The Erasmus+ Blueprint project AEQUALIS4TCLF marked its second anniversary by
bringing together 19 Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) stakeholders from
eight European countries on 3rd and 4th of February at the Faculty of Natural Sciences
and Engineering in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The meeting provided an opportunity to review
progress to date and define priorities and activities for the next two years of the project.
A central achievement of AEQUALIS4TCLF is the development of regional TCLF
Pacts for Skills, which aim to strengthen cooperation between public authorities,
social partners and education and training providers at regional level across Europe.
These Pacts are tailored to the specific needs and opportunities of each region and
are currently nearing completion in Slovenia and Croatia.
The consortium has also finalised its second skills gap and demand survey,
enabling comparison with results from the first survey conducted in 2024. The findings
will support the development of seven national TCLF Skills Strategies. The survey,
completed by 80 VET and higher education institutions and 62 TCLF companies,
revealed several key trends:
- Demand for advanced technical skills has doubled, while digital skills
demand continues to grow (+7%). - Demand for advanced machine operation skills has declined (–17%), while
problem-solving, leadership and management skills have increased
(+12%). - Curriculum relevance has improved significantly (+30%), alongside increased
technology integration (+10%). - Practical training and stakeholder involvement have grown (+10% and
+17% respectively). - Adaptability has emerged as the fastest-growing skill required by companies
(+14%).
To address persistent gaps and fragmentation in data on skills, training and
employment, AEQUALIS4TCLF partners have committed to contributing to the
development of a TCLF Skills Observatory. This initiative would act as a permanent
mechanism to monitor skills demand and supply, map education and training offers,
anticipate emerging occupations and skills shortages, and support evidence-based
policymaking and investment.
Beyond education and skills development, AEQUALIS4TCLF places a strong
emphasis on inclusion, diversity and social sustainability. To date, twelve
workshops focusing on diversity and inclusion, innovation and sustainability, and well
being and responsible business have been delivered, engaging 289 participants. A
further 16 workshops are planned over the next two years, targeting practical
measures for SMEs. Topics will include reducing discrimination, improving gender
balance in TCLF occupations and leadership, preventing harassment, supporting
mental health, promoting women in leadership, the role of trade unions, inclusive
design, and textile waste management. While the first phase focused on awareness
raising, the second phase will concentrate on practical implementation.
In parallel, the project is developing eight innovative micro-courses on sustainable
and digital fashion. Once finalised, learners will be able to register on DigiCampus
and access all course materials free of charge. The piloting phase is expected to begin
after the summer.