The GREENWELD project aimed to integrate green skills into European welding qualifications, aligning them with European frameworks like GreenComp and DigComp, ISO 14001 and 45001, Environmental Management Systems, and Occupational Health and Safety Systems, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainable practices. Also, aimed to create innovative training curricula and resources for green skills, bridging the gap between education and industry, modernizing welder training and promoting sustainability, making it more engaging and environmentally conscious. As part of the project, pilot courses were conducted in Denmark, Greece, and Spain. The pilots provided an opportunity to test and validate the new curricula and training resources, ensuring they met the needs of both trainees and industry/workers. After the pilots, participants were awarded European Green Welding Certificates, recognizing their new skills and establishing a standard for sustainable welding training. The project intended to support European and national priorities by addressing skills gaps in the welding sector, encouraging green and digital transitions, and enhancing the attractiveness and relevance of vocational education and training.
The GREENWELD project was designed to address the critical need for integrating green skills and sustainable practices into vocational training for welders. While industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing are undergoing significant restructuring as part of the green transition, the welding sector lacked tailored training materials and methodologies to meet these new demands. Specifically, the project searched for: Develop Competence Units and teaching materials focussing on green skills for welders, which were missing in existing training programs addressing the gap in curricula and preparing welders to contribute effectively to the green transition. Implement sustainable and innovative training methods, designed to reduce environmental impact and modernize how welders are trained. Issue digital and green certificates that recognise the capabilities of trainees around Europe, using a digital tool. These were the needs that GREENWELD not only aimed to meet the challenges of the green transition in welding but also to increase the relevance and attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET) for current and future professionals.