Water scarcity is a serious problem for many regions of Europe with some 45% of European territory expected to face water scarcity problems by 2030, where damages caused by floods may increase five-fold by 2050. This is driving growing attention and increasing regulation on water efficiency and water management across Europe, being particularly important in cities and buildings in general, given the estimated water savings of 30%, with consequent reductions on energy and CO2 emissions (“The Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources”). The implementation of water and energy saving measures requires adequate training, capacity building and qualification of construction professionals, sustained on reliable and independent accreditation schemes attesting technical knowledge and social competences, towards market recognition and confidence. The project “WATTer Skills” aimed to develop, implement and propose a common curricula, qualification framework and accreditation scheme at the European level, for training and skills upgrading of construction and green professionals on water efficiency and water energy nexus for construction and retrofit in buildings. The harmonised water efficiency and water-energy nexus competences in building construction and retrofit, was achieved with two proposed qualification frameworks: the water efficiency technician (WET) and the water efficiency expert (WEE). This was materialised in 4 intellectual outputs (in 5 languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Greek): IO1 - Setting the Perimeter and definition of the WATTer skills map, IO2 - European Qualification Framework, IO3 - Training Courses Curricula, Contents and Pilots and IO4 - Accreditation System based on European Qualification Framework and European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training, supported by 2 Handbooks with the training contents (six competence areas corresponding to 100 lecture hours for the WET and 4 competence areas corresponding to 50 lecture hours for the WEE) 5 transnational meetings (3 in-person and 2 online), 9 multiplier events (7 training pilots with 144 attendees and 60 lectured hours, 1 Infoday with 28 participants and 1 Final conference with more than 100 participants), the presence at 10 dissemination events (oral communications, poster presentations and scientific publications) and numerous parallel dedicated meetings with the national advisory boards and stakeholder groups. As project outcomes, it can be highlighted the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding by all partners, with a Roadmap of the WATTer Skills follow-up activities, namely the compromise of all partners in continuing the work on the possible integration of the proposed accreditation framework into the national catalogues of the consortium countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. In Portugal, another project outcome already guaranteed is the approval of the “long term strategy for building renovation” (Resolution of the Council of Ministers No 8-A/2021 of 3rd of February 2021), where it is stated that the qualification frameworks produced by the WATTer Skills consortium will be promoted. In addition, ADENE is making the effort to include this topic in the agenda and events of the current Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"The main objective of this project was to improve the quality of mobility processes in the construction sector for learners, staff and trainers in order, in the mid term, to increase the number of European mobilities for this target group .In order to achieve this global goal, we have set up a whole process around the mobile application, to the attention of apprentices, trainers and staff, to better understand mobility, in its preparation, its implementation and its follow-up while (linking current media, including social media).In fact, starting from the initial observation that workers and, in particular, the youngest ones must be more mobile than before to find job opportunities, young people must be well prepared before going abroad as part of a mobility process and preparation is the key to a good integration. It is important to guide them using the new information and communication technologies but also social media throughout their professional training. Learners, as well as accompanying persons (trainers or staff members), really feel that there is an ever greater desire to supervise them qualitatively. The result is a sense of security and trust that encourages more willingness to participate, which is obviously one of the main objectives of SoMEx - to increase the number of mobilities - using a more dynamic and modern way of doing things, including social media and taking into account the habits of the beneficiaries, who are, for the most part, ""digital natives"". The idea is to use ""up-to-date"" methods to facilitate the process and increase the quality of investments.To do this, we started the work with a research phase to determine the habits of our beneficiaries, in terms of social media use. To this end, we also relied on the work done in the framework of a previous project called Linguistic Reform, which included an analysis of the barriers to mobility, as well as the Euro-Dim project whose main theme is virtual mobility. Based on the results of these projects, a national and transnational analysis of the habits of our target group, we have created the ""Information Guide on the Use of ICTs and Social Networks for Trainees, Trainers and Staff"". VET in the construction sector "", a real starting point for our investigations for the creation of the SoMEx APP. Following this survey, we took part in a mobility observation to determine the real needs of our target group. Through surveys and observation during the mobility process of a group by country, we drew national and transnational conclusions through intellectual production 2 ""Recommendation for the improvement of existing mobility through the use of a mobile app that meets the needs of young people, trainer and construction staff ""by putting the point of attention on the different phases of a mobility journey: before, during and after.Based on these first two products, we then thought about and created our first version of the SoMEx APP (version 1), which we tested on a group by country according to a similar framework but improved based on previous experimentation (modification of the search tools for example). Following the analysis of the mobility path with the APP, interviews and observation, we drew our national and transnational conclusions. ""IOP 4 - Recommendation for version 1 of the appen mobility according to the needs of trainees / trainers / staff "". Based on these findings and recommendations, we have modified the SoMEx mobile app to meet the needs expressed during this observation. Once version 2 of the APP was created, we tested it again with the users by going to the field and developed the IO5: ""test of the product as part of the mobility process - APP version 2 ""On which we based ourselves to finalize the APP and get our final product:"" The Android application for trade in the construction sector "", ie, SoMEx application.The app and all products and achievements of the project are now available and free of rights on www.somexproject.eu (""results"" tab) in the 6 languages ​​of the partnership."

