2nd WISE Webinar on Supporting Employment Pathways: Skill-Based Guidance with the SkillLab AI Tool

Today, on 26 May 2026, EARLALL, as the communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the WISE project, hosted and coordinated the second WISE webinar on Supporting Employment Pathways: Skill-Based Guidance with the SkillLab AI Tool, bringing together around 20 participants from across Europe to discuss innovative approaches supporting the socio-economic integration of Ukrainian refugee women.

The webinar is organised within the framework of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. The initiative aims to present the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model, share experiences from implementation sites in Turin, Milan, Rome and Sofia, showcase practical lessons learned from the WISE project, and encourage the replication of this integrated support approach in different European contexts.

The second session focused on labour market integration, skills profiling and the role of AI-powered tools in supporting refugee women’s employment pathways.

Sara Bonfanti from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Italy opened the thematic presentations with an overview of job readiness and labour market integration within the WISE project. She highlighted how the Holistic Support Centres combine employment counselling, psychosocial support, digital literacy, language learning and community-based activities to provide tailored and gender-sensitive support for refugee women. Particular attention was given to barriers such as recognition of qualifications, language challenges, workplace integration and the importance of trauma-informed approaches.

Sylvana Hiltrop from SkillLab presented the concept of skills profiling and demonstrated the AI-based SkillLab tool used within the project. The session explored how skills-based approaches can help refugee women identify transferable competences gained through professional, educational and life experiences, while increasing confidence and supporting career transitions. The presentation also showed how the platform assists both jobseekers and counsellors by creating more personalised and skills-oriented employment pathways.

The webinar also featured practical insights from the field through case studies presented by Sara Bonfanti (IRC Italy) and Alyona Tabunshchyk from Animus Association Foundation in Bulgaria. Speakers shared reflections on the implementation of the SkillLab tool across Italy and Bulgaria, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. While the tool proved valuable in helping women recognise their competences and explore new career paths, the discussions also stressed the importance of individual counselling, psychological support and language learning as key preconditions for successful labour market integration. Real-life examples illustrated how some beneficiaries found employment, explored career changes or regained professional confidence through the holistic support model.

The webinar concluded with a European policy update delivered by EARLALL. The presentation connected the WISE project to broader EU developments, including the newly launched Union of Skills strategy, the upcoming Skills Portability Initiative and the future EU Talent Pool platform. The session highlighted how these initiatives can support fair labour mobility, improve recognition of qualifications and skills, and create new employment opportunities for refugee women and other third-country nationals across Europe.

In May 2026, representatives from the Working Life Department of Borås Stad (Sweden) took part in a three-day job-shadowing exchange hosted by the Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) in Barcelona. The visit was funded by the Erasmus+ programme and facilitated through the EARLALL Mobility Matchmaking Tool and the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility.

The exchange brought together professionals working in employment services, HR, youth policy, and social innovation to explore how regional employment systems design and implement active labour market policies, with a particular focus on inclusion, skills development, and cross-border cooperation. In addition, the visitors carried out individual job shadowing activities throughout the visit, in line with the methodology and objectives of the Erasmus+ mobility grant.

The exchange also highlighted the complexity — and value — of creating meaningful peer-learning opportunities across different administrative and institutional contexts. As Ana Cáceres Gómez, Technical Officer at SOC’s International Programs Department, reflected: “Designing an agenda tailored to each job shadowing profile has not been easy, but it has been a very positive and enriching experience for SOC. What we have learned about the Working Life Department has especially highlighted the value of integrated services and direct collaboration between departments — an approach we are eager to understand more deeply, as it remains a key challenge for us.”

Nicholas Waller from Borås Stad also highlighted the importance of embracing institutional differences as part of the learning process: “It was a challenge in finding suitable matches when you consider language barriers, different ways of organizing services, and the sizable difference between our small Swedish city and the large region of Catalonia. However, discovering differences is part of the learning experience.”

He also emphasized the quality of the hosting experience, noting that participants “were met with such care and planning that they could truly focus on the full value of the mobility exchange.”

A comprehensive introduction to Catalonia’s public employment system

The programme provided participants with a structured overview of SOC’s institutional framework and its role within Catalonia’s active labour market policies. Sessions highlighted how SOC operates within a multi-level governance system, coordinating regional competences with national frameworks and a wide network of local partners.

Key areas of work presented included vocational training, youth employment support, inclusion programmes, and citizen-oriented employment services. Participants also learned about flagship initiatives such as the ACOL employment pathway, international cooperation projects, and inclusion-focused programmes such as ALMA.

A strong emphasis was placed on collaboration with municipalities, training centres, and social entities to ensure accessible and tailored employment support for diverse target groups.

The exchange offered participants the opportunity to better understand how regional employment services integrate multiple policy layers into coherent delivery systems while adapting services to local labour market realities.

Parallel job-shadowing activities across services and territories

Over three days, participants engaged in parallel job-shadowing tracks adapted to their professional profiles. Some followed SOC’s central services, gaining insight into programme design, strategic coordination, internal governance, and social innovation initiatives, including pilot projects and evaluation mechanisms.

