The CRAFT-VET project continues to achieve important milestones in strengthening vocational education and training, with the development of bilingual training materials and the upcoming Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop scheduled for 2–6 November 2026 in Athens, Greece. As part of its ongoing implementation, the CRAFT-VET partnership has made significant progress in developing innovative training resources designed to connect traditional craftsmanship with digital technologies, entrepreneurship, and circular economy principles. These developments mark an important transition from curriculum development to practical capacity-building activities, supporting the project’s overall objective of modernising vocational education and preserving Albanian artisanal heritage. Training Curriculum and Teaching Materials Developed in English and Albanian One of the key achievements of the current implementation phase is the development of Deliverable D2.1 – Training Curriculum and Teaching Materials. The training curriculum has been developed through close cooperation among project partners, with valuable contributions from Mother Teresa University (MTU) and ReadLab. The educational materials are available in both English and Albanian, supporting their accessibility and practical application within Albanian vocational education and training institutions. The curriculum consists of one introductory Foundations section and three thematic chapters. Each chapter includes an introductory pre-assessment section and four learning units, providing a structured approach to competence development. The training content addresses key areas relevant to the modernisation of traditional crafts, including digital innovation, business development, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and circular economy practices. By combining traditional craft knowledge with emerging technologies and innovative learning approaches, these materials will support trainers in delivering more relevant and future-oriented vocational education. Training of Trainers Workshop Confirmed for 2–6 November 2026 in Athens The next major milestone is the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece, from 2 to 6 November 2026. The activity will bring together 20 trainers from four Albanian partner organisations: the Professional School of Elbasan (PSE), A&I Services & Consulting (AISC), Mihal Shahini, and the Group for Integration and Democracy (GID). Each institution will be represented by five trainers, who will participate in an intensive four-day training programme from Monday to Thursday. The programme aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical competencies in the thematic areas covered by the newly developed curriculum while introducing effective methodologies for delivering training to other professionals. On Friday, 6 November, project partners will hold a coordination meeting to review implementation progress, discuss upcoming activities, and align priorities for the next phase of the project. Expanding Training Opportunities Across Albania An important component of the CRAFT-VET training strategy is its multiplier effect. Following the workshop in Athens, the 20 participating Albanian trainers will be responsible for organising additional training workshops in Albania, reaching 30 more trainers by December 2026. Through this two-stage approach, the project aims to build the capacity of at least 50 trainers, contributing to the wider dissemination of innovative teaching methodologies and professional competencies. To ensure quality and consistency across the training activities, the partnership has also developed common Training of Trainers guidelines, including pre- and post-assessment tools, participant evaluation questionnaires, reporting templates, and supporting documentation requirements. These instruments will facilitate the monitoring of learning outcomes and the preparation of Deliverable D2.2 – Training of Trainers Report, scheduled for completion in December 2026. Strengthening the Future of Vocational Education and Traditional Crafts Through the development of innovative training materials and structured capacity-building activities, CRAFT-VET continues to strengthen cooperation between vocational institutions, training providers, and international partners. The Professional School of Elbasan remains actively engaged in project implementation, contributing to the advancement of vocational training methodologies and the promotion of skills that respond to technological, environmental, and economic developments. The upcoming activities in Athens and Albania represent an important opportunity to transfer knowledge, strengthen institutional capacities, and establish a foundation for the wider application of the CRAFT-VET training curriculum. By connecting traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable production, CRAFT-VET is helping build a new generation of vocational skills while preserving and revitalising Albania’s rich artisanal heritage. Learn more about the project at: https://craftvet.eu/ DisclaimerCo-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

On 24 September 2026, the CRAFT-VET consortium held its quarterly project meeting online, bringing together project partners to review ongoing implementation, coordinate upcoming activities, and ensure that the project continues to progress according to its work plan. The meeting provided an important opportunity for partners to exchange updates on the implementation of CRAFT-VET and to discuss the activities planned for the next phase of the project. A central point of discussion was Activity E1.2 – VET Trainers Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop, which will bring together VET professionals for an intensive capacity-building programme in Athens, Greece. The activity will also be combined with the Second Steering Committee Meeting, allowing the consortium to connect technical training with project coordination and strategic decision-making. Under the planned activity, five VET trainers from each Albanian partner organisation will participate in the Training of Trainers programme. The mobility is planned as a 4+1-day activity, involving a total of 20 participants. The ToT workshop will focus on several areas that are fundamental to the CRAFT-VET approach: digital tools in craft training, sustainability, circular economy principles, and business and entrepreneurial skills. Through this training, participating VET trainers will strengthen their capacity to integrate modern technologies and innovative teaching methodologies into vocational education, while maintaining a strong connection with traditional craftsmanship and the needs of the labour market. Digitalisation represents an important component of the project. CRAFT-VET seeks to connect traditional craft skills with modern technologies, including digital design and innovative production approaches. At the same time, sustainability remains a cross-cutting priority, with particular attention to reducing waste, promoting environmentally responsible production and introducing circular economy concepts into vocational training. The business dimension is equally important. Trainers will be better equipped to support learners and artisans not only in developing technical skills, but also in understanding areas such as entrepreneurship, branding, market access and the commercialisation of craft products. During the quarterly meeting, partners also discussed the organisational and coordination aspects required for the successful implementation of the upcoming activity. The Steering Committee Meeting 2 in Athens will provide an additional opportunity to review project progress, coordinate responsibilities between partners and agree on priorities for the following implementation period. The quarterly meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between VET institutions, trainers, artisans and project partners across participating countries. Through activities such as the Training of Trainers workshop, CRAFT-VET continues to build the institutional and professional capacity required to connect artisanal heritage with innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship, ensuring that vocational education responds to both present and future labour-market needs. DisclaimerCo-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.