On 3 June 2026, EARLALL participated in the event “ZainLab Regional Skills Partnership: Bringing the Basque Experience to the European Union”, organised by the Basque Country, a long-standing member of the EARLALL network, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event brought together European policymakers, regional authorities and care sector stakeholders to discuss the future of care, employment and skills development in the context of demographic ageing.

ZainLab is a multi-year programme launched by the Basque Government’s Department of Economy, Labour and Employment and implemented by Grupo SSI. Developed as part of the Basque Employment Strategy 2030, the initiative addresses the challenges and opportunities arising from the ageing of the Basque population and the growing importance of the care economy.

Building a More Caring Europe

The event was opened by Idoia Mendia, Member of the European Parliament and ZainLab Ambassador, who emphasised the need to rethink and reshape care systems across Europe. She highlighted that care has traditionally been perceived as a private responsibility, often carried out by women and insufficiently recognised as a strategic sector.

According to Mendia, the challenge is not only to expand care provision but also to create a more sustainable, fair and inclusive care model. She stressed the importance of investing in training, skills development and professional mobility while recognising care as a strategic sector for Europe’s future. She described ZainLab as a valuable example of how regions can anticipate future challenges, create alliances and share innovative practices with others.

The Basque Government’s Strategic Approach

Mikel Torres, Vice-President and Basque Minister of Economy, Labour and Employment, presented the Basque Government’s strategic approach to care and employment in the face of demographic change.

He underlined that care is both a European and a local strategic priority requiring a more ambitious and holistic approach. He argued that quality care cannot exist without quality jobs and highlighted the strong link between care policies and gender equality.

Torres stressed the need for lifelong learning opportunities, upskilling and reskilling pathways, as well as technological and social innovation. Improving quality of life and ensuring better working conditions for care workers must go hand in hand. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between regions and European partners to scale up successful initiatives and share experiences across Europe.

Five Years of ZainLab: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives

Sara Buesa, Director of Inclusion of the Basque Government, and Karmele Acedo, CEO of Grupo SSI, reflected on five years of ZainLab implementation.

They highlighted three key priorities: professionalisation, upskilling and talent attraction within the care sector. The speakers stressed that the future of care requires anticipating emerging skills needs linked to digitalisation, demographic change and the green transition.

Sara Buesa explained that one of ZainLab’s greatest achievements was moving beyond diagnosis and consultation towards concrete action. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the initiative developed new training pathways, new professional profiles and innovative approaches to workforce development.

Karmele Acedo presented ZainLab as a long-term innovation ecosystem. She explained that the project began with an extensive mapping and consultation process involving a wide range of stakeholders before moving into pilot projects and practical experimentation. Through innovative training and mentoring activities, more than 800 people participated in learning pathways designed to strengthen skills and professional recognition in the care sector. She also emphasised the importance of aligning regional initiatives with broader European frameworks such as the Pact for Skills and the Union of Skills.

Both speakers stressed that transforming the care sector requires professional recognition, stronger labour rights, innovative pedagogical approaches and a commitment to anticipating future workforce needs.

The European Perspective

The European dimension of care and employment was presented by Dana-Carmen Bachmann, Head of Unit for Social Protection and Demography at DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), European Commission.

She presented the European Care Strategy, adopted in 2022, which aims to strengthen care systems across Europe and improve access to high-quality, affordable long-term care. Particular attention is being given to workforce development, improved working conditions, social dialogue and support for informal carers.

Bachmann also highlighted a range of European funding opportunities supporting care-related initiatives, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Policy Funds, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and EU health programmes. Looking ahead, she presented the upcoming European Care Deal, which will focus on workforce challenges, quality of care and access to services.

She called on stakeholders to continue making the care sector more visible within European policy discussions and highlighted the relevance of the Union of Skills, skills portability initiatives and fair labour mobility measures.

The practical implementation of European priorities was further explored by Alessia Sebillo, Head of Knowledge and Innovation at EASPD (European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities).

She presented the Large-Scale Partnership for Long-Term Care under the Pact for Skills, which brings together stakeholders from across Europe to address skills shortages and workforce challenges in the care sector. The partnership aims to train 60% of long-term care professionals annually by 2030 and focuses on digital skills, person-centred approaches, research and innovation.