Others visited local employment ecosystems such as Grameimpuls in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, observing how work-based learning, vocational training workshops, and sector-specific pathways — including hospitality training — support labour market integration at municipal level.

Another group focused on employment programme management and technical coordination, exploring EU-funded initiatives, grant management systems, staff recruitment processes, and competence-based assessment approaches.

A dedicated inclusion-focused session explored how SOC integrates equality principles into programme design and prioritises support for people in vulnerable situations.

Emelie Persson (Borås Stad) particularly highlighted SOC’s proactive approach to identifying competencies and supporting job seekers early in the process: “SOC worked proactively to establish early contact with job seekers to identify and validate each individual’s competencies. This included both visible qualifications and experience that may not always emerge during an initial review of a person’s work history.”

She also noted the similarities between Barcelona and Borås in their approaches to tackling youth unemployment, particularly through outreach-based work with young people. One initiative that particularly stood out for participants was a programme supporting women’s access to male-dominated professions. As Emelie Persson explained: “What particularly stood out and fascinated me was the project where 35 women were given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and work experience within a male-dominated profession, contributing to a broader recruitment base and a more gender-equal labour market.”

Key learning themes

Across the exchange, several common learning themes emerged:

• The importance of multi-level governance in delivering employment services
• Strong collaboration between regional authorities, municipalities, and training providers
• Innovative approaches to youth employment and skills development
• The role of international cooperation in strengthening public employment systems
• Practical tools for programme monitoring, evaluation, and strategic coordination

Frida Augustsson (Borås Stad) highlighted the preventive and motivational dimension of SOC’s work with young people: “It was rewarding to see how proactive they are at an earlier stage in supporting and preparing individuals. For example, they visit schools and work preventively to support and motivate young people to complete their education.”

She also reflected on the strong emphasis placed on individual responsibility and activation measures within Catalonia’s employment services model, particularly in supporting individuals to remain engaged and active in their employment pathways. Another aspect that stood out was the importance SOC places on external cooperation and ecosystem-building. According to Frida Augustsson: “They work closely and actively within networks such as schools, universities, and organisations connected to regional industry sectors and centres of expertise.”

She noted that this strong focus on external networking offered a valuable perspective on how employment services can strengthen labour market integration through partnerships and long-term cooperation with local actors.

Strengthening cooperation through peer learning

The exchange created a valuable space for mutual learning between Catalonia and Sweden, reinforcing shared priorities around inclusive employment, skills development, and lifelong learning mobility.

It also strengthened connections within the EARLALL Mobility Working Group and the broader Pact for Skills partnership, supporting ongoing collaboration on how regions can jointly respond to labour market challenges through knowledge exchange and staff mobility.

Several potential areas for future cooperation were identified, particularly in youth employment strategies, inclusion policies, and structured mobility pathways for professionals and learners.

The exchange also demonstrated how mobility activities can strengthen long-term institutional relationships and mutual understanding between regions. As Nicholas Waller summarised, despite organisational and contextual differences, the exchange created a highly valuable learning experience for all participants.

Looking ahead

This job-shadowing exchange at SOC highlights the continued value of peer learning between regional employment services in Europe. By placing practitioners directly in operational environments, the Mobility Matchmaking Tool helps transform policy exchange into practical cooperation and long-term partnerships.

The experience in Barcelona reinforces the importance of sustained investment in inclusive mobility initiatives that strengthen skills systems and support more connected, resilient public employment services across Europe.

On 22 May 2026, EARLALL hosted the webinar “Clean Energy Sector Skills Analysis: Understanding Skills Challenges and Opportunities in the Clean Energy Sector across European regions”, bringing together participants from regional and local authorities, EU institutions, education and training providers, and industry stakeholders. The webinar was organised by EARLALL’s Working Group on Skills and Labour Market as part of its ongoing series exploring skills challenges and opportunities across strategic economic sectors in Europe.

Europe’s clean energy sector is at the core of the green transition, driving innovation, industrial transformation, and regional competitiveness. Renewable energy technologies, hydrogen, battery manufacturing, and energy storage systems are reshaping labour markets and creating new demands for skills development, reskilling, and workforce adaptation. Throughout the webinar, speakers explored how regions, education systems, and industries can work together to anticipate labour market needs and build resilient regional skills ecosystems.

Òscar Martorell Aleman (Head of VET Mobility, Catalonia’s Regional Ministry of Education and VET), leader of EARLALL’s Working Group on Skills and Labour Market, opened the webinar by highlighting the scale of the transformation currently taking place across Europe’s energy and industrial sectors. He underlined that the clean energy transition is not only a technological challenge, but also a skills challenge, requiring stronger cooperation between education providers, policymakers, and industry actors.

Skills intelligence and the green transition: perspectives from Cedefop

The webinar opened with a presentation from Cedefop expert Jasper Van Loo, who provided an overview of the European skills landscape in the context of the green and digital transitions.

Van Loo highlighted that by 2035, 43% of jobs in Europe are expected to require academic or high-level vocational qualifications, while around 90 million Europeans still lack adequate digital skills. He stressed that the green transition will require substantial investment in both upskilling and reskilling, particularly in clean technology sectors.

