AEQUALIS4TCLF celebrates 2 years of Advancing Equality, Innovation, and Resilience in Europe’s TCLF Industries

The Erasmus+ Blueprint project AEQUALIS4TCLF marked its second anniversary by bringing together 19 Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) stakeholders from eight European countries on 3^rd and 4^th of February at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress to date and define priorities and activities for the next two years of the project.

A central achievement of AEQUALIS4TCLF is the development of regional TCLF Pacts for Skills, which aim to strengthen cooperation between public authorities, social partners and education and training providers at regional level across Europe. These Pacts are tailored to the specific needs and opportunities of each region and are currently nearing completion in Slovenia and Croatia.

The consortium has also finalised its second skills gap and demand survey, enabling comparison with results from the first survey conducted in 2024. The findings will support the development of seven national TCLF Skills Strategies. The survey, completed by 80 VET and higher education institutions and 62 TCLF companies, revealed several key trends:

• Demand for advanced technical skills has doubled, while digital skills demand continues to grow (+7%).
• Demand for advanced machine operation skills has declined (–17%), while problem-solving, leadership and management skills have increased (+12%).
• Curriculum relevance has improved significantly (+30%), alongside increased technology integration (+10%).
• Practical training and stakeholder involvement have grown (+10% and +17% respectively).
• Adaptability has emerged as the fastest-growing skill required by companies (+14%).

To address persistent gaps and fragmentation in data on skills, training and employment, AEQUALIS4TCLF partners have committed to contributing to the development of a TCLF Skills Observatory. This initiative would act as a permanent mechanism to monitor skills demand and supply, map education and training offers, anticipate emerging occupations and skills shortages, and support evidence-based policymaking and investment.

Beyond education and skills development, AEQUALIS4TCLF places a strong emphasis on inclusion, diversity and social sustainability. To date, twelve workshops focusing on diversity and inclusion, innovation and sustainability, and well-being and responsible business have been delivered, engaging 289 participants. A further 16 workshops are planned over the next two years, targeting practical measures for SMEs. Topics will include reducing discrimination, improving gender balance in TCLF occupations and leadership, preventing harassment, supporting mental health, promoting women in leadership, the role of trade unions, inclusive design, and textile waste management. While the first phase focused on awareness-raising, the second phase will concentrate on practical implementation.

In parallel, the project is developing eight innovative micro-courses on sustainable and digital fashion. Once finalised, learners will be able to register on DigiCampus and access all course materials free of charge. The piloting phase is expected to begin after the summer.

To stay informed and learn how to get involved, visit the AEQUALIS4TCLF project website.

The AEQUALIS4TCLF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.