The CRAFT-VET project officially commenced with its Kick-Off Meeting held on 13–14 February 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia, bringing together all project partners to launch a collaborative initiative aimed at revitalising traditional craftsmanship through innovation, digital technologies, and sustainable vocational education.
Hosted by Mother Teresa University in Skopje, the two-day meeting marked the beginning of an exciting journey that will strengthen vocational education and training (VET) by integrating smart manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and circular economy principles into traditional craft education.
Throughout the meeting, consortium members presented their organisations, reviewed the overall project objectives, and discussed the implementation strategy for the coming months. Partners aligned on the project timeline, governance structure, communication channels, financial management procedures, quality assurance mechanisms, and the responsibilities assigned under each Work Package.
A significant part of the discussions focused on developing innovative learning materials that will enable VET learners, teachers, artisans, and SMEs to acquire modern digital and entrepreneurial skills while preserving Europe’s rich artisanal heritage. The project will introduce training modules covering digital design, 3D technologies, Artificial Intelligence applications, sustainable production methods, digital authentication, and circular business models tailored to the needs of the craft sector.
The Kick-Off Meeting also provided an excellent opportunity for partners to strengthen cooperation, exchange ideas, and establish a shared vision for achieving the project’s ambitious objectives. By combining expertise from different countries and sectors, the consortium laid a solid foundation for effective collaboration throughout the project lifetime.
CRAFT-VET represents an important step towards modernising vocational education while supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of traditional crafts. Over the coming months, partners will begin conducting research, analysing training needs, and developing innovative educational resources that respond to the evolving demands of the labour market.
The consortium looks forward to working closely with educators, artisans, businesses, and stakeholders across Europe to ensure that CRAFT-VET delivers lasting impact for vocational education, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic development.
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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.