The presentation also explored how workers increasingly acquire competences through informal learning, on-the-job experience, and peer collaboration, in addition to formal education pathways. Van Loo emphasized the importance of modernising vocational education and training systems, scaling up VET opportunities linked to clean technologies, and strengthening interdisciplinary skills combining technical, digital, and sustainability competences.

Among the recommendations presented were:

• mapping skills gaps and overlaps across sectors,
• improving skills intelligence systems,
• modernising qualification frameworks,
• and strengthening cooperation between education and industry to respond more rapidly to changing labour market demands.

Regional perspectives on clean energy skills ecosystems

The second part of the webinar focused on regional initiatives and practical examples from across Europe, highlighting how local and regional actors are responding to the growing demand for clean energy skills. The regional panel gathered examples from Vestland County, Catalonia, Baden-Württemberg and Region Västra Götaland.

Hydrogen skills and the H2CoVE project

Gaute Kornberg from Vestland County Council (Norway) presented the H2CoVE project, an Erasmus+ CoVE project focused on hydrogen skills development involving partners from Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, Estonia, and Ukraine.

Kornberg explained that hydrogen technologies are becoming increasingly important for both Europe’s green transition and its energy security objectives. He highlighted the growing need for specialised competences linked to hydrogen production, transport, storage, and port operations, including applications for maritime transport.

The H2CoVE project is developing more than 25 formal courses and training models across participating regions. These range from introductory modules integrated into existing chemistry and technical subjects to more specialised vocational education and training programmes.

Particular attention is being given to reskilling workers transitioning from sectors such as coal, gas, and traditional energy industries, while also promoting inclusion by targeting immigrants and underrepresented groups in the green transition workforce.

Catalonia’s experience in hydrogen education

Marta Estrada Tiana from Institut Escola del Treball (Catalonia) shared the experience of the historic Barcelona-based institution in adapting its education and training offer to emerging green energy sectors.

Founded in 1868, the school has increasingly focused on hydrogen technologies and renewable energy training through participation in national ministry projects and collaboration with universities and industry stakeholders.

Marta Estrada Tiana presented several initiatives linked to hydrogen production and fuel cell applications, including the development of teaching materials, laboratory activities, and practical learning experiences. She also highlighted the importance of inter-university cooperation and lifelong learning approaches to support the transition toward new industrial sectors.

The presentation demonstrated how long-established educational institutions can successfully evolve to meet the skills demands generated by the clean energy transition.

Battery industry qualification initiatives in Baden-Württemberg

Lena Müller (State Agency for New Mobility Solutions and Automotive Baden-Württemberg) presented regional initiatives from Baden-Württemberg aimed at addressing workforce shortages linked to battery manufacturing and electric mobility.

She introduced QualiBattBW, a federally supported programme providing free training opportunities for SMEs operating across the battery value chain, as well as Voltage, an Erasmus+ CoVE project involving 14 European partners focused on innovation in vocational education and training for the battery sector.

Müller explained that the transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles is significantly transforming the automotive workforce, requiring both retraining of existing workers and new approaches to attracting young talent into the sector.

Examples included:

• battery camps designed to encourage girls and young women to explore battery technologies,
• educational films showcasing battery-related job profiles,
• and dedicated training programmes for teachers to improve battery-related competences in vocational education.

Sweden’s Battery Center and manufacturing transition

The webinar concluded with contributions from Hans Fogelberg and Johan Bengtsson, who presented regional initiatives from Region Västra Götaland supporting Sweden’s battery and electric vehicle transition.

Hans Fogelberg discussed the region’s industrial transformation challenges, particularly increasing electricity demands and the rapid shift toward green manufacturing technologies.

Johan Bengtsson then introduced the Battery Centre in Gothenburg, an 800-square-meter training facility designed to support competence development across the battery value chain. The centre provides hands-on, experience-based learning opportunities targeting a broad audience ranging from school students to factory managers.

The presenters stressed the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, regional authorities, and training providers to address emerging skills shortages and ensure that workers possess both technical expertise and broader domain knowledge required by the evolving manufacturing sector.

Participants actively engaged throughout the webinar, discussing how European regions can better anticipate future labour market changes and strengthen cooperation across education, training, and industry ecosystems. The discussions highlighted the importance of flexible lifelong learning pathways, regional partnerships, and skills intelligence systems to support Europe’s clean energy ambitions.

Resources

• 1. Presentation: Jasper van Loo, Coordinator in the Department for VET and skills, CEDEFOP
• 2. Gaute Kornberg, Project Leader, Hydrogen skills project H2CoVE, Vestland County, Norway
• 3. Marta Estrada Tiana, Institut Escola del Treball, Catalonia
• 4. Lena Müller, Project Manager, Qualification in the Automotive Industry – QualiBattBW and Voltage, Germany
• 5. Hans Fogelberg, Policy Advisor, Region Västra Götaland,
• 6. Johan Bengtsson, Technology Development Manager, Gothenburg Technical College
• Watch the recording
• Fact sheet

On 20–21 May 2026, the QUEEN-Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs (Interreg Europe Project) partners gathered in Turku, SouthWest Finland, for a two-day interregional meeting dedicated to improving the quality of internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning across Europe. Hosted by Turku University of Applied Sciences, the event brought together project partners, regional stakeholders, education providers, and industry representatives to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation between education and the world of work.

