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On March 12th, more than 70 participants gathered at the Auditorium of Politeknika Txorierri in Derio (Basque Country) for a high-impact event organized in the framework of the SECOVE project (Sustainable Energy Centres of Vocational Excellence). The session brought together representatives from vocational training centers and companies with a focus on innovation-oriented profiles to foster knowledge exchange cooperation and new opportunities for skills development in the renewable and sustainable energy sector supported by enabling technologies.
This event forms part of SECOVE’s broader mission to create a European network of Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) that empower learners and professionals through advanced training offers, collaborative projects, and innovation ecosystems linked to green and digital transitions.
The day contained a complete agenda designed with the objective of strengthenn the connection between vocational education and the business sector. The opening session by TKNIKA provided insight into communities of practice (CoPs) and their role in aligning training with regional innovation strategies. This was followed by a presentation from Politeknika Txorierri, which offered an overview of the center’s trajectory, with a special focus on European innovation projects and new ways of cooperation with industry. It was a great example of best practice sharing with other training centers from the Basque region.
GAIA presented a diagnosis of emerging professional profiles and talent needs in the technological sector, providing a valuable outlook on current and future labor market trends. ONDOAN then took the stage to discuss how vocational training can serve as a driver of innovation within companies, emphasizing the added value of co-creation and applied knowledge transfer.
After a networking coffee break, the program resumed with a showcase of real collaboration cases between vocational training centers and businesses. Speakers from Sarenet, Ondoan, Nexmachina, GAIA, and GBM shared their experience working jointly on innovative projects, underlining the importance of mutual trust, agility and shared objectives in these partnerships.
The session continued with a dynamic and participatory workshop where attendees reflected on the main barriers hindering collaboration between VET centers and companies. Participants also discussed strategies to enhance cooperation and explored potential synergies that could foster innovation through stronger engagement with vocational training centers. The exchange of ideas highlighted the need for flexible project models, better communication channels and greater involvement of SMEs in educational innovation ecosystems.
To close the event, participants were invited to a guided tour of Txorierri’s facilities, where they had the opportunity to explore first-hand the equipment, innovation hub launched and environments where learners are being prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
This collaborative encounter successfully highlighted the importance of aligning education and training with business needs and reaffirmed the role of CoVEs as engines for sustainable development, social inclusion and employment at both regional and European levels.
