On 11–12 June 2025, partners of the new Interreg Europe project QUEEN – Quality Apprenticeships for Evolving Labour Needs gathered in Siena, Italy, for a dynamic two-day kick-off meeting. Hosted at the Santa Chiara Lab of the University of Siena, the event officially launched a four-year cooperation focused on enhancing regional apprenticeship policies in response to Europe’s rapidly transforming labour markets—particularly under the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This project is strategically important for EARLALL, aligning closely with the network’s mission to support future-oriented, inclusive, and quality-driven education and training systems. EARLALL is pleased to announce that three of its members are directly involved:

  • Tuscany Region (Lead Partner)
  • Basque Country
  • South Moravian Region (supported through JCMM – South Moravia Centre for International Mobility)

EARLALL will also lead the project’s communication activities, while actively contributing to the stakeholder dialogue and policy learning processes. Furthermore, the project will be closely followed by EARLALL’s Working Group on Youth Policies, led by Miriana Bucalossi (Tuscany Region), ensuring strong synergies with the network’s broader youth engagement strategies.

Apprenticeships in the Age of AI: A European Conversation

The first day opened with remarks from Miriana Bucalossi, who shared the story of the QUEEN project’s inception in Siena in 2023 and its strong foundation in local policy dialogue. She underlined the value of interregional cooperation in responding to the challenges AI poses to existing governance systems.

A high-level panel discussion brought together leading experts to reflect on how AI is reshaping job profiles, transforming skills needs, and challenging traditional apprenticeship models:

  • Anna Zongollowicz (ITC-ILO) highlighted AI’s potential to enhance the quality of apprenticeships through better alignment with industry needs and more adaptive training methodologies.
  • Konstantinos Pouliakas (CEDEFOP) presented data from the 2024 CEDEFOP AI Skills Survey, revealing significant gaps in workforce preparedness for AI-related transformations.
  • Tamas Varnai (European Commission, DG EMPL) provided an update on the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) and its 2025 priorities, calling for deeper stakeholder engagement.
  • Claudio Balestri (Fondazione SAIHub) shared innovative regional approaches to digital inclusion and hands-on learning in AI through local-business-academic partnerships.

Tuscany’s Quality Apprenticeship Model in Focus

A dedicated session zoomed in on the Tuscany Region’s apprenticeship governance model, considered a leading example in aligning regional systems with the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA). Highlights included:

  • The Tuscan Charter of Quality Apprenticeships, co-designed with stakeholders, ensuring shared commitments and continuous improvement.
  • A spotlight on the Wine Social Skills Ecosystem, developed with support from CEDEFOP and OECD, applying a skills ecosystem approach to agrifood VET.
  • Presentation of the dual Wine Technician programme, where apprentices split their time equally between school and work, supported by qualified tutors and HR mentors.

Peer Exchange and Policy Learning

An engaging “Elevator Pitch” session gave each region the opportunity to present its apprenticeship-related Policy Instruments—ranging from ESF+-funded dual VET programmes to long-term regional innovation strategies.

EARLALL member regions contributed actively:

  • Basque Country presented its Education System Guidance Plan 2023–2026, focused on inclusive career pathways and skills anticipation.
  • South Moravian Region, with support from JCMM, shared its Long-term Education Plan aligned with Czech national policies for lifelong learning.

The study visit to Mazzei Winery, an industry partner in the Wine Technician programme, offered participants a concrete look at how dual training models are applied in real-world, rural settings—blending tradition, innovation, and youth engagement.

Next Steps: Shared Tools and Regional Consultations

Day two focused on internal coordination and capacity building. Partners explored how to apply EFQEA and ILO Recommendation 208 criteria in their territories and began preparing for regional self-assessments and stakeholder consultations. A Steering Committee meeting addressed project timelines, governance, and communication plans—led by EARLALL.

The QUEEN project will now enter an intense phase of regional benchmarking, policy exchange, and peer learning, with activities feeding into broader EU-level dialogues on apprenticeship quality and inclusion.