The meeting represented an important milestone as the project transitions from its initial analysis phase to the identification and adaptation of good practices that can support policy development across partner regions.

Responding to a changing world of work

Opening the event, Juha Kontio underlined the central role of internships within Finnish universities of applied sciences, where workplace learning is fully embedded in degree programmes. He also emphasised the need for continuous development of internship models in response to rapidly evolving labour market needs. Key topics included “quality by design” in internships, stronger employer engagement as co-educators, more flexible learning pathways, and equal access to workplace learning opportunities.

Lorenzo Sabatini, representing lead partner ASEV, introduced the next phase of the project, focusing on identifying effective regional practices and strengthening interregional exchange.

Regional cooperation and skills development

The Regional Council of Southwest Finland presented its Regional Strategy 2040+ and Regional Programme 2026–2029. The region highlighted its role as a connector of people, skills, and opportunities, with strong emphasis on continuous learning, talent attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between education providers, businesses, and public actors.

The discussion highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including regional coordination mechanisms for traineeships and thesis placements, skills and recruitment forums, and the development of micro-credentials to address emerging skills shortages. Common European challenges were also addressed, particularly labour shortages, demographic change, and the transition of graduates into regional labour markets.

Strengthening workplace learning support

Raseko – Raisio Regional Education and Training Consortium presented its approach to workplace instructor training, demonstrating how regional cooperation can strengthen guidance competences. The model combines online learning, face-to-face training, and self-study resources to support workplace mentors and tutors. Partners expressed strong interest in further developing comparable approaches in their own regions.

Exchange of good practices across regions

Project workshops enabled partners to share and assess good practices in internships and apprenticeships. Discussions highlighted shared priorities across regions, including the importance of tutor training, employer engagement, structured guidance, and quality assurance systems. The outcomes will inform the next project stages, including refinement of good practices and bilateral exchanges between partner regions.

Learning from the regional ecosystem

Participants also visited Meyer Turku and its Shipbuilding School, gaining first-hand insight into strong cooperation between education and one of Southwest Finland’s key industries. The visit illustrated how structured collaboration supports skills development and workforce recruitment in the maritime sector. A further visit to the Turku Vocational Institute’s teaching restaurant provided an example of authentic, work-based learning in practice.

Looking ahead

The second day introduced upcoming capacity-building activities coordinated by EARLALL, aimed at supporting a shared understanding of quality apprenticeship principles and advancing policy development through the exchange of good practices.

A Futures Platform workshop encouraged participants to explore long-term trends affecting work-based learning, including technological change, evolving skills needs, and labour market transformation. The meeting concluded with discussions on future project activities and preparations for the next QUEEN Project meeting, scheduled to take place in Cork in November 2026.

On 21 May, EARLALL participated in the online ESF+ Community of Practice event “Innovative Work-Based Learning for Vulnerable Adults”, which gathered around 50 participants from across Europe. The webinar showcased innovative approaches to work-based learning (WBL) from Belgium, Greece and Romania, highlighting how person-centred and practice-oriented models can support vulnerable adults in accessing employment and social inclusion.

The event was opened by Rasa Miceviciene, Coordinator of the ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills, followed by Laura Mangent from DG EMPL, who underlined the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange across Europe in promoting inclusive employment and skills policies.

Agota Scharle, Lead Thematic Expert of the ESF+ Community of Practice, presented an overview of innovative work-based learning models for vulnerable adults. She highlighted how cooperation between NGOs, social enterprises and employers can facilitate labour market integration through training, workplace learning and tailored support.

Ward Sulmon from LIGO Brussels presented the specific context of Brussels and the role of the 13 Ligo adult literacy centres. The presentation highlighted the organisation’s broad partnership ecosystem involving around 80 partners, including language houses, vocational training providers, employment services, schools and workplaces offering practical work-experience opportunities for vulnerable adults and newcomers.

Margot Liatira from Ev Zin (Wellbeing) in Greece presented the organisation’s inclusive employment model supporting people with severe mental health disorders. Established within the framework of Greece’s psychiatric reform, the social enterprise operates in cleaning and catering services while ensuring legal employment conditions, wellbeing support and social protection.

Ramona Marian from ADV Romania presented the organisation’s network of social enterprises promoting social economy principles and supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The presentation highlighted Romania’s labour market challenges for persons with disabilities and introduced the JobDirect model, a personalised pathway towards employment that combines assessment, skills development, vocational training, work-based learning and ongoing job coaching.

The webinar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Márton Csillag, bringing together experts from OECD, CEDEFOP and the ESF+ Community of Practice. Discussions focused on the importance of inclusive and accessible training systems, stronger support for SMEs engaging in work-based learning, sustainable funding mechanisms and closer cooperation between policymakers, employers, NGOs and training providers.

The webinar’s focus on inclusive work-based learning pathways for vulnerable adults closely aligns with the objectives of the ESF+ WISE project – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing. As communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the project, EARLALL contributes to promoting innovative approaches that strengthen employability, lifelong learning, social inclusion and wellbeing for vulnerable groups across Europe, including Ukrainian refugee women.

