Bringing together organisations from Spain, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Belgium, the initiative has focused on “putting companies at the centre of the training process” by fostering close cooperation between leather goods SMEs and public and private VET providers. This approach has supported the development of high-quality, short-term IVET and CVET curricula that are agile, creative and effectively responds to industry needs. The programme addresses key topics including zero-waste design, AI-supported design and pattern making, 3D printing for prototyping, and the digital transformation of value-added manufacturing operations.

A key outcome of the project is the introduction of a new generation of learning content that includes AI-based tools and video resources aimed at attracting and retaining talent, while equipping learners with the skills required for the green and digital transitions. The training programme features an AI-powered chatbot capable of answering questions related to both the course content and the leather goods industry. Learners also benefit from a blended learning approach combining written materials with AI-enhanced video content.

Before starting the training, participants are encouraged to complete an online self-assessment tool to identify their real needs. This interactive questionnaire evaluates existing knowledge and provides tailored guidance on how the Learning Factories programme can support skills development.

The project has been presented to education centres throughout Europe such as the Amsterdam Fashion School, part of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. More than 70 students from over 16 different countries have learned about the project outcomes, and received contacts to the leather goods companies in Ubrique, Spain. Students also worked in groups on the conceptualisation, design, and development of an artistic bag and its adaptation into a commercial bag to present to the Ubrique delegation, as would happen in the real world.

To maximise its impact, project partners are currently organising a series of in-person and online events to further disseminate the project’s results and promote the uptake of its innovative training solutions across Europe.

Carmen Arias, Secretary General at the European Footwear Confederation, underlined: “This project shows that when companies are placed at the heart of training, real transformation happens. Learning Factories is not only addressing current skills gaps, but actively shaping a more sustainable, digital, and resilient future for the leather goods industry across Europe.”

To stay updated on the progress of the project, connect with us on LinkedIn and visit our website! Join us in shaping the future of European leather goods, a future where tradition meets technology, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness for generations to come!

The Learning Factories project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.