 28 participants and 1 Final conference with more than 100 participants), the presence at 10 dissemination events (oral communications, poster presentations and scientific publications) and numerous parallel dedicated meetings with the national advisory boards and stakeholder groups. As project outcomes, it can be highlighted the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding by all partners, with a Roadmap of the WATTer Skills follow-up activities, namely the compromise of all partners in continuing the work on the possible integration of the proposed accreditation framework into the national catalogues of the consortium countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. In Portugal, another project outcome already guaranteed is the approval of the “long term strategy for building renovation” (Resolution of the Council of Ministers No 8-A/2021 of 3rd of February 2021), where it is stated that the qualification frameworks produced by the WATTer Skills consortium will be promoted. In addition, ADENE is making the effort to include this topic in the agenda and events of the current Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"CONTEXTEuropean Commission lists the main challenges facing construction, among them: -Training: Improving specialised training and making the sector more attractive, in particular for blue-collar workers, technical colleges and universities.-Innovation: More active uptake of new technologies.The project will address those needs by the creation of an innovative training with the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology.The project will also address H&S issues. As the research shows, workers are not interested in classic trainings. Use of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), modern AR technology and supporting media files will make setAR training much more interesting.The need for the projects was also confirmed by the opinions gathered among construction employees and employers.setAR also adheres to the ET2020 framework by developing up-to-date VET ensuring the matching of labour market with skill requirements. It also complies with the initiative of ""Opening-up Education"" widening access to education through OERs. AIMThe main objective of the project is to decrease accident rate during construction works, especially during earthworks. To achieve that goal, training system will be prepared. It will contain knowledge on earthworks, with particular emphasis on efficiency of work and H&S regulations. Project will also help to improve mobility of construction personnel, due to its international content (presentation of practices from participating countries) and Multilanguage form (this will help users to learn vocabulary specific for earthworks).PARTNERSHIPThe partnership (6 organisations) was formed in the way, that partners experiences and competencies are complementary in every aspect of earthworks, and EU funded projects management and execution:WUT - Warsaw University of Technology: Esteemed University, specialists in construction, participated and led EU funded projects before, VET specialists, management specialists, broad contact networkPABM - Polish Association of Building Managers: Association with broad contact networks in EU and outside, specialists in construction, participated and led EU funded projects before, VET specialists, management specialists, sector expertTUD - Technische Universitat Darmstadt: Esteemed University, specialists in construction, participated in EU funded projects before, VET specialists, broad contact networkFLC - Fundacion Laboral de la Constuccion: VET specialists, specialists in training, participated in EU funded projects before, broad contact networkEC - Ecomilan Sp. z o.o.: specialists in construction works (including earthworks), sector expertUVEG - Universitat de Valencia: Esteemed University, specialists in AR & IT technologies, participated in EU funded projects before, VET specialistsACTIVITIES, RESULTS & METHODOLOGYBesides dissemination, project management and implementation activities, partners foreseen series of activities to create intellectual outputs:O1:Evidence based learning outcomes (created on the basis of real construction market needs):-Development of instructions and tools for data collection-Data collection & analysis-Definition of setAR learning outcomesO2:setAR training system (innovative and unique training system):-Division of learning outcomes into VET learning units-Development of learning units' specifications and characteristics-Improvements after testing & evaluationO3:setAR manual (complementary to setAR training system):-Development of draft version-Development of final version (after testing with target groups)O4:setAR application (software) (complementary to setAR training system):-Development of draft version-Development of final version (after testing with target groups)O5:setAR AR markers (complementary to setAR training system):-Development of draft version-Development of final version (after testing with target groups)O6:setAR instructional movies (complementary to setAR training system):-Development of draft version-Development of final version (after testing with target groups)IMPACT & POTENTIAL LONGER TERM BENEFITS-Improved efficiency of earthworks -Decreased accident rate during earthworks on construction sites-Decreased death rate in the construction industry-Increased awareness of construction engineers, students, and workers-Promotion of social dialogue on earthworks issues (i.e. H&S aspects, and certification) on EU and national level-Base of knowledge for the creation of new and improvement of existing professional courses-Decrease in training time and costs-Enhancement and reinforcement in education and training systems in response to the main challenges of today's world (digitalisation of lifestyle, employment, economic stability, and growth, as well as active participation in democratic life and free labour market)"