About the Project

QUEEN brings together nine partners from across Europe to develop and improve regional policies for high-quality apprenticeships. The project aims to empower youth and adults with quality apprenticeships that adapt to evolving labour markets, fostering inclusive, sustainable career pathways for all.
The outcomes of QUEEN will be shared and discussed within EARLALL’s Working Group on Youth Policies and other thematic groups, offering a platform to scale up good practices and amplify regional voices in the European policy landscape.

EARLALL is pleased to share that Cedefop’s Skills Forecast country reports for 2025 are now live. These insightful publications provide a comprehensive outlook on the future of work and skills across all EU-27 Member States, helping policymakers, educators, and stakeholders plan ahead with confidence.

The country report offers:

  • An overview of labour force and employment growth up to 2035
  • Sector-specific employment projections
  • Job openings by occupational group and drivers of occupational change
  • Analysis of potential skill shortages and qualification mismatches

Built on a robust and harmonised methodology, the reports are validated by national experts and aligned with official EU forecasts. They consider both short-term economic dynamics and long-term trends, including the impact of the European Green Deal.

The WISE – Supporting Ukrainian (UA) Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing initiative, co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), held its inaugural programme launch meeting on 9–10 June in Milan, hosted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

The project introduces an innovative social model that combines mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with technology-driven employment services, creating a comprehensive support system tailored to the specific needs of displaced Ukrainian refugee women. WISE seeks to strengthen participants’ employability, enhance skills matching, foster lifelong learning, and improve access to the labour market. At the same time, it empowers them to better navigate public and community services, while bolstering their psychological and emotional wellbeing.

Collaboration for Impact

Throughout the two-day gathering, partners including EARLALL, SkillLab, IRC, PENC, LdG, and AAF had the opportunity to meet in person, build new connections, and engage in meaningful dialogue. The agenda covered project workstreams, deliverables, key deadlines, event coordination, division of responsibilities, and existing areas of expertise, as well as identifying knowledge gaps.

A central element of the discussions was the creation of the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model. As project lead, the IRC facilitated dynamic working groups focused on adapting and contextualising the AI-based skills assessment tool and on piloting tailored one-to-one and group support activities for Ukrainian refugee women within the HSC framework.

EARLALL, in its capacity as Communication Manager, presented the overarching communication plan, which outlined essential guidelines, proposed activities, timelines, core messages, and a stakeholder mapping tool.

The second day centred on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, also led by IRC. Partners reviewed the overall structure, set objectives, performance indicators, and methods for data verification.

The consortium also reached a shared understanding of the target group:

  • Women displaced from Ukraine due to the war
  • Aged 16 to 67 (with no fixed upper limit but not exceeding retirement age)
  • Of working age and capable of engaging in employment
  • Holding, or in the process of obtaining, a residence permit that permits work
  • Excluding individuals in the host country solely for medical treatment, pregnancy, or tourism

In a separate working group, EARLALL, SkillLab, and IRC addressed crucial issues of data confidentiality, protection, and processing, which are essential to both the implementation of the HSC model and communication efforts.

Concurrently, IRC, LdG, AAF, and PENC explored outreach strategies and the best ways to involve refugee women in needs assessment activities and the co-development of the support model.

Partners also examined key methodological approaches, including trauma-informed care, user-centred design and strengths-based approaches to employment support.

Furthermore, participants were introduced to the Women Rise methodology, including its toolkit and curriculum content. Special focus was given to the MHPSS Pyramid, a core element of the WISE model.

The meeting concluded with a reflective and engaging activity – the “Wellbeing Flower” – during which each partner shared their own interpretation of wellbeing. This warm, participatory exercise provided a meaningful close to the meeting and reinforced the project’s commitment to person-centred, holistic integration pathways.

