On February 12-13, 2024, the ECO-JOBS project officially launched with a Kick-off Meeting (KoM) hosted by Odyssea in Athens, Greece. Partners from across Europe, including EGInA (Italy), GrowthCoop (Spain), ITKAM (Germany), EFA El Soto (Spain), DIMITRA (Greece), Odyssea (Greece), and I.O.R. Laporta (Italy), gathered to discuss the project’s objectives, workplan, and next steps. ECOJobs aims to bridge the gap between students and the labor market by equipping them with the green skills increasingly demanded by employers across Europe.
Focus of the Meeting
The Kick-off Meeting set the foundation for ECOJobs, with discussions centered around the project’s upcoming deliverables, such as identifying 10 eco-job profiles and developing 50 Open Educational Resources (OERs). These steps are crucial to ensure that students from VET institutions gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the green job market and contribute to Europe’s sustainable future.
Utility of the Project
The technical partners presented detailed findings from their research, highlighting the demand for green jobs at the national level. ECOJobs is designed to support Europe’s transition to a more sustainable economy by creating innovative educational pathways for green jobs, with a particular focus on VET students. This aligns directly with the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus Initiative, two critical frameworks shaping the continent’s future.
The European Green Deal sets ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability, while the New European Bauhaus Initiative brings together art, culture, social inclusion, and sustainability. ECOJobs will contribute to these efforts by developing 10 new eco-job profiles that reflect the skills needed in sectors such as circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies. These profiles will be essential in supporting the EU’s green transformation by equipping students with the competencies required for the jobs of the future.
Looking Ahead
ECOJobs marks a significant step towards preparing the future workforce for the demands of the green economy. With strong collaboration across European partners and a clear vision for the project’s outputs, ECOJobs is poised to make a meaningful impact on green job training across the continent.
Next Steps
In the coming months, the partner schools will organize meetings with green mentors—professionals working in the green sector who will share valuable insights on the use of digital tools in agriculture, best practices, and other key topics. These mentors will provide students with first-hand knowledge, helping them better understand the green transition.
Stay tuned for more updates as the ECO-JOBS project continues to unfold and subscribe to the Newsletter here!