"The main objective of this project was to improve the quality of mobility processes in the construction sector for learners, staff and trainers in order, in the mid term, to increase the number of European mobilities for this target group .In order to achieve this global goal, we have set up a whole process around the mobile application, to the attention of apprentices, trainers and staff, to better understand mobility, in its preparation, its implementation and its follow-up while (linking current media, including social media).In fact, starting from the initial observation that workers and, in particular, the youngest ones must be more mobile than before to find job opportunities, young people must be well prepared before going abroad as part of a mobility process and preparation is the key to a good integration. It is important to guide them using the new information and communication technologies but also social media throughout their professional training. Learners, as well as accompanying persons (trainers or staff members), really feel that there is an ever greater desire to supervise them qualitatively. The result is a sense of security and trust that encourages more willingness to participate, which is obviously one of the main objectives of SoMEx - to increase the number of mobilities - using a more dynamic and modern way of doing things, including social media and taking into account the habits of the beneficiaries, who are, for the most part, ""digital natives"". The idea is to use ""up-to-date"" methods to facilitate the process and increase the quality of investments.To do this, we started the work with a research phase to determine the habits of our beneficiaries, in terms of social media use. To this end, we also relied on the work done in the framework of a previous project called Linguistic Reform, which included an analysis of the barriers to mobility, as well as the Euro-Dim project whose main theme is virtual mobility. Based on the results of these projects, a national and transnational analysis of the habits of our target group, we have created the ""Information Guide on the Use of ICTs and Social Networks for Trainees, Trainers and Staff"". VET in the construction sector "", a real starting point for our investigations for the creation of the SoMEx APP. Following this survey, we took part in a mobility observation to determine the real needs of our target group. Through surveys and observation during the mobility process of a group by country, we drew national and transnational conclusions through intellectual production 2 ""Recommendation for the improvement of existing mobility through the use of a mobile app that meets the needs of young people, trainer and construction staff ""by putting the point of attention on the different phases of a mobility journey: before, during and after.Based on these first two products, we then thought about and created our first version of the SoMEx APP (version 1), which we tested on a group by country according to a similar framework but improved based on previous experimentation (modification of the search tools for example). Following the analysis of the mobility path with the APP, interviews and observation, we drew our national and transnational conclusions. ""IOP 4 - Recommendation for version 1 of the appen mobility according to the needs of trainees / trainers / staff "". Based on these findings and recommendations, we have modified the SoMEx mobile app to meet the needs expressed during this observation. Once version 2 of the APP was created, we tested it again with the users by going to the field and developed the IO5: ""test of the product as part of the mobility process - APP version 2 ""On which we based ourselves to finalize the APP and get our final product:"" The Android application for trade in the construction sector "", ie, SoMEx application.The app and all products and achievements of the project are now available and free of rights on www.somexproject.eu (""results"" tab) in the 6 languages ​​of the partnership."

<< Objectives >>BuildOffsiteEU has addressed to adapt VET to the needs of the labour market in the construction industry and innovate VET implementation to face the environmental challenges. It leads to re-skilling the workforce for the transition to industrialized construction (off-site) designing a training pathway to bridge the gap between old and new skills and competences and setting a training path to reinforce the VET offer to achieve the environmental sustainability goals in EU.<< Implementation >>The activities in BuildOffsiteEU are aimed at managing it technically and financially according to the rules of Erasmus+ programme, developing products and bringing them closer to companies, VET providers, trainers, VET centres and potential clients of industrialised construction industry and public in general in Italy, Slovenia, Spain, North Macedonia and Greece.<< Results >>A partnership of VET providers, business associations, research centres, and a cluster related to construction sector has achieved products (Interactive offsite training path, Digital skills map, set of e-tools to inform on benefits of sustainable construction to companies and customers to face environmental challenges) and outcomes: to reinforce VET quality in the construction industry to improve the image of modern, innovative, digitised and green sector.