In May 2025, representatives from the International Programmes and Youth Employment areas of the Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) participated in a job shadowing exchange in Wales, organised by Taith, the Welsh Government’s international learning exchange programme. The visit took place under the framework of the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility, to foster transnational cooperation and mutual learning in youth employment, international mobility, and inclusive training policies.

Over several days, the Catalan delegation met with various Welsh institutions and organisations involved in vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships, and youth support services. These included Cardiff and Vale College, the Welsh Government’s Department for International Relations and Education, Colegau Cymru (Colleges Wales),Urdd (a Welsh youth organisation running apprenticeships), and the National Training Federation Wales (NTFW).

SOC’s team found the experience highly valuable, especially in seeing how Welsh VET centres actively promote vocational education as a first-choice pathway for youth, positioning it on equal footing with university education. The availability of well-resourced spaces, diverse course offerings, and coordinated support services reflected a clear national strategy to elevate VET’s role in young people’s career development.

Spotlight on the Taith Workshop

The visit culminated in a joint workshop with the Taith team, which proved to be one of the most productive aspects of the exchange. Key topics discussed included:

  • Designing inclusive international mobility programmes
  • Reducing barriers for underrepresented and vulnerable groups
  • Strategic and operational insights on managing grants for youth mobility

Previously, on Tuesday 29th of April the Memorandum of Understanding between the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Government of Wales approved by Government agreement in Catalonia. The MoU includes the commitment to draw up and agree in writing a four-year Action Plan for their areas of common interest, and one of these areas is education, and the promotion of exchanges between young people. That is why, another of the objectives of the visit was to explore and define proposals of collaboration in order to add concrete actions to the first work plan that will accompany the Government agreement of Catalonia with the Welsh Government.

Both SOC and Taith recognised a strong alignment in their missions and challenges, particularly around supporting young people with fewer opportunities. As a result, discussions are now underway to explore further collaboration and deepen the relationship between both teams through ongoing knowledge-sharing and potential future projects.

This exchange demonstrates the concrete benefits of the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility, offering regions the opportunity to learn from one another and co-develop inclusive, effective policies that support young people. It also reflects a shared commitment to reducing inequalities in access to skills development and international experience.

On 3 June 2025, EARLALL hosted the webinar “AI and Inclusion in Adult Education” as part of the EARLALL Academy. The session offered a critical overview of the evolving role of artificial intelligence in adult learning, highlighting how AI technologies are transforming educational practices and how adult learners interact with these tools.

The webinar also examined ongoing policy and institutional efforts to ensure that AI is integrated in inclusive, ethical, and effective ways.

Two distinguished speakers led the discussion:

  • Prof. Paolo Federighi, Honorary Professor, shared insights into how artificial intelligence can support and enhance human work. He provided an international perspective on the integration of AI in education and highlighted key challenges, such as the limited adoption of AI tools in European workplaces. He also underscored the importance of fostering critical thinking and civic engagement in shaping ethical AI development.
  • Raffaele Saccà, Strategic Director at Fondimpresa, addressed the rapid development of generative AI and its implications for society and education. He called for a coordinated European approach to upskilling and reskilling, emphasizing the need for AI literacy and the active participation of civil society in ensuring that AI serves inclusive and democratic goals.

This session provided valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and training providers on how to navigate AI’s growing presence in adult learning while ensuring equity and inclusion.

On 27 May 2025, EARLALL  took part in the high-level conference “Shaping the Future of Learning and Skills for Europe” in Brussels, commemorating 50 years of Cedefop’s essential role in shaping vocational education and training (VET), lifelong learning, and skills development across Europe. The event brought together over 250 key EU stakeholders, uniting European institutions, national authorities, education providers, researchers, and learners under a shared mission: to build a resilient, competitive, and inclusive skills ecosystem for the future.

The conference opened with reflections from Mario Patuzzi, Board Member at Cedefop, who revisited the agency’s foundation and evolution. Highlighting Cedefop’s contribution to EU flagships such as the Union of Skills and Pact for Skills, he emphasised the strength of European cooperation in VET and the trust stakeholders continue to place in Cedefop’s work.

