INSIDE-CoVE(2024-2028) Erasmus+ programme

Designation: INSIDE-CoVE. International Network for Sustainable and Innovative Digital Excellence in Construction Vocational Education

Project: Belonging to Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, call 2024. Partnership for Excellence - Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE).

Identification of the project: 101194017.

Duration: 48 months, from February 2025 to January 2029

Budget: 4,985,440.64€

Coordinator: Building Systems Innovation Centre (Greece).

Partners: 

• Greece: Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC); University of Macedonia; Buildinghow Team IKE; Kyttaro Enallaktikon Anazitiseon Neon (K.E.A.N); Technical Chamber of Greece (TGC); and Manpower Employment Organisation.
• Cyprus: University of Nicosia (UNIIC); and Algolysis (ALGO).
• Germany: TH-OWL - University of Applied Sciences and Arts; David-Roentgen-Schule Neuwied (DRS); Fraunhofer Building Innovation Alliance (IBP); andMelzer Kältetechnik.
• Spain: Fundacion Laboral de la Construccion; Institut D'arquitectura Avancada de Catalunya; Instituto Valenciano de la Edificacion; Femxa Formacion SLU; and Sgs Tecnos S.A..
• Ireland: Technological University of the Shannon (TUS); Irish Green Building Council (IGBC); Limerick and Clare ETB (LCETB); Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB); and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
• Europe: European Builders Confederation (EBC); y European Aluminium (EA).

Website: Coming soon.

Redes sociales: Coming soon.

It is expected that by 2060, the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector will grow significantly due to urban expansion and demographic changes, reaching a value of €13.07 trillion by 2037. However, it faces challenges such as labour shortages, low digitalisation, and the energy inefficiency of buildings. The adoption of circular economy principles could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.

The INSIDE-CoVE project aims to enhance construction training through Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), aligned with European policies. Its three focus levels include skill development for competitiveness and resilience, the integration of construction into industrial ecosystems, and the facilitation of digital and green transitions.

Thus, the project operates at both national and international levels. At the national level, it fosters skill ecosystems for innovation and inclusion through collaboration between academia, industry, and the workforce. At the international level, it strengthens transnational CoVE networks to address economic and social challenges and promotes collaborative and sustainable frameworks.

The project aims to establish innovative CoVE networks for construction skills development in the four participating countries and to create a transnational collaboration network addressing the needs of the construction sector. The consortium consists of 23 partners from five European countries and two European-level organisations, covering academia, research, vocational training, and business sectors.

Expected results

• Report on current and future needs in the construction industry, including required skills and knowledge.

• Skills and competencies mapping in the construction sector, considering evolving trends and technological advancements.

• Assessment of student needs.

• Gap analysis report between current vocational education programmes and the skills/competencies identified in the mapping.

• Curriculum development on:

  • Energy-Efficient Design, Construction, Operation, and Processes.

  • Skills in Digital Design, Construction, and Operation.

  • Circularity in Building Design, Construction, and End-of-Life Cycle Management.

• Development of digital materials and resources to enhance digital literacy among participants.

• Creation of an Inclusion and Diversity Learning Plan.

• Design of a Digital Learning Platform with modules on transversal skills, including micro-learning content on interpersonal skills, entrepreneurship, and digital tools.

• Development of a Career Guidance Handbook.

• Organisation of forums to facilitate experience exchange between academia and the industry.

• Report on the certification process for energy, digital skills, circularity, and transversal competencies.

• Hackathon and summer school focusing on key project themes.

• Development and implementation of an entrepreneurship seminar for vocational training providers.

• Organisation of an Open Innovation Day to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to the construction sector.

• Development and implementation of a policy advocacy strategy supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in construction.

• Promotion strategy for vocational education programmes within the construction sector.

• Creation of career pathways with information and guidance on the skills needed for career progression.

• Design of a marketing plan for vocational training centres and CoVEs to develop effective communication strategies for promoting vocational training programmes.

• Plan for fostering inclusion and engagement of underrepresented groups in the construction sector.

• Establishment of collaborative frameworks with secondary schools to spark interest in the construction industry.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.