Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FITQuality assurance in vocational education and training for Aerospace and Defense industry
The Fraunhofer Personnel Certification Authority is happy to announce its participation as a partner in AILEEN (Centres of Vocational Excellence in Aerospace and Defence for Advanced Manufacturing), a project funded by the European Union via the Erasmus+ program. Our responsibilities in the project include implementing a methodology for nominating the centers and identifying best practices for them. The results shown in the project will first be tested at national level. The goal is then to transfer them to the European level.
The Aerospace and Defense industry in Europe is experiencing a shortage of skilled personnel. The primary objective of AILEEN is therefore to mitigate this shortage by establishing systematic conditions for quality assurance in vocational education and training across the seven participating countries (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and United Kingdom). Providing specialized sectoral training, including the transfer of localized and technical knowledge in advanced manufacturing with a specific focus on the Aerospace and Defense industry.
AILEEN aims to set up Centers of Vocational Excellence, so-called CoVEs, for Advanced Manufacturing (AM) across Europe, providing the necessary skills and knowledge required to foster growth and innovation within the industry.
CoVES are an initiative by the European Union to drive innovation and excellence in vocational education and training, by bringing together a wide range of local partners such as VET providers, employers, chambers, research centers, development agencies, employment services, and social partners (among others), to co-create "skills ecosystems" that contribute to regional economic and social development, innovation, and smart specialization strategies.
AILEEN also aims to implement recognized EU qualification systems in Welding and Additive Manufacturing using a modular approach. This approach will take advantage of existing EU transparency frameworks, such as EQF, ECVET, EURES, EQAVET, and ESCO, to enhance and harmonize training standards. Work-Based Learning (WBL) approaches and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies will be central to the training activities, fostering practical skills and hands-on experiences. Additionally, AILEEN will leverage digital tools, including Augmented/Virtual Reality training, to capitalize on EU advanced manufacturing initiatives.
AILEEN is a 4-year project that commenced in June 2023. The project brings together 18 esteemed partners from seven countries, all invested in strengthening the Aerospace and Defense sector, and is led by the renowned European Welding Federation (EWF).
Project Website: https://aileencove.eu