This sentiment was echoed by Stefan Olsson, Deputy Director-General at DG EMPL, who reaffirmed Cedefop’s central role in DG EMPL’s strategy. He pointed to the concrete deliverables of the Union of Skills, including the recognition of diplomas and skills portability, as key levers for a competitive and inclusive Europe.

The first panel, led by Cedefop staff, explored innovations in skills intelligence, including the TalentGap Index and analyses on the role of AI in the workplace. A shared vision emerged: the future of CVET lies in lifelong and lifewide learning, with strong emphasis on learner motivation, flexible pathways, and human-centric learning ecosystems.

In the second panel, Directors from Cedefop, Jürgen Siebel, and the European Training Foundation (ETF), Pilvi Torsti, provided valuable insights on systemic challenges and progress in VET. While the number of VET graduates continues to rise, the demand for skilled professionals remains pressing.

Spotlight: Attractive of VET

A key spotlight of the conference was the attractiveness of VET, a theme that EARLALL is placing at the centre of its upcoming Annual General Meeting 2025, to be held from 5–7 November in Mechelen.

Insights from Euroskills, as well as from directors of Cedefop and the ETF, highlighted ongoing challenges across EU and ETF countries, particularly in adopting a holistic approach to lifelong learning and improving the appeal of VET pathways. Euroskills emphasised the role of role models and skills competitions in raising VET’s profile, while Civil Society Europe pointed to systemic issues that fail young people, rather than the reverse. The EESC stressed the importance of efficient employment services and coherent use of funding, and BusinessEurope underscored the need to transform workplaces into learning environments, as seen in Finland. EUProVET also raised concerns around the language used in education policy, noting that the Dutch government has moved away from terms like “low” or “basic” skills, recognising them as potentially discriminatory.

Looking Ahead
As Europe navigates demographic shifts, green and digital transitions, and evolving labour markets, EARLALL remains committed to advancing regional and local strategies that promote inclusive lifelong learning, high-quality VET, and innovative teaching practices.

The Cedefop high-level conference was not only a celebration of the past 50 years but a call to action for the decades ahead. EARLALL will continue working closely with partners across Europe to ensure that education and training remain central to Europe’s resilience and social cohesion.

On 12–13 May 2025, EARLALL’s Mobility Matchmaking tool facilitated a cross-border job shadowing exchange between Borås Municipality (Sweden) and Vestland County Council (Norway). The focus of the exchange was a topic of shared importance: Creating inclusive pathways to re-engage those outside education and employment. Through peer learning and practical insight, the visit explored how regions can support individuals in returning to learning and establishing lasting, meaningful connections to working life.

The hosting partner, Working Life Department of the municipality of Borås (Sweden), welcomed their Norwegian colleagues with a tailored programme that offered both strategic and on-the-ground perspectives. The programme provided a comprehensive overview of Borås’ inclusive employment strategies, including follow-up support, multi-agency cooperation, and tools for motivation and progress tracking. Participants gained insight into how local departments collaborate effectively to meet individual needs and long-term goals.

For Nicholas Waller, local organiser in Borås, participating in the exchange was as much about sharing as it was about learning:

“We were very pleased to host Vestland and show how we support individuals who are furthest from the labour market. We were also curious to learn from our Norwegian colleagues and see how another Scandinavian country structures this work. We hope to visit Vestland in the near future and continue this knowledge exchange.”

For the visiting team from Vestland County Council, the experience was built on existing initiatives. Ingrid Bårgard, coordinating this job shadowing and working at the Department of Education and Skills, aimed at reintegrating individuals into education and work, shared her motivation:

“I first heard about Borås’ Multicompetent Team project during an EARLALL meeting last year. Since we recently started a similar collaboration with NAV in Vestland, we wanted to see how Borås Municipality works in this area and explore practices we could implement in our region.”