On 12 May 2026, EARLALL , as the communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the WISE project, hosted and coordinated the launch of the WISE Webinar Series, bringing together 32 participants from across Europe.

The webinar series is organised within the framework of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. The overall aim of the series is to present the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model, share case studies from implementation sites in Turin, Milan, Rome and Sofia, showcase experiences from the WISE project, and promote the replication of this integrated approach in different European contexts.

The series targets a broad audience including municipalities and regional authorities, NGOs working with migrants, social enterprises, employment and integration services, as well as women’s safe spaces and community centres.

First webinar: from concept to practice

The first webinar session on “Implementing the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) and ethnopsychology approaches in the integration of refugee women: from concept to practice”, introduced participants to the WISE project and explored how integrated and multi-dimensional services can support the socio-economic inclusion and wellbeing of refugee women.

Introducing the WISE project

Sara Bonfanti, Head of Programmes at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Italy and WISE project coordinator, opened the webinar with an introduction to the WISE project.

She presented the project framework under the Call for Proposal “Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine within EU countries”, funded by the European Social Fund Agency (ESF-A). The project runs from 10 April 2025 to 10 October 2026 and is implemented in Milan, Rome and Turin in Italy, and Sofia in Bulgaria, while dissemination activities are carried out across Europe.

She highlighted that the main objective of the WISE project is to improve the socio-economic inclusion of employable refugee women from Ukraine in Italy and Bulgaria. She also introduced the Holistic Support Centre model developed by IRC as a comprehensive initiative combining social inclusion, psychosocial support and employability pathways.

Establishing Holistic Support Centres

Maria Tchomarova, Mental Health Expert, Senior Psychologist and Psychoanalyst at Animus Association Foundation in Bulgaria, presented the key steps required to establish a Holistic Support Centre. Her intervention focused on the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation between cultural mediators, facilitators, case workers and psychologists in ensuring effective and trauma-informed support for refugee women.

Building safe and inclusive spaces in Rome

Daria Rostirolla from Laboratorio di Gruppoanalisi (LdG) in Rome, and collaborator with Centre Françoise Minkowska, delivered a presentation on creating safe spaces and inclusive environments within HSCs.

She shared the experience of implementing the Rome Centre and highlighted the essential role of cooperation with the Municipality of Rome. A formal agreement signed in September 2023 between Laboratorio di Gruppoanalisi and the II Municipality of Rome enabled the organisation to receive premises free of charge for both the Safe Space and the Clinical Centre.

The collaboration with the municipality created three concrete advantages:

• Public legitimacy for women uncertain about their entitlement to access services
• Strong anchoring within the city’s public social services infrastructure
• Bidirectional referrals between municipal services and the Centre

Ethnopsychiatry and culturally sensitive mental health support

Gineva Musella, Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Centro PENC – Anthropology and Geoclinical Psychology in Milan, explained how ethnopsychiatry combines psychology and anthropology in order to understand how culture shapes identity, emotions, relationships, meanings attributed to illness, and expectations around healing and care.

She underlined that this approach helps practitioners avoid reducing suffering solely to psychological or psychiatric categories, while also avoiding interpreting suffering only through the lens of culture.

The session concluded with final reflections and an engaging discussion among participants.

Continuing the WISE Webinar Series

The WISE Webinar Series explores practical and holistic approaches to supporting the socio-economic integration and wellbeing of refugee women across Europe. Through presentations from practitioners, psychologists, municipalities, and project partners, the sessions share experiences from the implementation of the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model in Italy and Bulgaria. Participants gain insights into topics such as psychosocial support, ethnopsychology, skills profiling, labour market integration, community-based initiatives, and the replication of gender-sensitive support models in different local contexts. More information and registration here.

The fifth plenary meeting of the TRAILS Project took place on 8 May 2026 in Amsterdam, hosted by SkillLab. The meeting gathered project partners both onsite and online to review project progress, discuss upcoming deliverables, and coordinate the final phase of implementation.

As the project enters its final months, partners reflected on the achievements accomplished over the past three years and exchanged views on how TRAILS research results can be further translated into meaningful policy recommendations addressing skills mismatches and labour market transitions across Europe.

The meeting opened with a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress. Partners reviewed ongoing milestones, deliverables, dissemination activities, and preparations for the upcoming TRAILS conference, which will take place in Naples in September 2026.

One of the key highlights discussed was the implementation of the TRAILS surveys, which now cover 31 countries and provide extensive data on skills mismatches, literacy levels, labour market resilience, and training choices. Partners also shared updates on the second survey currently underway, focusing on dynamic skills measurement and policy-oriented conjoint experiments.

The consortium further explored ongoing experimental activities developed together with SkillLab and EARLALL regional partners in Sweden (City of Borås), Germany (Baden-Württemberg) and Italy (Tuscany Region). These experiments aim to analyse how documenting and showcasing individual skills portfolios can encourage participation in training opportunities and improve labour market mobility.

Discussions then focused on the relationship between educational mismatch, labour market outcomes, and the role of training in moderating these effects. Researchers presented ongoing work examining impacts on wages, job satisfaction, and job security across European labour markets.

