In the VET5.0 project, we promote learner-centricity, Education 5.0, and lifelong learning for Industry 4.0/5.0 in rural areas. We work with learners of all ages and backgrounds, including young people, professionals and vulnerable groups. We develop and implement high-quality, learner-centric services and training programmes. Thanks to adaptive learning, micro-credentials, and flexible programme design with accessible entry points, all learners — including those from disadvantaged backgrounds — will be able to customise their education. We will collaborate with alumni to provide lifelong learning opportunities. Our approach is based on novel pedagogical methods that utilise advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive learning, and gamification. We will work with educators to make them experts in Education 5.0, teaching them to use new digital tools effectively and adopt suitable pedagogy in the new learner-centred paradigm. Our educators and researchers will develop training programmes that incorporate adaptive learning and micro-credentials. They will also develop distance learning laboratories and receive inclusive education training. We engage with stakeholders, including VET providers, industry, SMEs, public authorities and policymakers, to develop a VET skills ecosystem centred on Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The technological backbone of this ecosystem centres on artificial intelligence, robotics and additive manufacturing. The project will prepare us for future mass customisation and human–machine interaction markets, with a focus on digital and green manufacturing. The VET5.0 project is accompanied by a robust EQAVET quality assurance system, as well as professional dissemination and exploitation activities. With VET5.0, we will establish an Excellence Academy comprising six CoVEs. This will involve developing sustainability concepts to facilitate the Academy's future expansion, as well as testing the onboarding process for new regions.