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LCAMP Policy Recommendation #2: Advancing Learning Factories in Vocational Education and Training

27/06/2025

As Europe continues its transition toward a more digital, green, and resilient economy, the need for responsive and high-quality Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems is more pressing than ever. The second Policy Recommendation from the LCAMP: Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) project addresses this challenge by exploring the role of Learning Factories in strengthening VET and preparing learners for the future of work.

This policy brief was produced with the active involvement of EARLALL, as part of its leadership role in building the LCAMP Alliance—a collaborative network for organisations involved in Advanced Manufacturing and Vocational Education and Training (VET).

What Are Learning Factories and Why Do They Matter?

Learning Factories are educational environments that simulate real-life industrial settings, providing VET students with opportunities to develop and apply a combination of job-specific, transversal, and digital skills through active, hands-on learning. They play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and the rapidly evolving demands of the labour market.

The recommendations in this brief are built on three core assumptions:

  1. A skilled workforce is essential for employability, economic resilience, and innovation at all levels.
  2. Modern, technology-rich training environments are critical to help learners adapt to digitalised work contexts.
  3. Experiential, learner-centred pedagogies improve the quality and relevance of vocational training outcomes.

Key Content of the Policy Brief

Based on the research conducted under Work Package 6 of the LCAMP project, the brief includes:

  • A definition of Learning Factories, including a focus on Collaborative Learning Factories that foster cross-border innovation
  • The rationale for implementing Learning Factories in VET
  • Five key findings drawn from LCAMP’s research
  • Six actionable policy recommendations
  • A summary of all recommendations for easy reference
  • Background on the LCAMP initiative
  • A list of references and further reading

These recommendations are particularly relevant to VET systems operating at EQF levels 3 to 6, and are designed to inform policies at the EU, national, regional, and local levels.

Discover More

To support awareness and knowledge-sharing, the policy brief is accompanied by a visual carousel that highlights the main findings and recommendations in an accessible, engaging format.

Download the full brief and learn more about LCAMP’s work here.