CIRCULO aimed to introduce a new hybrid learning approach that will enhance the entrepreneurial, digital, and green skills of VET educators in Spain, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Belgium and Croatia. In doing so, CIRCULO sought to be a leading force in shaping a new learning approach that places digitalization at the core of VET professionals' roles. The main objectives of CIRCULO were to: Create a comprehensive set of learning resources designed to enable VET students to acquire the skills necessary for the green and circular economy. Promote the entrepreneurial mindset among young people by providing a series of interactive learning resources aligned with the Ideas & Opportunities framework of EntreComp. Develop a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course for VET teachers and trainers, aimed at enhancing their skills to digitize learning offerings and methods. The course also included guidance and coaching measures to ensure effective implementation. Set up an online facilitated network across Europe for VET stakeholders, fostering the exchange of best practices, building professional relationships, and collaborating to devise solutions to current labor market challenges.
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted education in all Member States, causing school closures and service suspensions that hindered efforts to up-skill and re-skill the labor force. The CIRCULO Train-the-Trainer programme aimed to address these challenges by enhancing the subject knowledge of VET professionals, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among learners, and promoting understanding of circular economy principles. It focused on refining pedagogy and digital skills for high-quality online education, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing coaching and mentoring abilities. Led by GEINNOVA, the project sought funding to implement a transnational approach, involving VET teacher/trainers from multiple countries to share best practices and address labor market needs and twin transitions. This collaborative effort was supported by Erasmus+ funding.