The main objective of the project was to improve the effectiveness of VET curricula in supporting the acquisition of skills aligned with Industry 4.0 needs, reducing the gap between education and the labour market. To achieve this, the project leveraged the potential of Digital Twin technology to overcome the lack of updated facilities and machinery in VET schools. Specifically, the project aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competences of VET students through practical and experiential learning approaches based on Digital Twin, making training more relevant to real industrial contexts. At the same time, it strengthened the competences of teachers, trainers, and educators, enabling them to implement innovative methodologies and effectively integrate digital technologies into teaching practices. Finally, the project provided an accessible and replicable Digital Twin-based system, allowing VET schools to deliver advanced practical learning and improve the overall quality of their training provision in line with Industry 4.0 requirements.
The project was developed to address the increase in youth unemployment and the mismatch between the skills provided by education systems and the needs of Industry 4.0. Data show a significant lack of digital skills in companies and difficulties for VET students in accessing up-to-date and practical training pathways. The project therefore addressed the need for more innovative curricula, based on experiential learning and advanced technologies such as Digital Twin. It also responded to the needs of VET teachers and institutions, often lacking adequate tools and digital competences, by providing accessible solutions to simulate real industrial environments. Finally, it supported partner organisations in strengthening the quality of their training offer and promoting a more effective school-to-work transition.