RenovUp project results from an observation made by professionals in the construction industry: the current training facilities for site managers and team leaders do not take sufficient account of the specificities related to the renovation of buildings and its various constraints. There is a real need, confirmed by companies and professional federations in the partner countries, to reorient them in terms of objectives, content and methods of learning, in order to enable the targeted learners to strengthen their capacity to better understand the renovation as a whole, to foresee and plan the related specific interventions, to better communicate and convince in complex situations on these sites.In order to achieve this objective of professionalization the targeted audiences in the countries of the partnership first, then beyond, 5 partners from 5 countries have come together to design a model of repository to meet the evolutions of these two functions, declinable in national schemes, consistent with the priorities, contexts and resources specific to each partner country.This project brings together experienced and complementary partners in the design and implementation of professionalization schemes for managers, technicians and construction workers: 3 national and regional networks of vocational training (initial and continuing) in the building trades in France (CCCA-BTP), Italy (Formedil) and Spain (FLC Asturias), a recognised technological and pedagogical research organisation in Poland (Lukasiewicz ITE Network) and in Greece, a professional federation of the sector, also advisory body (Pedmede). A systemic approach, based on cooperation with associated actors (national, regional and local) involved in the fields of guidance, vocational training and recognition of learning outcomes (formal and informal), will be implemented. This cooperation will enable the following projects to be carried out for site managers and team leaders of building renovation projects:•A transnational model for positioning, coaching and professionalization, mainly based on training in working situations in the company, supplemented by training modules in training centres, as well as by e-learning.•Transnational schemes for:oThe evaluation and recognition of learning outcomes with Open BadgesoThe training of teachers, trainers and masters/tutors preparing for the accompaniment and training of the targeted audiences.•Implementation of a transnational strategy for the positioning, support and professionalization of targeted audiences.This three-year project includes conceptualization, implementation, in situ experimentation and evaluation of results. Ongoing and final productions will be supervised by National Expert Groups (NAG) and subject to an ongoing evaluation. 6 biannual transnational seminars will have to validate them, to ratify any adaptations if necessary and to promote the dynamic of the communication and dissemination of the results.RenovUp will allow the evolution of the design of professional development of targeted audiences, more individualized and more based on the formative exploitation of the real work situations of the learners. The partners also want the skills acquired to be clearly identifiable, and their recognition and validation to be effective.With 3 well-identified impacts, declinable at national levels, this project will meet the expectations of SMSE in terms of the skills development of the targeted audiences:•Real and measurable strengthening of education and professional partnerships established locally, regionally, nationally and at transnational level to meet the expectations of the enterprises concerned in a sustainable and satisfactory manner (especially SME) in terms of their site manager and team leader skills in building renovation•Better integration of work situations training into individual professionalisation projects, creating lasting links between in-company training, vocational schools/training centres and e-learning,•Systematic integration of environmental and climate objectives, as well as constantly evolving OSH standards, into the management of work sites and teams on the work sites concerned.

REFORME PLUS is a 36-month ERASMUS+ project that brought together 7 vocational training organisations from 6 European countries belonging to the transnational REFORME network and supported by the social partners of the construction sector. All the project partners are leaders of national or regional networks and bring together a total of more than 300 initial and continuing training centers in the construction sector.The REFORME PLUS project partnership is composed of :- CCCA-BTP (FR- leader) : http://www.ccca-btp.fr/- BZB (DE) : www.bzb.de- CENFIC (PT) : http://www.cenfic.pt/- Center IFAPME Liège Huy Waremme (BE) : http://www.centrelhw.ifapme.be/- FLC (ES) : http://madrid.fundacionlaboral.org/- FLC ASTURIAS (ES) : http://www.flc.es/- FORMEDIL (IT) : http://www.formedil.it/Our organizations are facing the same challenges: the constant need to promote apprenticeship training (or alternation depending on the country) in the building and public works sector, to work on the attractiveness of its branches, its trades and the associated careers. To do this, they must constantly improve the quality of the training provided and of training courses in general. In addition, we have all been involved for several years in international development, through mobility and cooperation projects. This allows us to pursue many objectives, in particular:- the internationalization of our young people's careers (and their skills, employability, openness, etc.);- the professionalization of our teams and the development of their skills, especially in teaching;- pedagogical innovation in our establishments, adaptation of our training to the needs of the job market.This non-exhaustive list allows us to measure the benefits of cooperation between our institutions. REFORME PLUS has allowed us to give a framework to the development of these collaborations, to strengthen our network and its activities and to increase the internationalization of our teams by involving them in the activities and mobilities of the project. The exchanges of practices, experiences and know-how and the learning activities have mainly focused on the following three themes:- Improving the image and attractiveness of apprenticeship in the construction sector by focusing on successful careers in the sector.- Increasing the quality of training: pooling and exchanging good practices for European cooperation in order to guarantee the quality of training and training paths delivered by REFORME partners.