The event brought together 19 Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) stakeholders from eight European countries to review progress and set priorities for the project’s next two years
A key milestone of the project is the development of regional TCLF Pacts for Skills, designed to strengthen cooperation between public authorities, social partners, and education and training providers. These regionally tailored pacts are nearing completion in Slovenia and Croatia.
AEQUALIS4TCLF has also finalised its second skills gap and demand survey, allowing comparison with data collected in 2024. The survey, completed by 80 vocational and higher education institutions and 62 TCLF companies, will inform the development of seven national TCLF Skills Strategies. Findings show that demand for advanced technical skills has doubled, while digital skills demand has increased by 7%. Demand for advanced machine operation skills has declined by 17%, while problem-solving, leadership, and management skills have risen by 12%. Curriculum relevance improved by 30%, with technology integration increasing by 10%. Practical training and stakeholder involvement also grew, and adaptability emerged as the fastest-growing skill requirement at 14%.
To address ongoing gaps in skills and labour market data, project partners have committed to contributing to a TCLF Skills Observatory. The initiative aims to monitor skills demand and supply, map education and training offers, anticipate emerging occupations and shortages, and support evidence-based policymaking and investment.
The project also continues to focus on inclusion, diversity, and social sustainability. To date, 12 workshops have been delivered to 289 participants, covering diversity and inclusion, innovation and sustainability, and wellbeing and responsible business. A further 16 workshops are planned over the next two years, with a shift from awareness-raising to practical implementation for SMEs.
In parallel, AEQUALIS4TCLF is developing eight micro-courses on sustainable and digital fashion. Once completed, the courses will be available free of charge via DigiCampus, with piloting expected to begin after the summer.
