Innovative qualifications for technological and organisational innovation in the building sector

_ Duration 2018 – 2021

_ Programme  ERASMUS+

_ Call  EACEA-27-2017 KA3

_ Total Project Budget € 463.184,00

_ Grant Agreement model Budget-based

Short description

The ICARO project focused on redefining professional profiles and improving training pathways for construction site technicians, with the broader goal of revitalising the construction sector. It tackled the urgent challenge of generational renewal by guiding young people and unemployed individuals into qualified professions, while also addressing gender disparities, as women represented only about 10% of vocational graduates in the field. By integrating Work-Based Learning (WBL) methods and fostering exchange and mobility opportunities within companies, ICARO strengthened the quality and relevance of training, aligning skills development with the evolving demands of the construction industry.

The Architects´ Council of Europe’s involvement 

The Architects’ Council of Europe was instrumental in shaping the ICARO project’s approach to qualification development, serving as the European professional association partner. ACE supported the design of the new European Construction Site Technician qualification, refining the curriculum guidelines and fostering alignment with industry needs, especially around generational renewal, inclusion of women and work-based learning methodologies. ACE also played a key role in the project’s completion by coordinating and supporting the organisation of the final event, where the new qualification framework was officially presented and discussed among stakeholders.

Project results 

ICARO delivered a new European qualification profile for Construction Site Technicians, along with updated curricula and training guidelines based on work-based learning (WBL) methods and mobility experiences. The project also produced tools to address generational renewal and gender disparities in the construction sector, aiming to attract young professionals and improve the participation of women. For architects, the findings are particularly relevant as they shed light on evolving workforce needs and training models that directly influence project execution, interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory compliance. By aligning design practices with these capabilities, architects can ensure smoother integration between design and construction. Some results of the project are available on the ICARO Facebook-side and at the Erasmus+ website.

Coordinator

Formedil – Italy

Project Partners

_ Vilnius Builders’ Training Centre – Lithuania

_ Panevezio Prekybos Pramones Ir Amatu Rumai – Lithuania

_ Architects’ Council of Europe – Belgium

_ IPPLE – Institute for Vocational Training of Construction Workers in Bologna – Italy

_ Fundación Laboral de la Construcción – Spain

_ Fundación Laboral de la Construcción del Principado de Asturias – Spain

_ Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna – Italy

Yderligere oplysninger findes på:

ICARO website | Facebook page | X page 

This project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under the grant agreement No. 597840-EPP-1-2018-1-IT-EPPKA3-VET-JQ