Sebillo also highlighted the benefits of participation in European partnerships, including access to innovative resources, lifelong learning opportunities, networking and knowledge exchange.

Looking Towards the Future

The event concluded with remarks from Alfonso Gurpegui, Basque Deputy Minister for Employment and Inclusion.

He explained that although the Basque Country is a relatively small region, it seeks to contribute to European discussions and learn from other territories facing similar challenges. He recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the care sector and reinforced the need for long-term investment and innovation.

Since its launch, the Basque Government has invested approximately €2.6 million in the development and implementation of ZainLab, supporting analysis, experimentation and innovation activities. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to strengthen its European dimension, continue developing innovative methodologies and contribute to the transformation of the care sector across Europe.

The event demonstrated how regional initiatives such as ZainLab can contribute to European debates on care, skills and employment while providing valuable lessons for policymakers and practitioners seeking to build more sustainable and inclusive care systems.

On 4-5 June 2026, EARLALL participated in the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) High-Level Event 2026, hosted in Rome by the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (European Commission), the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Junior Achievement Italy and Roma Tre University.

Bringing together policymakers, education and training providers, employers, social partners, learners, and regional and local authorities from across Europe, the event focused on the future of apprenticeships, entrepreneurial learning, and vocational education and training (VET). Participants explored how apprenticeship systems can better respond to labour market needs while supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.

Apprenticeships and entrepreneurship as drivers of Europe’s future

The event opened alongside the final stage of the Junior Achievement Italy Entrepreneurship Championship, creating a unique opportunity to connect discussions on entrepreneurial learning with the broader debate on skills and apprenticeships.

In a video message, Italy’s Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara,  highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age and strengthening the links between education and the world of work. Referring to recent developments in the Italian VET system, the Minister emphasised that entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation are essential drivers of economic growth and social prosperity. Encouraging young people to embrace initiative and innovation, he stressed that entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity for future generations.

Anna Gionfriddo, President of Junior Achievement Italy, highlighted the growing importance of transversal skills and the European dimension of entrepreneurship education and apprenticeships. Miriam Cresta, CEO of Junior Achievement Italy, reinforced this message, noting that while technologies and labour markets continue to evolve, human creativity remains a key driver of innovation and progress.

Delivering the European Commission’s perspective, Mario Nava, Director-General of DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), stressed that vocational education and training and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships are fundamental pillars of Europe’s skills agenda. He highlighted that successful apprenticeship systems depend on strong partnerships between European institutions, national governments, local authorities, education providers and employers. Policies, he noted, only become meaningful when they are translated into concrete action on the ground through committed local leadership and effective cooperation.

Representing the host city, Daniele Parrucci, Councillor of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, shared how local initiatives supported by European cooperation have helped engage thousands of learners across Italy. He emphasised the importance of addressing skills mismatches, strengthening connections between education and labour market needs, and ensuring that young people can access high-quality vocational and higher education pathways.

Embedding entrepreneurial competences into VET and apprenticeships

The first panel discussion, “Embedding Entrepreneurial Competences in Higher VET and Apprenticeships: European Perspectives”, moderated by Magda Janiak (Lublin Academy of Economics and Innovation and coordinator of the EAfA Community on Higher Apprenticeships), explored how entrepreneurial competences can be better integrated into vocational education and apprenticeship pathways.

The discussion focused on how entrepreneurial skills can be embedded into curricula, assessment methods and work-based learning experiences while responding to real labour market needs.

Anna Maria Czarny (Hanse Parlament) presented experiences from Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), highlighting the importance of learning-by-doing approaches and stronger collaboration between VET providers, businesses and regional stakeholders. She stressed that entrepreneurial competences should be integrated across educational pathways and supported through practical experiences that help learners develop initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Lucy Marshall (Workplus Ireland) shared insights from the Irish apprenticeship system, emphasising the importance of employer engagement and stronger cooperation with SMEs. She highlighted the need to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities, expand pathways into emerging sectors and ensure closer collaboration between education providers and employers to meet evolving labour market demands.

Providing a regional perspective, Pierpaolo Pontecorvo (ITS Academy Lazio Digital) showcased how entrepreneurship is embedded within higher technical education through close cooperation with companies, universities and local authorities. He highlighted practical initiatives supporting students in business creation, innovation and start-up development, demonstrating how entrepreneurial learning can become an integral part of vocational pathways.