- Developing new types of mobility: in particular with regard to tutors in companies; and long-term mobility (at least 2 months).These three objectives could only be achieved by involving the main actors and vectors of change present in the training centers and in the companies: training managers, trainers and mobility coaches and company tutors/mentors. This is why the REFORME PLUS project planned five learning activities addressed to these participants for a total of 45 mobilities and at least as many local participants. Due to the impossibility to travel during the health crisis and especially during the second half of the project, 1 learning activity could be held face-to-face (Mobility of the 2 Spanish partners in France); 1 other was organized at a distance (Virtual mobility of the French partner in Belgium). They gave rise to 21 physical and virtual mobilities and mobilized a minimum of 27 local participants.These activities were composed of workshops and information and exchange sessions on the three themes mentioned above, aiming at developing and promoting the internationalization of the participating institutions.In addition, 4 transnational meetings were held; 3 face-to-face and 1 remote during the covid period. They gathered a total of 50 participants and made it possible to work on the three stated themes, including each time the intervention of an external expert on a given theme.REFORME PLUS has thus contributed to strengthening the links and exchanges between the partners of the Reforme network. The exchange of practices and the perspective generated by the interventions and workshops have fuelled the partners' reflections on these different subjects. The participants in the two learning activities greatly appreciated sharing and confronting their needs and issues, which are often common across borders, but in different contexts.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is one of the heaviest and most voluminous waste streams generated in the EU, accounting for approximately 36,4 % in total EU waste generation. In this framework, EC established guidelines, priorities and initiatives such as the EU CDW Management Protocol and the application of the Circular Economy Strategy which strongly demonstrate a strong will at EU level to raise awareness and build knowledge in the field of sustainable use of resources and efficient waste management. The transition to an efficient CDW management and to a circular economy is -inter alia- bringing important structural changes in the construction sector, which will have to adapt and anticipate the needs for skills and competences in these areas.Within this scope, CDWaste-ManageVET objective is to promote VET for workers on construction sector by addressing modern training needs in accordance with EU priorities regarding current CDW management rules and circular economy. Through CDWaste-ManageVET project, a modern and innovative e-training VET program will be developed, based on Vocational Open Online Course (VOOC), tailored to labor market needs and targeted to bridge the skills gap and shortages in CDW Management by upskilling the existing workforce and equipping people in constructor sector with the necessary skills to effectively manage waste.Additional objectives that project anticipates to meet are namely the following:•To enhance opportunities for integration into labor market and create the conditions for developing human capital capacity and career opportunities, through integrating free accessible VET.•To strengthen the participation of representatives of education and training providers, as well as construction sector stakeholders exchange information and good practices in order to draw recommendations on the evolution of such skills and jobs.•To empower cooperation between educational institutions and business, as a result of combining theoretical & practical training.On this ground, CD Waste-ManageVET priorities, strongly in line with EU priorities, are:•Developing partnerships aiming at promoting work- based learning in all its forms, through developing new innovative training content (the CD Waste Management curricula) which integrates a work-based learning component in an on-the job-training basis to promote the application of knowledge in practical workplace situations.•Open education and innovative practices in a digital era, through integrating in the CDWaste-ManageVET VOOC Open Educational Resources (OERs) that ensure easy and free access on-line training which will be transferable to any interested party throughout Europe.Participants in the project will be directly or indirectly benefited from its activities and outputs. Namely, min 90 VET learners will develop sector-specific skills that will respond to the evolving changes due to the challenges of a circular economy, among them 30 VET trainees will be benefited through their participation in a small scale internship/mentorship programme and min 18 VET providers will enhance new training programs by integrating project outputs.The main tangible results of the project will include: Industry Driven Analysis and Best Practice handbook/ CDW Management VET curricula (CDWaste-ManageVET curricula) with a stimulated WBL component/ CDWaste on-line training platform/ Report on final training program.CD Waste-ManageVET project activities and Intellectual Outputs will have a desired Impact on both direct and indirect target groups, including increased career opportunities for the construction workers and their better integration in a greener, evolving labor market will be achieved. There will also be created a positive image of local enterprises who promote sustainable CD waste management and there will be raised awareness about innovative learning tools.At national level, good regional practices will be spread and applied and there will be increased number of trainers professionally equipped with transferable didactic concepts. At EU level, better cooperation between the regions concerning participative learning projects will be achieved, better contacts and synergies will be created between the partner regions and capacity of professionalism of VET providers, trainers and educational sector will be increased. Last but not least, increased cooperation among representatives of education and training providers on one hand and construction sector stakeholders on the other will create a very positive impact.The above-mentioned activities and outputs will be developed through a partnership coming from 6 EU countries (France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania). The geographical distribution of the partners allows to have a good overview of the learning needs at EU level, whereas the partnership’s expertise in education, VET, business, sustainable development, dissemination activities will ensure high quality project results.