In July 2025, the Erasmus+ Learning Factories project organised two bootcamps in São João da Madeira, Portugal, and Ubrique, Spain. Bringing together partners and vocational education and training (VET) providers from five European countries, the sessions focused on expanding knowledge, co-developing training materials, and fostering collaboration between companies and VET providers.

The Portugal bootcamp, hosted by the Footwear Technological Centre, highlighted sustainability, circularity, digitalisation, 3D printing, and innovative learning methods. The Spain bootcamp, held at the Technological Leather Centre, explored AI in design, digital transformation, and e-learning integration, alongside factory visits showcasing leather goods craftsmanship.

Both events underlined the importance of training in driving innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across the leather goods and footwear industries.

You can read more about the bootcamps on the website of the European Footwear Confederation.