Another important topic addressed during the meeting was the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Partners shared updates on innovative methodologies designed to improve the measurement of skills mismatches and support more efficient matching between workers’ skills and labour market needs.

Sessions dedicated to the growing importance of skills portfolios, labour market resilience, and inclusive skills policies. Discussions reinforced the need to adapt training systems to rapidly evolving skills demands and changing labour market structures.

EARLALL, as a leader, the dissemination and business planning, and for discussions on stakeholder engagement, communication activities, and policy outreach, supporting the project’s objective of strengthening the impact and visibility of TRAILS results across European regions.

The meeting concluded with discussions on next steps and preparations for the final project phase, including the upcoming conference in Naples, which will bring together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of skills intelligence and labour market transitions in Europe.

On 8 May 2025, WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) ESF+ project partners gathered online for the first Community of Practice meeting, bringing together project partners, facilitators, psychologists, counsellors, and participants involved in the implementation of the Women Rise activities.

The Community of Practice meetings aim to create a space for exchange and reflection on emerging challenges, lessons learned, and good practices identified throughout the implementation of project activities. Discussions focus on outreach strategies, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, skills assessment and interest profiling, integrated action plans, referrals, and cooperation with service providers.

The meeting was hosted by the coordinator of the project – International Rescue Committee (IRC) and included participants from Bulgaria, Italy, Ukraine, supported by simultaneous Ukrainian-English interpretation provided by Animus Association Foundation (AAF) to ensure inclusive participation.

A central part of the discussion focused on the Women Rise psychosocial support groups and the experiences of facilitators working with Ukrainian women displaced by war. Participants shared reflections on building trust and safe spaces, adapting methodologies to local contexts, and supporting women through resource-based and strengths-oriented approaches.

Feride, a psychotherapist facilitating Women Rise sessions, highlighted the importance of non-verbal and mindfulness-based activities in creating safety and connection within the group. Participants also discussed challenges linked to integration, motherhood, language barriers, and the emotional impact of displacement and war.

Experiences from Italy demonstrated how local adaptations, including language learning, psychodrama, and cultural mediation, helped create supportive and trusted environments for participants.

The meeting also addressed sensitive issues related to identity, nationality, and inclusion within multicultural group settings, underlining the importance of trauma-informed and inclusive facilitation approaches.

The first Community of Practice meeting provided an important opportunity for peer learning, reflection, and mutual support among project partners and practitioners. Partners were invited to continue sharing experiences and suggestions for future sessions as the WISE project further develops its community-based psychosocial support methodologies.

On 5–6 May 2025, EARLALL participated in the seventh SKYLA Interreg Europe Project event hosted in Athens, Greece, by the Regional Development Fund of Attica (RDFA). The two-day event gathered project partners and stakeholders onsite and online to exchange good practices, review policy developments, and co-design the final public seminar of the SKYLA project. Among the participants was EARLALL member, the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy), involved in the project as an Associated Policy Authority.

The meeting was opened by Lorenzo Sabatini from Agency for the development of the Empolese Valdelsa (ASEV), who welcomed participants and introduced the programme of the study visit, expert presentations, and stakeholder discussions.

Good Practice: “From Lab to Market”

Antonios Livieratos, Academic Advisor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), presented the good practice “From Lab to Market”, developed through the ARCHIMEDES Technology Transfer Office and Business Accelerator.

The initiative focuses on supporting researchers and innovation professionals through a practical and transferable methodology based on the D-P-C model: Develop – Protect – Commercialise. The approach combines professional development workshops, case-study learning, intellectual property strategy development, and technology transfer processes. One of the key takeaways highlighted during the session was the creation of a shared language between researchers and technology transfer professionals. The model was presented as low-cost, adaptable, practical, and easily replicable in different regional contexts.

Supporting Skills Development in Attica

Aggelos Spiliotis, Head of Unit of Programming and Evaluation at the Managing Authority of the Regional Operational Programme of Attica, presented employee training initiatives implemented through the “ATTIKA” Regional Programme 2021–2027.

The programme aligns with key European Union priorities by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, digital transformation, green transition and environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, human capital development, and integrated territorial development across the Region of Attica. Special attention is given to vocational education and training (VET) and workforce adaptability within Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priority sectors.

Peer Review of the Region of Attica Action Plan

A central part of the meeting was the peer review session of the Region of Attica Action Plan developed by RDFA. The Action Plan focuses on evidence-based analysis and policy briefs aligned with Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) priorities, awareness-raising activities promoting the attractiveness of VET, targeted upskilling initiatives, and stronger coordination between VET providers, industry representatives, and policymakers.

During the discussion, partners and stakeholders shared recommendations to further strengthen stakeholder cooperation, improve the targeting and clarity of proposed actions, better communicate labour market and industry needs, and enhance training opportunities for rural areas.

Study Visit to Perama Vocational Training Schools

The first day concluded with a study visit to the Perama Vocational Training School (E.S.K.), generously hosted by Giannis Akritidis. Partners explored innovative approaches to vocational education and skills provision linked to the twin transition, with a strong focus on the maritime and ship building sectors.