The exchange exceeded expectations, offering deep insights into interdepartmental cooperation and person-centred approaches. Ingrid and her team had the opportunity to observe real-life follow-up meetings and gain a better understanding of Borås’ methods—from motivational interviewing to ACT guidance and progress work.

Following the exchange, the Vestland team is already exploring how to adapt several aspects of Borås’ approach in their own regional context. This includes introducing new methodologies like motivational interviews and mapping, and improving information flow across organisations.

Both institutions’ representatives expressed a strong interest in continued collaboration. Opportunities were identified for reciprocal job shadowing, especially involving upper secondary schools, to further explore shared challenges and solutions in VET and employment support.

This exchange is another example of how the  Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility connects regions through meaningful peer learning. It highlights the value of mobility not just for students, but also for professionals and policymakers working to build more inclusive and responsive systems.

As Europe continues to face labour market and education challenges, especially among those not in education, employment or training (NEET), these kinds of collaborations offer practical tools and fresh perspectives for building resilient pathways back into learning and work.

This exchange is part of the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility, which includes regions like Västra Götaland (Sweden), Movetia (Switzerland), and Catalonia, in addition to other key stakeholders such as Camilla Winter AB (Sweden). These partnerships are instrumental in fostering regional collaboration, promoting equity, and empowering individuals through lifelong learning. By continuing to share knowledge and best practices, these regions are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for education and vocational training.

From 19 to 21 May 2025, the Region of Murcia hosted the Kick-off Meeting of the LeadEx project (Learning About Educational Approach to Develop Excellence), marking the official start of a collaborative European initiative aimed at promoting innovation and excellence in regional education systems.

The event, held at the Regional Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Employment, brought together eight regional and national partners: the lead partner—General Directorate of Human Resources, Educational Planning and Innovation (Regional Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Region of Murcia); Podkarpackie Region from Poland; Central Denmark Region; Ministry of Education of Slovenia; the Centre for Vocational Education from Montenegro; Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA); Varaždin County – a member of EARLALL; and the associated policy authority—the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro.

EARLALL plays a central role in LeadEx as the communication manager and advisory partner, ensuring that effective outreach and interregional knowledge sharing remain at the heart of the project.

EARLALL Leads on Communication Plan

EARLALL led a dedicated session on the project’s dissemination and communication strategy. This included presenting the key principles, objectives, and tools that will shape the public face of LeadEx across Europe. Partners were introduced to the communication plan, including its visual identity, key target audiences, and deliverables such as the website and a project video.

EARLALL also clarified how all partners will actively contribute to communication efforts, both regionally and at the EU level. By defining clear roles and shared expectations, EARLALL set the tone for a collaborative and transparent communication process throughout the project’s lifecycle.

EARLALL’s Advisory Role

In addition to leading communications, EARLALL presented the methodology for the Regional Education Diagnosis reports, which will serve as a foundation for interregional learning, exchange of good practices, and policy development. These reports aim to provide a comparative analysis of education systems across partner regions, identifying strengths, challenges, and transferable practices.

A Launch Rooted in Partnership and Exchange

The Kick-off Meeting opened with a welcoming session led by Víctor Marín, the Minister of Education of the Region of Murcia, followed by partner introductions at Miguel de Cervantes Secondary School. Each representative outlined their education system and shared their ambitions for the project, reinforcing the vision of LeadEx as a platform for shared innovation. Discussions emphasized common priorities across regions, particularly regarding digital transformation, green skills, and inclusion.

A highlight of the kick of meeting was a series of field visits to local educational institutions, including IES Politécnico de Murcia, a flagship vocational training school, and CEIP Federico de Arce, a primary school known for its inclusive educational practices. These visits allowed partners to observe good practices in context and begin identifying opportunities for mutual learning.

Looking Ahead

The Kick-off Meeting concluded with a gala dinner, during which the legal representative of the Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) officially invited all partners to Estonia for the next LeadEx project meeting, scheduled for January 2026.

As a key driver of the project’s strategic communication and advisory elements, EARLALL is proud to support the LeadEx partnership in building a more innovative, inclusive, and connected European education landscape.

