Enhancing the skills of VET providers in the field of 3D technologies

According to the European Commission, making Europe greener and more digital are twin challenges member states need to address. 3D technologies (printing, scanning, modelling) offer wide applications across sectors from architecture and construction to automotive and pharmaceutical industries, providing advantages such as customisation, design flexibility, speed, cost-efficiency, and rapid prototyping. The 3DAcademy project was developed to address identified needs in both the VET community and the 3D technology industry. VET institutions have invested substantially in STEM laboratories and 3D equipment but often lack qualified trainers to effectively utilise this equipment. VET teachers require ongoing training to stay current with technologies, while students need resources to develop practical skills relevant to the labour market. In Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, no structured online learning resources in 3D technologies existed in local languages. VET institutions struggled to incorporate 3D equipment into curricula, resulting in STEM facilities remaining underutilised rather than serving as active knowledge-generation hubs.

The main objective of the 3DAcademy project was to enhance the capacity of VET providers to offer training in and through 3D technologies (printing, scanning, modelling) to increase the uptake of new teaching approaches relevant to current and future needs of the economy and labour market. The project aimed to foster cooperation between 3D technology companies and VET providers to bridge the skills gap and enhance the quality of education and training. Four specific objectives guided implementation: • SO1: Develop an online training platform providing flexible, self-paced learning with interactive digital materials in 3D technologies. • SO2: Provide a comprehensive training methodology and curriculum catering to the learning needs of VET educators, students, and entry-level industry staff. • SO3: Analyse existing qualification frameworks and initiate approval procedures for qualification standards in 3D technologies at EQF levels 1-3. • SO4: Disseminate results and promote use among target groups and stakeholders, engaging industry experts to ensure relevance to labour market needs.

Project management (WP1): BICC coordinated the 10-partner consortium through four transnational meetings (Sofia, Belgrade, Zagreb and 1 online) and 18 online meetings. Online platform development (WP2): Partners mapped existing platforms, developed methodology, and created the 3DAcademy multilingual platform featuring nine learning modules (five basic, four advanced), self-assessment tools, glossary, automated certification, and digital badges. Content was localised into five languages and pre-tested with stakeholders. Blended training programme (WP3): Partners researched existing training offers and assessed 3D technology equipment across approximately 170 VET institutions. Two comprehensive training manuals were developed (Newcomers and Advanced Trainers). A Train-the-Trainers workshop in Zagreb trained 12 educators, followed by piloting with 65 students across four countries. Qualification framework (WP4): Partners developed three microcredential programmes for Bulgaria, Croatia, and Serbia, initiating national approval procedures with VET authorities. Dissemination (WP5): Partners implemented a social media campaign (195 posts, combined reach exceeding 234,000), organised eight dissemination events engaging 242 part.

The project produced the following concrete outputs: Online platform: The 3DAcademy platform (https://3d-academy.eu/) provides nine learning modules in five languages (EN, BG, HR, SR, BS), with self-assessment tools, glossary, automated certification, and digital badges. Training programme: Two comprehensive manuals were developed – Manual for Newcomers and Manual for Advanced Trainers – including lesson plans, learning scenarios, practical assignments, tools packages, and evaluation instruments. All materials are available in five languages. Trained educators: The Train-the-Trainers workshop trained 12 VET educators in teaching and using 3D technologies to enhance the teaching process. Piloting engaged 65 students and 8 trainers across Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Qualification frameworks: Three national microcredential qualifications were developed and submitted or prepared for submission to national VET authorities. Dissemination impact: The social media campaign achieved 195 posts with a combined reach exceeding 234,000 individuals. Eight events engaged 242 participants. All results are freely accessible as open educational resources through the project website and Erasmus+ Project Results Platform.