A common message emerged from the discussion: entrepreneurial competences are becoming increasingly important for learners, employers and local economies alike. Building effective apprenticeship systems requires collaboration between education providers, businesses, public authorities and intermediary organisations, ensuring that entrepreneurial learning is embedded throughout the learner journey.

In her concluding remarks, Anna Barbieri, Team Leader for Apprenticeships and Erasmus+ for VET at the European Commission, highlighted the importance of moving from successful pilot initiatives towards more systemic approaches. She emphasised the role of Erasmus+, Centres of Vocational Excellence and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships in supporting innovation, awareness-raising and long-term partnership building.

EARLALL highlights the strategic role of regions and cities

The second panel, “Metropolitan Governance for VET and Apprenticeships: Comparing Ecosystem Models Across Europe”, focused on how local and regional authorities can act as facilitators of integrated apprenticeship ecosystems and foster sustainable stakeholder engagement.

Moderated by Luca Mobilio (Ecorys), the discussion brought together Stefano Carta (Metropolitan City of Rome Capital), Alicia Gabán Barrio (EARLALL), Daniele Sabato (OBESSU and the European Apprentices Network) and Sabrina Lipari (Junior Achievement Italy).

The panel explored how apprenticeship ecosystems can move beyond project-based cooperation towards long-term governance structures that bring together education providers, employers, learners and public authorities.

Representing EARLALL, Alicia Gabán Barrio highlighted the unique position of regional and local authorities as connectors within skills ecosystems. Drawing on EARLALL’s work and experiences from the QUEEN – Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs, Interreg Europe Programme project, she emphasised that regions and municipalities are increasingly acting as strategic enablers of lifelong learning, skills development and apprenticeship pathways.

Her intervention focused on the conditions needed for local and regional authorities to play a stronger role in apprenticeship governance. These include more effective multi-level governance arrangements, stable and long-term funding mechanisms, improved access to labour market intelligence, and stronger recognition of regions and cities as key actors in education and skills policies.

The discussion also addressed the importance of sustaining employer engagement beyond individual projects. Speakers highlighted the value of trust-based partnerships, learner participation, intermediary organisations and collaborative governance models that create lasting benefits for both employers and learners.

A key takeaway from the session was that successful apprenticeship ecosystems do not emerge through isolated initiatives. Instead, they require coordinated governance structures, long-term commitment and strong partnerships capable of adapting to changing economic and social realities.

Strengthening cooperation across Europe

Beyond the panel discussions, the event provided an excellent opportunity for EARLALL to strengthen its collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital and engage directly with members of the EAfA Community on the Role of Cities and Regions in Fostering Apprenticeships.

Across all sessions, a shared message emerged: Europe needs apprenticeship systems that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive to future skills needs. Achieving this ambition requires strong cooperation between all levels of governance, with regions and cities playing a central role in connecting education, training and employment opportunities.

Resources

On 4 June 2026, EARLALL met with representatives from the Trøndelag European Office, a member of the EARLALL network, and with a representative of Trøndelag County Council responsible for Erasmus+ cooperation and international activities within the region.

During the meeting, EARLALL presented its mission, priorities, and key areas of activity, highlighting how the network supports regional authorities in advancing lifelong learning through European cooperation. Representatives of Trøndelag were particularly interested in EARLALL’s work related to Erasmus+, mobility initiatives, peer learning, and interregional exchange.

The discussion focused on how EARLALL facilitates collaboration among regions, supports the exchange of good practices, and contributes to European projects and policy initiatives. Participants also learned more about the network’s involvement in European partnerships and its role in promoting regional perspectives in EU education and training policies.

Particular interest was shown in EARLALL’s mobility and peer-learning activities, including the Borås-SOC initiative. This flexible and demand-driven approach enables regions to learn directly from one another through study visits, job shadowing, and thematic exchanges tailored to regional needs. The initiative demonstrates how peer learning can strengthen regional capacities and foster innovation in education and training systems.

The meeting also opened discussions on potential future cooperation between EARLALL and Trøndelag County Counsil. We are grateful for the fruitful exchange and look forward to continuing the dialogue with the region on shared priorities in lifelong learning, skills development, and European cooperation.