On 15 May 2025, members of the Pact for Skills gathered for a Thematic Seminar titled Securing and Retaining Skilled Workers to Tackle Skills Shortages.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Elin Danielsson, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG HOME, titled “Legal Pathways to the EU and Talent Attraction.” The presentation underlined the importance of legal migration as a response to demographic shifts and persistent labour shortages across EU Member States. She emphasized that effective legal migration pathways are essential to attracting the talent needed for Europe’s economic recovery and its green and digital transitions.

EARLALL was proudly represented by Nicholas Waller, International Coordinator at the Working Life Department of the City of Borås (Sweden) and Coordinator of EARLALL’s Working Group on Mobility. He opened the “Good Practices” session with a presentation titled Good Practice from the Pact on Securing and Retaining Skilled Workers to Tackle Skills Shortages through Mobility. The presentation began with an introduction to EARLALL as a Brussels-based network that supports EU policy-making and promotes interregional cooperation in lifelong learning. It also highlighted the proactive work of Borås Stad – an associate member of EARLALL – where the Working Life Department promotes labour market inclusion through training and close collaboration with local partners.

A key element of his presentation was the Regional Skills Partnership for Lifelong Learning Mobility, launched in September 2024 by EARLALL’s Working Group on Mobility (coordinated by Region Västra Götaland in cooperation with Movetia). The initiative promotes mobility as a strategic response to skills mismatches.

The objectives include:

  • Promoting skills development through mobility.
  • Embedding lifelong learning perspectives.
  • Reducing participation barriers, particularly for those with fewer opportunities.
  • Facilitating international job shadowing and staff exchanges.

Nicolas presented forward-looking initiatives such as:

  • Monitoring and sharing good practices.
  • Clarifying the definition of “fewer opportunities” to promote inclusion.
  • Developing a network of mobility promoters.
  • Expanding the Mobility Matchmaking Tool to new stakeholders.
  • Organising joint mobility project matchmaking events.

He concluded with real-world examples from the Mobility Matchmaking Exchange, involving learners and professionals from Borås Stad, Région Centre-Val de Loire (France), and Generalitat de Catalunya (Spain), supported by Erasmus+ and facilitated by EARLALL.

The event featured a rich array of voices with practical experience in skills and migration initiatives. Following Danielsson, Daniela Palermo (CIHEAM Bari) presented the NET-Work YOU initiative, aimed at increasing employment opportunities for young Egyptians in the green job sector. Her presentation detailed a five-phase structure including preparation, pre-departure training, a three-month work-based learning mobility, institutional capacity-building, and holistic re-integration support for returnees — including green start-up development.

Slavica Uzelac (European Federation of Building and Woodworkers) spoke about the LSP Construction initiative, addressing labour market integration through targeted support in the construction sector, while Sofia Santos Nunes (Social Services Europe) highlighted innovative practices from the LSP Long Term Care programme, focusing on the care sector and its workforce challenges.

The event concluded with a dynamic and thought-provoking panel discussion, where Nicholas Waller joined fellow speakers to reflect on how EU-level strategies are translated into tangible results on the ground. Together, the panelists examined challenges in implementation, shared lessons learned, and explored innovative approaches to ensure inclusive and effective talent attraction mechanisms across sectors and regions.

This exchange reaffirmed EARLALL’s critical role in shaping and delivering lifelong learning mobility across Europe. Through strategic partnerships and member engagement, the network continues to advance practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions to Europe’s evolving skills challenges. Nicholas Waller’s contribution underscored EARLALL’s position as a catalyst for regional innovation in education, employment, and mobility.

On 15 May 2025, Adnan Abdul Ghani, Project Manager and Migration Expert at Save the Children Sweden, delivered a keynote presentation during a webinar hosted by the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform. Representing the SALAM project, Adnan showcased an integration strategy co-developed in Mark Municipality, located in Västra Götaland County – a proud member of EARLALL.