<< Background >>NaturBuild project seeks to create a comprehensive, module-based training course to skill construction blue-collar workers in the installation, maintenance, and deconstruction of nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban and building sustainability, improving education, awareness and institutional capacity on buildings and cities impact mitigation.The European Commission defines Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as “solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience; such solutions bring more diverse nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes”.Some of the proven effects of NBS are the improvement of buildings’ sound and thermal insulation (reducing their energy consumption), the reduction of the Urban Heat Island Effect (caused by a higher temperature in metropolitan areas than in suburban ones), improvement of air quality, and to serve as refuges for wildlife in urban areas, thus supporting in conserving the biodiversity.Nature-Based Solutions training and implementation (and green roofs as one of the most efficient, popular, and easy-to-install solution) respond to the needs collected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Some of them are Quality Education (SDG4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11), Climate Action (SDG13), and Life on Land (SDG15). EU’s strategies are aligned with UNO’s SDGs. NATURBUILD project is supported by three main UE pillars: *European Education Area (especially its ‘green and digital transitions’); *European Skills Agenda (with one of its focus on construction, stating that ‘skills gaps are visible in green design, technologies and materials. As recovery starts, upskilling needs to focus on energy- and resource efficiency’);*European Green Deal (concretely ‘sustainable industry’ and ‘building and renovating’ areas).According to the UN, the world’s cities occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land, but account for 60-80% of energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. Slowing and reversing the growth rate of GHG emissions is crucial to address climate change. One key way to reduce and, ultimately, phase out the greenhouse gases produced by the construction industry is transforming the way buildings are designed, built, and operated. To reach this goal the need to improve skills of construction workers in relation to energy efficient and environmentally-friendly processes, materials and technologies is widely acknowledged. However, the high rate of innovation in construction industry shapes the speed of skills obsolescence in the sector workforce. Therefore, in order to make VET more innovative and meaningful for the sector it is necessary to ensure long term structural alignment between EU policies, market and VET. Skilling construction workforce according to the mentioned pillars (SDG and EU policies), ensures core green skills are embedded in sector’s procedures, allowing the transition to a greener and more sustainable future, due to the potential of their work performance to impact in quality and green execution of buildings.Giving this, NATURBUILD training course is outlined with the aim to provide with green skills for blue-collars from the construction industry in South Europe, for an adequate perform in the installation, maintenance and deconstruction of green roofs. And this is another central value of the NATURBUILD project: the transnational cooperation, as the share and exchange process and the harmonisation among countries, permits cross-fertilization and facilitates personal development, employability and mobility in the European labour market.<< Objectives >>The project aims to develop a training course to address the skills gap on nature-based solutions, more concretely on green roofs, and their digitalisation. These results go in line with the previously identified needs, United Nations’ SDGs, and European Union’s strategies, channelled in the following project objectives:-Providing workers with the required skills to meet market trends and European objectives on green construction and sustainability. The European Education Area has set, as one of its objectives, assuring that individuals possess the skills needed to thrive in the green economy of the future. Additionally, there is a market trend of higher demand on sustainable construction and NBS with the Renovation Wave for Europe strategy aiming at renovating up to 35 million public and private buildings over the next decade to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their ecological footprint. The skills gap needs to be covered through high quality VET training material that will be developed during the project lifetime.-Digitalising construction VET with innovative training curricula and resources. VET offer and trainers in general, construction VET in particular, have still a long path towards digitisation. The digitisation of the developed training modules seeks to support this, also by including professionals and trainers in the development process with a twofold objective: (1) to ease the learning process of certain concepts and phases by adding digital and more visual resources (such as 3D objects or recreations), and (2) moving towards more innovative VET provision, trainers and, finally, learners with improved digital skills. The digitalisation of the modules will support the achievement of this objective.-Preparing VET centres and trainers with updated training materials on green roofs. There are two main reasons behind this objective: The already mentioned need to align VET training offer with market trends, and aligning VET training offer with UN’s SDGs and European Union’s strategies and goals. The creation of the training material will mean VET centres and trainers have available updated training materials on nature-based solutions and green roof.-Raising construction workers', trainers’, and companies’ awareness on the importance and benefits of NBS. As the ‘Education for Climate Coalition’ initiative shows, awareness is a key element towards fighting climate change. Buildings in the EU generate 40% of energy consumption – NBS highly reduces it and the pollution, for which awareness raising is crucial to achieve any objective for the environment and against climate change. A whole module will be dedicated on raising awareness on the NBS’ benefits.