As part of the National System of Vocational Education and Training in Greece, E.S.K. Perama offers two-year programmes combining theoretical learning, laboratory training, and workplace-based learning. The school provides specialised training in areas such as welding, pipe fitting, machine tools, and industrial applications, responding directly to local industrial and labour market needs. Through close cooperation with companies and a strong emphasis on apprenticeships, students gain practical skills, recognised professional qualifications, and direct pathways to employment.

EARLALL Workshops: Identifying Successes and Co-Designing the Final Seminar

The second day concluded with two interactive workshops facilitated by EARLALL. During the first workshop, partners and stakeholders identified the key achievements of the SKYLA project, focusing on skills and labour market alignment, stakeholder cooperation, and innovation in vocational education. The second workshop focused on the co-design of the final public seminar in Sofia, addressing future skills, education–industry cooperation, relevant stakeholders and speakers, as well as interactive and practice-oriented session formats.

The SKYLA project enables partners to explore how skills intelligence and labour market data can support regional authorities in integrating industry needs into Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3/S4) and better aligning VET provision with evolving labour market demands. EARLALL is pleased to contribute to these discussions and to support regional cooperation aimed at developing more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented regional skills ecosystems across Europe.

As part of the Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility programme, a delegation from GO! CVO Antwerp, Belgium, participated in a four-day job shadowing visit in the Municipality of Borås (Sweden). The visit took place within the Adult Education and Working Life Department in Region Västra Götaland. All of the participants are part of EARLALL.

The Belgian team included Ms Shana Bomon (Head of Student Counsellors), Ms Nele Van Fraeyenhoven (Teacher of Dutch as a Second Language), Ms Annemie Gevaerts (Coordinator of Dutch Course Content), and Ms Pauline Paternottre (Coordinator of Dutch Courses). The programme was organised through the collaboration of Ms Elle Mangelschots (Professional Development Officer, GO! CVO Antwerp), Ms Anki Holst (KA1 Coordinator at Adult Education), and Mr Nicholas Waller (International Coordinator at the Working Life Department).

Focus on Language Learning and Integration

At the Adult Education centre, the programme combined lesson observations, student interactions, and professional exchanges with teachers. The primary focus was on Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), covering levels A1–A2, alongside observations of Swedish as a foreign language classes at approximately B1 to C1 levels.

Participants also visited a language café, where students practiced conversational skills in an informal and supportive environment while engaging with counsellors. This setting highlighted the importance of real-life communication in language acquisition.

Linking Education with Employment

One of the most valuable insights gained during the visit was the strong connection between language learning, further education, and employment opportunities within the Swedish system. A wide range of courses is tailored to diverse learner groups, particularly newly arrived immigrants.

Students benefit from early guidance through individual study plans, which help maintain motivation and provide clear pathways toward long-term academic and professional goals.

Innovative Teaching Practices

The Belgian participants were particularly inspired by the use of interactive and collaborative teaching methods. Conversation groups and language cafés create relaxed environments that encourage active participation and practical language use.

Another noteworthy practice is co-teaching, where language teachers work alongside vocational education and training (VET) teachers. This approach makes learning more relevant by directly linking language acquisition to professional contexts.

Inclusive Learning Environments

The visit also highlighted the inclusive nature of classrooms, where students with varying levels, learning speeds, and educational backgrounds learn together. Peer support plays an important role in this setting, fostering collaboration and mutual encouragement. This inclusive approach provided fresh perspectives for the visiting educators.

Insights from the Working Life Department

During meetings with key staff members, including Ms Johanna Svensson Engqvist (Principal of SFI) and Ms Elisabeth Österberg (Principal of Upper Secondary Level and Special Education for Adults), participants gained a deeper understanding of the Swedish adult education system.

At the Working Life Department, the group observed a highly individual-centred approach. Each participant follows a personalised action plan based on their goals, strengths, and challenges. Emphasis is placed on dialogue, reflection, and personal responsibility in the learning process.

Ms Bisera Suljovic (Administrator and Language Support) emphasised the importance of equipping learners with strategies rather than simply providing answers—an approach that fosters independence and long-term development. A key method involves placing participants in real workplaces at an early stage, allowing them to develop skills through practical experience.

Mr Raza Jawad (Project Manager) explained that some of these practices were inspired by previous Erasmus+ job shadowing experiences in Stuttgart, demonstrating the ongoing impact of international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

On 28 April 2026, EARLALL hosted the second Exchange Meeting on inclusive labour markets, bringing together members to share initiatives and regional insights on how to integrate individuals furthest away from the labour market. While the first meeting focused on workforce shortages linked to demographic change and explored systemic pathways to address them, this second session shifted towards concrete labour-market approaches currently implemented across EARLALL’s regions and collaborations.

The Brittany Region opened the exchange by presenting its Vocational Education and Training (VET) policy and the measures in place to ensure accessibility for target groups. Introducing the regional context, Tangi De Rochefort outlined a structured training system delivered by more than 90 VET providers and built around three pillars that prioritise inclusion. He noted that around 60% of all learners belong to one or more target groups. Brittany’s ability to identify new ways of engaging and empowering individuals, combined with strong local coordination, has contributed to the region achieving the lowest unemployment rate in France. This approach enables Brittany to move beyond traditional views of education and life pathways, rebuild confidence among individuals who are often overlooked, and remain resilient during periods of economic slowdown.

