A European initiative aimed at modernising skills in the leather goods industry has reached its conclusion, with partners of the Learning Factories project meeting in Poznań, Poland, for a final review of its outcomes.
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the project brought together organisations from Spain, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Belgium to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) by aligning it more closely with industry needs. Central to the initiative was a model that places companies at the heart of training, fostering collaboration between leather goods SMEs and both public and private training providers.
The programme developed short-term initial and continuing VET curricula focused on emerging industry priorities, including zero-waste design, AI-supported design and pattern making, 3D printing for prototyping and the digital transformation of manufacturing processes.
A key outcome has been the introduction of AI-driven learning tools, including a chatbot to support learners and video-based training resources designed to enhance engagement. Participants also complete an online self-assessment tool to tailor training to their specific skills needs.
The project has already been showcased at education centres across Europe, including the Amsterdam Fashion School, where more than 70 students from over 16 countries engaged with its outputs and collaborated on leather goods design projects linked to industry partners in Ubrique, Spain.
Project partners are now planning further events to promote adoption of the training model. Carmen Arias, Secretary General of the European Footwear Confederation (CEC), said the initiative demonstrates how industry-led training can address skills gaps while supporting a more sustainable and digitally advanced leather sector.
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