WELDNET

The WELDNET project addresses the need to develop a skilled workforce in the field of welding circular/reused metals. As the circular economy is becoming mainstreamed in European automotive manufacturing (particularly with regards to iron/metallic parts), industries are striving to adhere to the latest cutting-edge practices in circular material welding (CMW) with embedded preventive maintenance systems (PMS) that would rapidly reduce corrosion, infrastructure and critical parts failures (breakage) and ultimately reduce/avoid severe injuries to employees and end-customers (society).

WELDNET has the general aim of developing a network of 5 centres of vocational excellence – COVEs (in particular regions from Greece (Central Macedonia), Romania (West Region), Austria (Multi-region), Serbia (Sumadija & Pomoravlje), and Spain (Valencia)) capable of building regional skills ecosystems in the field of circular material welding & preventive maintenance in automotive manufacturing. This will be achieved by providing long-term sustainable upskilling mechanisms (IVET/CVET) for workers/learners (including those with disabilities or from social groups at risk such as minorities/refugees).

WELDNET adopts a systemic approach to designing skills ecosystems around CMW/PMS in a living lab approach by aiming to massively transform the capacity of VET centres to upskill regional talent via public-private partnerships, shared infrastructure, fair mobility, use of public & private funds and upskilling that goes beyond technical elements, covering also life skills and support mechanisms for learners/workers with disabilities.

The WELDNET consortium brings together 15 partners, including two associate partners, from 5 countries to form innovation ecosystems:

Austrian Ecosystem