On 3 June 2026, EARLALL participated in a stakeholder consultation organised at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels to discuss the future development of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

The consultation aimed to gather feedback on the key recommendations outlined in the draft opinion of the European Committee of the Regions on the New European Bauhaus, prepared by the rapporteur, Ms Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew Europe). Bringing together representatives from local and regional authorities, EU institutions, civil society organisations, academia and practitioners, the event provided an opportunity to assess whether the proposed measures adequately respond to stakeholders’ needs and expectations and to identify additional ideas for strengthening the implementation of the initiative.

Participants engaged in thematic discussions covering key aspects of the New European Bauhaus, including citizen participation, funding mechanisms, the development of the NEB Label and NEB Academy. Through collaborative exchanges, stakeholders shared experiences from their respective sectors and explored ways to further embed the principles of sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics into local and regional development.

EARLALL took part in the working group dedicated to the NEB Academy, contributing its expertise in lifelong learning, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Discussions focused on the skills and competences needed to support the green, social and cultural transitions promoted by the New European Bauhaus, as well as on approaches to making learning opportunities more accessible and relevant for different target groups.

The consultation highlighted the importance of cooperation between European institutions, regional and local authorities, education and training providers, and civil society in ensuring the successful implementation of the New European Bauhaus. The outcomes of the discussions will contribute to the finalisation of the Committee of the Regions opinion and help shape future actions supporting the initiative across Europe.

As a European association representing regional and local authorities committed to lifelong learning, EARLALL welcomes the opportunity to contribute to policy discussions that connect education, sustainability, inclusion and innovation, and looks forward to continuing its engagement with the New European Bauhaus community.

On 28 May 2026, EARLALL participated in the eighth Coordination Meeting of the LeadEx – Learning about the Educational Approach to Develop Excellence project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme. The online meeting brought together project partners from Region of Murcia Murcia, Podkarpackie Region, Central Denmark Region, Ministry of Education of Slovenia, Center for Vocational Education of Montenegro, and EARLALL member Varaždin County to review progress and coordinate activities for the third semester of the project.

The meeting marked the official launch of the project’s third implementation semester (May-October 2026), during which partners will focus on identifying and exchanging Good Practices that promote inclusion, diversity, and excellence in education. Participants shared updates on stakeholder engagement activities taking place across their regions and discussed ongoing efforts to identify, collect, and assess innovative educational approaches.

A key item on the agenda was the preparation of the upcoming Study Visit to Montenegro, scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Montenegro. The visit will explore themes related to inclusive education, diversity, excellence, innovation, lifelong learning, and the links between education and labour market needs. Partners also discussed the presentation of selected Good Practices and stakeholder involvement during the visit.

As the project’s communication leader, EARLALL provided an update on communication and dissemination activities. Discussions focused on finalising second-semester reporting and implementing the communication actions planned for the current semester, including project news articles, social media activities, newsletters, and contributions to the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on the key priorities for the coming months, including the completion of stakeholder consultations, the selection of one Good Practice per partner region, and preparations for the October Study Visit. Through its continued involvement in LeadEx, EARLALL remains committed to fostering interregional cooperation and supporting the exchange of innovative approaches that contribute to more inclusive, diverse, and excellent education systems across Europe.

On 28 May 2026, EARLALL participated in the coordination meeting of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. As communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the project, EARLALL contributed to discussions on upcoming activities, reporting coordination and stakeholder engagement.

The meeting brought together project partners to review progress achieved so far and coordinate the next implementation steps leading towards the final phase of the project. Discussions focused on dissemination activities, reporting timelines, upcoming deliverables, stakeholder engagement and preparations for the WISE final conference, which will take place on 16 September 2026 in Brussels.

Partners also reviewed the progress of the WISE webinar series, which continues to engage practitioners and stakeholders working on refugee women’s integration and wellbeing across Europe. In addition, the consortium discussed future communication activities and outreach strategies to further strengthen the visibility and impact of the project at local, regional and European level.

EARLALL will continue supporting the consortium through communication, dissemination and policy outreach activities, contributing to the promotion of inclusive and holistic approaches to the socio-economic integration and wellbeing of refugee women across Europe.

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

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.