Francesca Torlone, from the University of Florence, provided an overview of regional policy challenges and solutions developed within the Interreg Europe-funded SALAM project (Sustainable Accessibility to the Labour Market). She emphasised the increasingly non-linear nature of career pathways, which require personalised guidance and mentoring to help individuals navigate multiple transitions. Torlone also reflected on the impact of the “Great Resignation,” linking it to low-quality and unfulfilling jobs that fail to align with personal aspirations. She highlighted the potential of self-employment in the third-sector economy and stressed the importance of upskilling, noting that training must lead to concrete and meaningful learning outcomes. She concluded by presenting a skills-framework approach as a cutting-edge method for defining transparent career pathways and aligning them with the skills employees need, illustrating how regional governments in the SALAM project are putting these solutions into practice.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion on joint efforts and upcoming opportunities for collaboration. EARLALL also highlighted opportunities for members to engage in its working groups on Lifelong Learning, Ageing Societies, Skills and the Labour Market.

As with the first exchange meeting, the discussion reaffirmed the shared commitment across EARLALL’s network to strengthening inclusive labour-market systems. By fostering dialogue, supporting joint initiatives and encouraging international cooperation, EARLALL continues to empower regions to recruit, retain and support individuals currently outside the labour market, contributing to more resilient, equitable and competitive regional communities.

On 23 April 2026, EARLALL participated online in the 6th International Conference on Gifted Education: “Teaching for Excellence: School-based models and professional capacity for gifted education.” The event was hosted in Varaždin County, an EARLALL member region, highlighting the network’s strong engagement in promoting excellence in education across its regions.

The conference was organised by the European Talent Centre Croatia and held in a hybrid format at Arena Varaždin. It brought together over 1,000 participants from 14 European countries, including more than 450 online attendees, alongside a wide range of international experts, researchers, and practitioners in gifted education.

The conference aimed to strengthen knowledge exchange and support the development of systematic approaches to identifying and nurturing gifted children and students. The discussions closely aligned with the objectives of the LeadEx (Learning about the Educational Approach to Develop Excellence in Social Education and Lifelong Learning) project, particularly in improving education systems, enhancing teacher capacity, promoting inclusion and excellence, and fostering innovation in lifelong learning.

Prof. Dr Colm O’Reilly ( Dublin City University, Ireland) presented key programmes such as talent search assessments, enrichment courses, early university access, and research initiatives. His contribution highlighted a shift from traditional, IQ-based views of giftedness towards more dynamic and holistic approaches that recognise individual development and diverse abilities. He also addressed mental health challenges among adolescents, including gifted learners, and emphasised the importance of supporting twice-exceptional students. His presentation underscored the need for supportive environments that balance achievement with wellbeing.

Prof. Dr Mojca Juriševič (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) focused on common myths and misconceptions about gifted students, highlighting the critical role of teachers in addressing them. She distinguished between misconceptions, stereotypes, and deeply rooted myths, stressing that while some can be corrected through evidence and awareness, others require broader cultural change. Importantly, she noted that research does not support the assumption that gifted students are more vulnerable than their peers.

Prof. Dr Lianne Hoogeveen (Radboud University, Netherlands) presented giftedness as a dynamic and multifaceted concept shaped by intelligence, environment, and personal development. She emphasised the importance of teacher training and continuous professional development, including programmes such as RITHA, and reiterated that gifted students are not inherently more prone to socio-emotional difficulties.

Mara Sesar (MEd, University of Zagreb Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) explored the didactics of gifted education, addressing legal frameworks, identification processes, and teaching approaches. Her presentation highlighted the importance of integrating gifted education within inclusive school systems and presented the Croatian framework, which includes structured identification, individualised curricula, acceleration, and continuous monitoring. Practical approaches such as mentoring, personalised learning, and student-centred methods were also emphasised.

Robert Kelemen (European Talent Center Croatia) introduced a systems approach to the Croatian education model, linking inputs, educational processes, and outcomes. He highlighted the role of the European Talent Centre Croatia in supporting gifted education through training, Centres of Excellence, and professional development. He also presented the LeadEx project, which promotes interregional cooperation, exchange of good practices, and innovative policy approaches.

Irena Kos Kukec (European Talent Center Croatia) outlined a structured professional development programme for educators, designed to strengthen their capacity to support gifted learners. The programme covers identification, curriculum design, socio-emotional support, and monitoring of student progress.

The conference concluded with an online presentation by Prof. Dr Albert Ziegler (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany), who introduced the concepts of “megatopes” and the “X factor” in talent development. He emphasised that high-performing individuals are key drivers of innovation and economic growth, and that talent flourishes in systems with strong institutional support. According to his model, well-developed systems create “talent powerhouses,” while insufficient support leads to “talent deserts.” He concluded that talent is not fixed, but emerges where resources and opportunities are effectively aligned.

Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of systemic, inclusive, and forward-looking approaches to gifted education – principles that are central to the LeadEx project and EARLALL’s mission to support policy learning and innovation in education across European regions.