The project

ET4Digital aims to increase the quality, effectiveness and innovation of the training of trainers and teachers in the field of digital technologies. Innovative tools and professional training courses will be developed so that properly trained trainers and teachers can support the digital transition of SMEs. The production sector considered is that of construction as it is still in the early stages of development and implementation of digital technologies despite their great potential.

The main goals are:

  • Enhance the quality and effectiveness of training for trainers and teachers in digital technologies.
  • Develop innovative tools and training programmes to address the digital skills gap in SMEs.
  • Support SMEs in adopting digital strategies by equipping trainers with knowledge, tools, and best practices.
  • Foster the interoperability of digital systems in construction, improving workflow efficiency and collaboration.

Expected results

  • A detailed framework of digital skills for trainers;
  • A functional digital demonstrator for practical training purposes.
  • A validated capacity building programme to upskill trainers in digital technologies.
  • Practical guidelines for trainers to embrace digital tools and improve efficiency in construction industry.

Target Groups

  • Trainers from vocational education and training (VET) providers;
  • Teachers from technical schools, land surveyor institutes, and universities (Departments of Engineering, Architecture, and Environmental Studies);
  • Professionals in the construction sector, including engineers, architects, designers, and technicians working with digital technologies.

Indirect beneficiaries

SMEs in the construction sector, and external stakeholders such as:

  • Professional associations and business organizations.
  • Public institutions and policy makers in the field of vocational training.
  • Research and development centres.

Main activities

The ET4Digital project aims to promote digital transformation in the construction sector, focusing on the training od trainers as key players in supporting SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

Digital Ecosystem Analysis

  • Develop a framework of digital technologies and identify skills gaps within the construction sector.
  • Map digital skills needed for trainers to address SME needs.

Innovative Tools Development

  • Create and test a digital technology demonstrator to provide hands-on experience to trainers.
  • Offer guidelines and resources to replicate the model across other European countries.

Capacity Building Programme

  • Design, implement, and validate a Capacity Building Programme for trainers.
  • Train trainers to effectively guide SMEs through the digital transition.

Pilot Testing and Validation

  • Conduct pilot activities in six European countries to test tools and training programs.
  • Gather feedback to fine-tune the tools and ensure their effectiveness.

Unibo's contribution

For the University of Bologna, the objective is to create a digital twin for the construction of a building, with the aim of facilitating learning and training of trainers, as part of the ET4Digital project.