As communication manager of the SALAM project, EARLALL supports the dissemination of such impactful local practices across European regions.

Adnan Abdul Ghani’s presentation, titled “Integration strategy in action: Empowering change through co-creation and a child-centred approach”, introduced a comprehensive, participatory model of migrant integration rooted in inclusion, community collaboration, and children’s rights. The strategy is part of the SALAM project and represents a replicable model for regions across Europe.

The case study focused on Mark Municipality, part of Västra Götaland County, Sweden, where local authorities, NGOs, and communities have co-developed a sustainable integration approach in alignment with EU values and local needs.

The presentation was part of the webinar “Social Integration of Migrants”, held online on 15 May 2025 by Interreg Europe, gathering policy experts, practitioners, and stakeholders across Europe.

In the context of increasing migration trends influenced by the war in Ukraine and global instability, the role of local and regional authorities has become central. This webinar aimed to exchange good practices and highlight models of integration that are sustainable, inclusive, and scalable – like the one implemented in Västra Götaland County.

Key Messages from the Keynote Presentation

Integration as a Shared Responsibility

Adnan highlighted that successful integration is not the sole responsibility of governments. It requires collaborative efforts between public institutions, civil society, and local communities. NGOs bring trust and innovation, while public authorities offer structure and legal grounding. This partnership fosters social cohesion, bridges service gaps, and enhances inclusion.

EU-Aligned, Locally Rooted

The strategy in Mark is strongly aligned with the EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021–2027), addressing:

  • Inclusion as a two-way process
  • Cross-sector collaboration
  • Targeted support and gender equality
  • Combatting discrimination
  • Use of digital tools
  • Smart use of EU funding instruments

The policy focuses on four core sectors: education, employment, housing, and health.

Co-Creation through Data and Participation

Using child impact analyses, municipal reports, and stakeholder consultations, the strategy was developed through evidence-based planning and wide-ranging community engagement. A Co-Creation Committee guided 35 external consultations, and stakeholder mapping ensured participation from refugees, civil society, local institutions, and businesses.

A Child-Centred, Rights-Based Approach

Children and youth are at the heart of the strategy, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The approach includes mental health support, educational access, and social participation. It also addresses housing segregation, economic exclusion of women, and systemic barriers — all through a human rights lens.

Four Focus Areas for Inclusive Integration

  1. Participation: Local spaces, cultural events, and civic engagement
  2. Empowerment: Language learning, education, entrepreneurship
  3. Equality: Non-discriminatory, accessible public services
  4. Collaboration: Strong partnerships and clearly defined goals

The webinar also featured two other good practices:

  • Dr John Hobbs (Munster Technological University, Ireland) presented the “Nasc: New Beginnings, Children & Families Project”, focused on tailored support for vulnerable migrant groups.
  • Tomasz Dudziński (Regional Labour Office, Szczecin, Poland) showcased “Razem możemy więcej – Together we can do more”, a labour market initiative under the MILEstone project.

What happens when nearly 200 vocational educators, policy influencers, and industry players from Europe, North America, and beyond gather in the heart of Swedish manufacturing? At the LCAMP 2025 Conference, they didn’t just talk about the future of skills—they built it.

From 13–15 May, the LCAMP Networking Camp transformed Finspång into a vibrant hub of exchange, exploration, and hands-on innovation. Hosted by Curt Nicolin Gymnasiet, the conference served as a major milestone for LCAMP – Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform, that counts with the participation of EARLALL and dedicated to shaping Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) for Industry 4.0.

A Regional Lens on a Global Challenge

The conference opened with powerful local and regional voices. Mats Annerfeldt, Chairman of the Municipal Council, and Anders Södergren, Director of the host school, set the tone: regional ecosystems are at the frontline of vocational innovation.

Their message was echoed by leaders from Siemens Energy, Rold Academy (Italy), and Sweden’s Erasmus+ National Agency, who stressed the urgency of adapting VET systems to meet green transition goals, demographic shifts, and industry’s rapidly evolving demands.

