Partner Meeting in Athens
Strategic skills for a changing industry – shaped in Athens.
On June 6–7, 2024, the BuildSkills Academy project reached a new milestone: a high-impact coordination meeting hosted by the Athens University of Economics and Business. Partners from seven countries came together to align, advance, and accelerate the transformation of vocational education and training (VET) in the construction sector.
What’s at stake?
The construction industry is under pressure to adapt—fast. Green and digital transitions are reshaping the skills landscape, and VET providers must keep pace. BuildSkills Academy is responding with a bold, coordinated approach.
Key outcomes from the Athens meeting:
- Methodology in focus: Dr. Ebun Akinsetee and Voula Samara (AUEB) presented a forward-looking framework for upskilling VET providers in green and digital competences—supported by a new digital platform introduced by Eleni Toli and Panagiota Koltsida.
- Work Package Progress: Updates from across the consortium sparked rich discussions on methodology, certification, and implementation. AUEB also previewed upcoming deliverables from Work Package 2.
- Expert Insight: Prof. Phoebe Koundouri (AUEB) closed the event with a powerful address, linking BuildSkills to the broader European Green Deal. She shared highlights from the “Twin Skills for the Twin Transition” report, developed with Huawei and launched at COP28—underscoring the urgency of aligning skills with sustainability goals.
Beyond the agenda:
The meeting fostered meaningful connections—over coffee, shared meals, and strategic conversations. This spirit of collaboration is what powers BuildSkills Academy forward.
Why it matters:
The future of construction depends on a workforce that’s ready for what’s next. BuildSkills Academy is building that future—together with VET providers, researchers, and industry leaders across Europe.