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EURATEX launches AEQUALIS-4-TCLF project for industry upskilling

06 Mar '24

16 min read

Pic: EURATEX

Insights

EURATEX launches AEQUALIS-4-TCLF, an EU-co-funded project fostering upskilling in textile, clothing, leather, and footwear sectors.
With 19 partners, the 4-year initiative aims to bridge skills gaps, establish a TCLF education network, and develop national strategies in 7 countries.
Emphasis on diversity and combating discrimination aligns with the TCLF Pact.

In the context of the EU Pact for Skills, EURATEX is proud to launch an EU co-funded project under ERASMUS+ Programme to support the up-skilling and reskilling in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sectors. The new project, AEQUALIS-4-TCLF, brings together 19 partners mainly from Eastern and Northern Europe who will work together in the coming 4 years to give a boost to upskilling and reskilling of workers in the TCLF industry.

Following the blueprint project SMART4TCLF and complementary to the METASKILLS4TCLF project, AEQUALIS4TCLF prioritizes creating strong links with regional and local entities to boost skills initiatives and establishing an EU-wide Network of TCLF vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) providers. Based on the results from the skills gap analysis, AEQUALIS4TCLF will develop new national skills strategies in seven countries to address specific regional needs, setting a clear path for workforce development with special attention to addressing discrimination and promote diversity in the TCLF industries.

Dirk Vantyghem, director general of EURATEX, welcomed this new initiative: “Two years ago, we signed the TCLF Pact for Skills with the European Commission; today, I am happy to see that we can put this Pact into practise with concrete initiatives on the ground. Addressing the skills dimension is a critical step to build a competitive TCLF industry in Europe.”