Alicia Gabán Barrio, EARLALL’s Communications Manager, returned as moderator for the second time, guiding discussions with clarity and energy. Her skilled facilitation helped highlight the human stories behind the data, the value of cross-sector dialogue, and the importance of making innovation accessible.

EARLALL’s Director, Noelia Cantero, joined the stage to highlight how cooperation across regions—and between sectors—is key to creating lifelong learning systems that truly respond to people’s lives and work. “LCAMP is not just a project,” she said, “it’s a growing alliance.”

Learning Factories: Where Education Meets Reality

One of the conference’s most inspiring topics was the Learning Factory model: physical and digital environments where students train using real technologies and solve real-world problems. Unai Ziarsolo from Miguel Altuna LHII introduced the Collaborative Learning Factory (CLF)—a cross-border, challenge-based learning model launching in 2026 that brings students, trainers, and industry together around shared learning goals.

Partners from France, the Basque Country, Türkiye, Italy, Germany, and Canada showcased their own “labs in action,” offering a vision of how VET can keep pace with industrial transformation—not just react to it.

Tools for Today, Skills for Tomorrow

Beyond ideas, LCAMP brought tools:

  • A Skill Finder for mapping future competencies
  • A Self-Assessment Tool to support Learning Factories
  • A guide to SME–VET collaboration
  • Resources to boost student and staff mobility

Each tool aims to help VET providers stay relevant, flexible, and close to both learners and labour markets.

Ground-Level Innovation: Site Visits and Labs

The conference wasn’t just talk—it was tactile. Participants visited Siemens Energy and KL Industri AB, witnessing first-hand how local industries are leading innovation while partnering with education. They also explored the Visualisation Center and Linköping University, diving into additive manufacturing and other cutting-edge research.

A Call to Action: Join the Alliance

The final message of the conference was clear: shaping the future of VET requires more than good practices—it needs strong partnerships.

Iñigo Araiztegui Arraiz, LCAMP’s coordinator, called on attendees to become part of the LCAMP Alliance. “This is the beginning of a journey,” he said. “Let’s walk it together.”

EARLALL, as a strategic partner, encourages all regions, institutions, and stakeholders committed to lifelong learning and innovation to join the movement.

Want to get involved?
📩 Reach out to info@lcamp.eu and help build a learner-centric, future-proof VET landscape across Europe and beyond.

Conference materials

EARLALL has submitted its feedback to the European Commission’s public consultation on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), focusing on the future of Erasmus+ and the vital role of regional and local authorities. The upcoming MFF (2028–2035) aims to create a more strategic and responsive EU budget that addresses Europe’s educational, social, and economic challenges.

A Vision for a Decentralised and Inclusive Erasmus+

EARLALL advocates for a future Erasmus+ programme that is decentralised, inclusive, and adaptable to regional needs. Regional and local authorities must be recognised as strategic partners, not only in the implementation but also in the design and governance of Erasmus+.

Key Recommendations:

  • Decentralisation & Regional Engagement: Strengthen the role of regional authorities in tailoring Erasmus+ actions to local realities.
  • Capacity Building: Provide clearer guidance and support to regional and local actors to help navigate the programme’s complexities.
  • Policy Coordination: Improve integration between Erasmus+ and other EU frameworks to enhance impact and efficiency.
  • Equity-Based Funding: Allocate dedicated funding for regional initiatives focused on inclusion and reaching vulnerable learners.
  • Simplification: Streamline application processes and improve accessibility for smaller actors.

A Future-Proof Programme for Europe’s Challenges

EARLALL stresses that a well-resourced and regionally sensitive Erasmus+ can drive Europe’s economic competitiveness, social inclusion, and green and digital transitions. The continuation of initiatives like Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) will be crucial in aligning education with regional labour market needs.
EARLALL’s full position paper is attached for further details.
For more information, please contact: earlall@earlall.eu