The European project Weldify, “Deep-tech driven inclusive and socially-aware circular material joining & welding for a safe future,” has begun its journey with the aim of modernizing welding training and addressing the new technological, environmental, and labor challenges facing the sector.
Funded with nearly €1.5 million by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, Weldify is coordinated by the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and brings together 13 organizations from 10 European countries. CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia) is the only Spanish partner involved.
Training aligned with industry challenges
Weldify’s objective is to prepare the future European workforce to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in strategic sectors such as automotive and construction. The automotive sector in particular, which accounts for around 7% of employment in the EU, is facing a shortage of welders and specialized technicians, limiting its competitiveness and industrial development. Weldify aims to address this gap through the development of advanced training programs that incorporate technological innovation, automation, and sustainability, working in cooperation with various educational institutions.
Weldify’s training programs will include augmented and virtual reality, robotics, human-machine interaction, and digitalization of welding processes in order to improve productivity, safety, and sustainability in industrial environments. The project will also promote the use of recycled metals, contributing to reduced environmental impact while maintaining the quality standards required by European industry.
Development of a virtual educational kit
One of Weldify’s main outcomes will be the creation of a virtual educational kit, compatible with European academic credit systems ECTS and ECVET, and aligned with current European regulations such as Eurocodes. It will also include a system of digital micro-credentials integrated into Europass, making it easier to recognize acquired skills internationally.
These training materials will be validated through pilot experiences in business environments, targeting at least 100 students.
Weldify will involve at least 50 companies that will actively participate in blended training sessions and collaborate with vocational education institutions and centers, thereby enhancing the digital skills of welding students.
CTA leads the pilot programs
CTA is leading the design and implementation of Weldify’s six pilot programs, located in Greece, Romania, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden, and focused on sectors such as automotive, construction, and information technology. In addition, CTA is coordinating the selection and training of instructors and is collaborating in the development of training content to ensure alignment with the needs of the European labor market.
Weldify partners:
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) – Greece (Coordinator)
- Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA) – Spain
- C.S Center For Sustainability Limited (CSC) – Cyprus
- EIT Manufacturing East GmbH (EITM) – Austria
- European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) – Belgium
- Helixconnect Balkans Drustvo Sa Ogranicenom Odgovornoscu Beograd (Novi Beograd) (Helix) – Serbia
- Halmstad University (HU) – Sweden
- Impactsci, Unipessoal LDA (IMPACTSCI) – Portugal
- International Institute of Welding (IIW) – Italy
- National Institute for Welding and Material Testing Development – Isim Timisoara – Romania
- Regional Agency for Economic Development of Sumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP) – Serbia
- Sudotim As SRL (SUDOTIM) – Romania
- Yet Amke (YET) – Greece
More information:
- Website: https://weldify.eu/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weldify-project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572605233417