<< Implementation >>The activities to be implemented are divided in 4 main areas: Project management, Dissemination and Communication, Project Results, and Other Activities.PROJECT MANAGEMENT:* Management and monitoring of the project. This includes the project coordination activities, implementation of the Quality Plan, risk assessment and control, communication mechanisms, financial management, reporting etc. * Project meetings and other management actions will set the framework for cooperative work and efficient management between partners.DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION:* Dissemination, valorisation and sustainability. Dissemination Plan, visual identity of the project, project dissemination products and materials, Memorandum of Understanding development, etc.* Multiplier events. As part of the dissemination strategy, 5 multiplier events are planned, involving all partner countries. The timing of the events are expected when the project has obtained partially the project results (4 of them). A final multiplier events is envisaged once all project results are available.PROJECT RESULTS:For PROJECT RESULTS 1-4 (modules on global awareness, installation, maintenance, and deconstruction), the activities that will be followed are similar, with some specificities that will also be detailed:1. Documentary analysis to gather the latest legislation, documentation, and practices at EU & national levels. For project results 2&3, concrete occupations that take part in those phases (installation and maintenance) will also be identified.2. Experts’ consultation to deepen the results of the previous task. This task will be validated with a fine-tuning of the preliminary results and a second round of surveys through Delphi methodology. This expert’s group will be maintained throughout the project for validation purposes.3. Development of the content based on the new curricula and needs identified in previous tasks.4. A final fine-tuning of the module and its translation once experts' feedback is collected through a digital pilot with trainers and experts.PROJECT RESULT 5 (online training platform) have different activities to accomplish it:1. Decision on the most suitable digital solution, considering the target, the content, etc.2. The structure of the digital solution and the main elements it needs to include.3. The adaptation of the developed training material to the digital media.4. Development of digital educational resources, such as 3D objects, videos and/or AR.5. Fine-tuning the digital solution based on the feedback received.6. Replication of the complete course into the languages of the consortium (ES, GR, IT, PT)OTHER ACTIVITIES (results-related):* Digital pilot testing. A focus group with researchers, trainers, and experts will be created to test the created modules and the digital platform. * Translation of the project materials, the created modules and digital training platform. Activity to be carried out by all project partners to translate the materials from English to their languages.<< Results >>Expected PROJECT RESULTS are:RESULT 1.Global awareness module. A training module to establish a common background for all occupations involved on the building process of nature-based solutions, providing an overview of the state of art. At the same time, it will raise awareness on nature-based solutions and the benefits it brings to the building performance, urban climate, and biodiversity.RESULT 2.Installation module. Module to provide clear instructions on the steps to be followed in each phase of the installation process, divided by occupations so that the module is specialised according to professional profiles involved in the installation of green roofs.RESULT 3.Maintenance module. The main objective of this module is to provide instructions on the steps to be followed in the different maintenance tasks. This module will potentially cover also the more appropriate vegetation to be used within the Mediterranean climate in each of the covered green roof type.RESULT 4.Deconstruction module. Module with two main objectives: (1) How to deconstruct a green roof to install a new one. This may happen for cases in which the green roof was not properly installed or for those green roofs that are not sustainable (for example, due to the type of vegetation used or improper installation) and thus a more appropriate one should be installed. (2) How to deconstruct a (normal) roof. For those cases in which the green roof is to be installed in a building where a common roof is installed.RESULT 5.Online training platform. To improve not only the digitalisation of the training in the construction sector, but also of its workers' skills, the developed modules will go through a digitalisation to include them as part of the training offer of the VET centres that are part of the consortium.Besides project results, further OUTCOMES that this project intends to achieve are:1.Research and analysis of green roofs skills demand (labour market and EU policies) and related skills gaps (occupational profiles involved) and definition of skills perimeter.2.Sound training structure and learning outcomes by means of the contribution and endorsement of key experts in education, construction labour market, innovation, and sustainability.3.Design and development a modular training course following the EQF methodology- learning-outcome oriented- and underpinned with EQAVET principles. (R 1-4)4.Analysis of the adaptation of the training course to the priorities identified (online pilot testing and validation)5.Enhancing VET innovation by offering an updated green training for blue-collars by means of e-learning and Open Educational Resources, in EN, GR, IT, ES and PT. (R 5)6.Paving the way for the uptake of training course and its recognition.7.Better meet common challenges, such as energy efficiency and climate change, by common approaches and harmonisation among countries.8.Improvement of the construction VET providers' and trainers’ activity to include an appealing training offer for the current and potential construction sector workers.9.Building mutual trust, and facilitating cross-border recognition with the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the sustainability of the course and its endorsement.10.Dissemination of key information of the project at regional, national and European level, paving the way for the uptake of project outcomes, generating interest, raising awareness and attracting attention of key actors, target groups and industry in general.11.Contribute to urban and building sustainability by providing construction workers with the needed training for the installation, maintenance and deconstruction of green roofs.12.Spread the word, share solutions and know-how, enabling a wider community to benefit from EU funding.