Advancing green and digital skills in vocational education: Insights from the EAfA Community on Green and Digital Transitions

With 34 participants in attendance, the event showcased six pioneering initiatives. These ranged from energy-efficient housing projects to virtual reality wind turbine simulators, all pushing the boundaries of green and digital skills development. These examples illustrated how partnerships, inclusive approaches, and innovative learning models can create a more resilient and future-ready skills ecosystem.

Green and digital skills: A shared priority

Green and digital skills are increasingly essential to empower individuals, boost employability, and build a competitive workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the twin transitions. The webinar underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, gender-inclusive strategies, and scalable training models in ensuring that VET systems remain relevant and adaptable.

Key themes and lessons learned

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

Projects such as Secove and Excel4Housing demonstrated the value of multi-level partnerships involving VET providers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, policymakers, and social partners. These alliances ensure that training programmes are aligned with labour market needs, sustainability goals, and regional development strategies.

Gender inclusivity

Secove and Serena Super Green (part of the Digital Media in VET initiative) are actively working to close gender gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and green sectors through targeted outreach, role models, and gamified learning experiences.

Innovation in learning

The Digital Media in VET project presented tools like Marla, a virtual reality (VR) wind turbine simulator, while Port Virtual Lab applied simulation-based training to logistics and crisis management. Such approaches make learning more engaging, hands-on, and accessible across regions.

Scalability & sustainability

TourX, Excel4Housing, and Secove are creating modular curricula, open resources, and cross-border partnerships – enabling training materials and methods to be adapted across multiple countries and sectors.

Challenges & solutions

Dypa EPAS‘ pilot cybersecurity apprenticeship scheme in Patras, Greece, encountered difficulties in securing placements in emerging fields and regions that have limited exposure to technological industries. In response, the team is exploring virtual apprenticeships and flexible pilot models that could serve as templates for other sectors.

Shared takeaways

• Strengthening collaboration – Engage stakeholders across sectors to keep VET relevant, inclusive, and aligned with Europe’s twin transitions.
• Embed gender-inclusivity – Proactively encourage underrepresented groups to enter green and digital fields.
• Invest in innovation and scalability – Develop adaptable, tech-driven learning models that can address regional disparities and support emerging sectors.

How to join an EAfA Community

EAfA Communities offer thematic platforms for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices among individuals with common interests. Current and prospective Alliance members are encouraged to join these networks to help shape the future of apprenticeships in Europe and beyond.

To join a Community, EAfA members can email EAfAmembersecorys [dot] com (EAfAmembers[at]ecorys[dot]com) and specify the Community or Communities they wish to join​. Non-members can first join the Alliance by completing the EAfA pledge application form​.